8455.22.00.00 - Cold

This HTS category, 8455.22.00.00, specifically covers metal-rolling mills designed for cold working. Cold rolling is a process that shapes metal at or near room temperature, typically resulting in a smoother surface finish, tighter tolerances, and increased strength compared to hot-rolled products. These rolling mills are distinct from those used for hot rolling or a combination of hot and cold processes.

The key differentiator for this classification lies in the operational temperature. While sibling category 8455.21.00.00 encompasses mills that perform hot rolling or a combination of both hot and cold operations, this category is exclusively for mills operating in a cold state. This distinction is crucial for customs purposes, as the manufacturing processes and intended applications of cold-rolled metal can differ significantly from hot-rolled metal.

Given that this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification under 8455.22.00.00 rests on ensuring the machinery's primary function is indeed cold metal rolling. Examples of machinery that would fall into this category include mills used for producing sheet metal, foil, bars, and structural shapes through cold reduction processes. The absence of any heating mechanisms or integrated hot-rolling stages is a definitive characteristic.