7222.20.00.01 - Electroslag or vacuum arc remelted

This HTS category, 7222.20.00.01, specifically covers bars and rods of stainless steel that have undergone cold-forming or cold-finishing and are further characterized by being electroslag remelted or vacuum arc remelted. These remelting processes are advanced metallurgical techniques employed to achieve higher purity, improved homogeneity, and enhanced mechanical properties in the stainless steel, making them suitable for specialized applications where stringent quality is paramount.

Distinguishing this subcategory from its sibling, 7222.20.00.06, which pertains to high-nickel alloy steel, is the material composition and processing. While both are cold-formed or cold-finished stainless steel bars and rods, this specific classification applies to stainless steels processed via electroslag or vacuum arc remelting, regardless of their specific alloy content, unless they fall under the high-nickel alloy steel designation. The critical defining characteristic here is the remelting process.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 7222.20.00.01 hinges on confirming that the stainless steel bars or rods are indeed cold-formed or cold-finished and have undergone either electroslag remelting (ESR) or vacuum arc remelting (VAR). This contrasts with other stainless steel bars and rods that may have undergone different finishing or metallurgical treatments.