## Common ground
All options refer to cold heading quality wire rods classified by material type according to HS Codes.
## Options at a glance
**7213 – Iron or non-alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plain carbon steel without significant alloying elements.
- **Typical examples:** Low-carbon steel rods for fasteners, nails, pins.
- **Best fit when:** The product is standard, low-cost, and used in general-purpose fasteners.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category covering all iron-based steels, including non-alloy and alloy types.
- **Typical examples:** General-purpose wire rods for manufacturing.
- **Best fit when:** The material is not precisely known or includes multiple steel types.
**7221.00 – Stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium (≥10.5%) for corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Fasteners for medical, food, or marine use.
- **Best fit when:** The product resists rust and is used in harsh environments.
**7228 – Other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains significant alloying elements (e.g., Cr, Ni, Mo) beyond stainless steel.
- **Typical examples:** High-strength bolts, automotive components.
- **Best fit when:** The rod has enhanced strength, hardness, or heat resistance.
**7403,7407 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper, known for high electrical conductivity and malleability.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical connectors, terminals, plumbing fittings.
- **Best fit when:** The product is electrically conductive or used in non-ferrous applications.
**7505.1X – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High nickel content for heat/chemical resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace fasteners, chemical equipment parts.
- **Best fit when:** The product must withstand extreme temperatures or corrosive environments.
**7601 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight fasteners, structural components in aerospace.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical and high strength is not required.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high melting point and hardness; used for extreme wear resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Cutting tools, high-stress fasteners in industrial machinery.
- **Best fit when:** The product must endure intense heat or abrasion.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Strength & Hardness | Weight |
|--------|----------------|------------------------|----------------------|--------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low | Medium | High |
| 7213,7214,... | Iron/steel (broad) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| 7221.00 | Stainless steel | High | Medium-High | High |
| 7228 | Alloy steel | Medium | High | High |
| 7403,7407 | Copper | Medium | Low-Medium | Medium |
| 7505.1X | Nickel | Very high | High | Medium |
| 7601 | Aluminium | High | Medium | Low |
| 8101.99 | Tungsten | High | Very high | High |
## How to choose
- Is the rod made of plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Does it contain chromium (≥10.5%) for rust resistance? → 7221.00
- Is it alloyed with elements like Cr, Ni, Mo beyond stainless steel? → 7228
- Is it copper, used in electrical applications? → 7403,7407
- Is it nickel-based for high heat/chemical resistance? → 7505.1X
- Is it lightweight and non-magnetic? → 7601
- Is it extremely hard or used in high-wear environments? → 8101.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** A stainless steel rod (7221.00) may also fall under the broader "iron or steel" category (7213,7214,...).
- **Pitfall:** The broad "iron or steel" option (7213,7214,...) should only be used if no specific material is known.
- **Priority note:** Always choose the most specific HS Code based on material composition. If unsure, use the detailed options over the general one