7304.29.20.40 - Having a wall thickness of 12.7 mm or more

This HTS classification, 7304.29.20.40, specifically identifies seamless tubes and pipes of iron or non-alloy steel, used for drilling in oil or gas exploration. The defining characteristic of goods classified here is a wall thickness of 12.7 millimeters or greater. These are not general-purpose pipes but specialized components designed to withstand the rigors of well drilling operations, fitting within the broader category of casing, tubing, and drill pipe for oil and gas.

The key distinction from its sibling category, 7304.29.20.30, lies solely in the physical dimension of wall thickness. While both cover similar types of oil and gas drilling pipes and are of iron or non-alloy steel, with an outside diameter between 215.9 mm and 285.8 mm, this particular classification is for those with a substantial wall thickness of 12.7 mm or more. This thicker wall suggests increased structural integrity and resistance to pressure or wear, crucial for deep well drilling applications.

As this classification represents a "leaf node" within the HTS structure, there are no further subdivisions. Therefore, the focus for classification under 7304.29.20.40 is the precise adherence to all preceding criteria, including the material (iron or non-alloy steel), the seamless construction, the application (oil and gas drilling), the specific type (casing), the outside diameter range, and the mandatory wall thickness of 12.7 mm or greater. Importers must ensure their goods meet all these specifications to be correctly classified.