7228.50.10.20 - Of round or rectangular cross section with surfaces ground, milled or polished

This HTS category, 7228.50.10.20, specifically covers bars and rods made from alloy steel (excluding tool steel and high-speed steel) that have undergone further processing beyond cold-forming or cold-finishing. The defining characteristic of this classification is that these bars and rods possess a maximum cross-sectional dimension of less than 18 millimeters and exhibit surfaces that have been ground, milled, or polished. This implies a high degree of surface finish and dimensional accuracy, often indicative of their intended use in precision applications.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 7228.50.10.40 "Other," lies in the specified surface treatment. While the sibling category encompasses other bars and rods of alloy steel with a maximum cross-sectional dimension of less than 18 mm that are not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished and do not meet the specific ground, milled, or polished surface criteria, this category requires those specific finishing operations. This emphasis on surface treatment is a key differentiator for accurate classification.

As a leaf node in the HTS, there are no further subcategories under 7228.50.10.20. Therefore, classification into this specific code hinges on meeting all the preceding criteria: being an "other" alloy steel bar or rod, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished, having a maximum cross-sectional dimension under 18 mm, and possessing surfaces that are ground, milled, or polished. Examples of such goods might include precision engineering rods for automotive components or specialized fasteners requiring a smooth and accurate finish.