7222.20.00 - Bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished

This HTS category, 7222.20.00, specifically classifies bars and rods of stainless steel that have undergone cold forming or cold finishing processes, but have not been further worked. This implies that the material has been shaped or refined through methods such as cold drawing, cold rolling, or cold heading, resulting in enhanced surface finish, dimensional accuracy, or mechanical properties. The key characteristic for inclusion here is the absence of subsequent working beyond these cold finishing steps.

It is important to distinguish this category from its siblings. Unlike bars and rods that are classified under "not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded," the goods in 7222.20.00 have experienced a cold working process. Furthermore, this category is distinct from "other bars and rods" (7222.30.00), which generally encompasses stainless steel bars and rods that do not meet the specific cold-formed or cold-finished criteria of this heading, and from "angles, shapes and sections" (7222.40), which are designed with specific cross-sectional profiles rather than being round, square, or similar simple shapes.

Within this classification, further subdivision is provided to account for specific material compositions or manufacturing techniques. The subcategories include "Electroslag or vacuum arc remelted," highlighting premium quality stainless steel produced through specialized refining processes. Additionally, "Of high-nickel alloy steel" provides a separate classification for bars and rods made from stainless steel with a significant nickel content, often conferring unique properties. Finally, the "Other" category serves as a residual for stainless steel bars and rods that are cold-formed or cold-finished but do not fall into the more specific subcategories.