## Common ground
Both options refer to metal structural shapes made from iron or steel, specifically T-shaped profiles used in construction and engineering.
## Options at a glance
**7216 – Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made specifically from iron or non-alloy (carbon) steel.
- **Typical examples:** T-sections made from mild steel, structural beams with no alloying elements.
- **Best fit when:** The material is plain carbon steel or iron, without added alloys like chromium or nickel.
**7222.40 – Angles, shapes and sections**
- **Defining trait:** Broader category covering all types of metal shapes, including those made from alloy steels or other materials.
- **Typical examples:** T-sections made from stainless steel, high-strength alloy steel, or other non-iron metals.
- **Best fit when:** The product is not plain carbon steel—e.g., it contains alloying elements or is made from a different metal.
## Key differences
| Feature | 7216 – Iron/non-alloy steel | 7222.40 – General shapes |
|-----------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Material focus | Iron or plain carbon steel | Any material (including alloys)|
| Specificity | High | Low (broad category) |
| Use case | Standard structural steel | Specialized or high-performance|
## How to choose
- Is the T-section made of iron or plain carbon steel (no added alloys)? → 7216
- Does it contain alloying elements (e.g., chromium, nickel) or come from a non-iron metal? → 7222.40
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A T-section made from low-alloy steel may fit both codes, but **7216 takes priority only if the material is strictly iron or non-alloy steel**. If alloying elements are present, use 7222.40. The key is the material composition—choose based on the **main material type**, not just shape