7228.30.40.00 - Of chipper knife steel, not cold-formed

This HTS classification, 7228.30.40.00, specifically identifies bars and rods of other alloy steel that are not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn, or extruded, and are made of a specific type of steel known as chipper knife steel. This designation excludes items that have undergone cold-forming processes. Chipper knife steel is characterized by its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for applications where it will be subjected to high impact and abrasive conditions, such as in wood chippers or other industrial cutting machinery.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 7228.30.20.00, by the material composition and intended end-use. While both fall under "Other bars and rods, not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded: Of tool steel (other than high-speed steel):," this specific code is reserved for chipper knife steel, whereas 7228.30.20.00 covers bars and rods intended for ball-bearing applications, which require different metallurgical properties focused on load-bearing capacity and smooth rotation. The "Other" sibling category (7228.30.60.00) serves as a residual for any other alloy steel bars and rods meeting the general working and tool steel criteria that do not fit into the more specific chipper knife or ball-bearing steel categories.

As this HTS classification is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on accurately identifying and classifying bars and rods composed of chipper knife steel, ensuring they are not cold-formed and have undergone only hot-rolling, hot-drawing, or extrusion processes to qualify for this specific tariff line. Classification relies on verifying the material composition and the finishing processes applied to the steel bars and rods.