## Common ground
All options refer to metallic bars and rods classified by material type under HS Codes.
## Options at a glance
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – made of iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Primarily composed of ferrous metals (iron and steel), including carbon, alloy, and stainless steel.
- **Typical examples:** Steel rebar, structural beams, machine shafts.
- **Best fit when:** The product is magnetic, high-strength, and used in construction or heavy machinery.
**7403,7407 – made of copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper, known for high electrical and thermal conductivity.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical wiring rods, heat exchanger tubes, busbars.
- **Best fit when:** The product is used in electrical systems or applications requiring heat transfer.
**7505.1X – made of nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains high levels of nickel, often used for corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance.
- **Typical examples:** Nickel alloy rods for aerospace, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** The product must resist oxidation or extreme environments.
**7604 – made of aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with good corrosion resistance; non-magnetic and electrically conductive.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft components, window frames, heat sinks.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction and corrosion resistance are key (e.g., transport or outdoor use).
**8101.94,8101.99 – made of tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high melting point and density; used in high-stress or high-temperature applications.
- **Typical examples:** Filaments in incandescent bulbs, welding electrodes, radiation shielding.
- **Best fit when:** The product must withstand extreme heat or act as a dense component.
## Key differences
| Feature | Iron/Steel | Copper | Nickel | Aluminium | Tungsten |
|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| Melting point | Medium | Low | High | Low | Very high |
| Density | High | High | Medium-high | Low | Extremely high |
| Conductivity | Low (electrical) | Very high | Medium | High | Low |
| Common use | Structural | Electrical | Corrosion-resistant | Lightweight parts | Extreme environments |
## How to choose
- Is the material magnetic? → 7213–7228
- Is it used in electrical wiring or heat transfer? → 7403,7407
- Does it need high corrosion resistance or work at high temperatures? → 7505.1X
- Is weight a key concern (e.g., aerospace)? → 7604
- Is it used in high-heat or high-density applications (e.g., filaments, shielding)? → 8101.94,8101.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A product may fit multiple categories if it’s an alloy (e.g., nickel-copper or steel-aluminum). However, the primary material determines the HS Code. If unclear, prioritize based on the **dominant element** by weight or function. Do not assume a "nickel" rod is always 7505.1X—alloy content matters