7225.50.11 - Of tool steel

This HTS category, 7225.50.11, specifically encompasses flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, exceeding 600 mm in width, which have undergone cold-rolling (cold-reduction). The defining characteristic of this classification is the material composition, requiring the steel to be of the "tool steel" variety. Tool steels are distinct alloys known for their exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and ability to retain their cutting edge at high temperatures, making them suitable for manufacturing tools and dies.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, "Other," means that classification here hinges directly on the "tool steel" designation. If the flat-rolled alloy steel product, despite being cold-rolled and of the specified width, does not meet the metallurgical criteria for tool steel (e.g., it's a structural alloy steel or stainless steel), it would be classified under a different subheading. The "tool steel" specification is the primary determinant for this particular node.

The subcategories under 7225.50.11 further refine the classification based on specific types of tool steel. These include high-speed steel (7225.50.11.10), which is designed to maintain hardness at very high cutting speeds, and ball-bearing steel (7225.50.11.30), engineered for extreme durability and load-bearing capacity in bearing applications. The "Other" category (7225.50.11.60) serves as a catch-all for tool steels not specifically enumerated in the preceding subheadings, ensuring comprehensive coverage within the broader tool steel classification.