## Common ground
All options are wire rods used in the manufacture of wire or nails, differing only in material composition.
## Options at a glance
**7213 – iron or non-alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plain carbon steel without significant alloying elements.
- **Typical examples:** Standard mild steel rods for general-purpose wire and nail production.
- **Best fit when:** The product is low-cost, commonly used in construction or basic fasteners.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category covering all iron and steel types; lacks material specificity.
- **Typical examples:** Generic steel rods not classified under more specific codes.
- **Best fit when:** The exact material is unknown or the product spans multiple steel types.
**7221.00 – stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium (≥10.5%) for corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Wire rods for kitchenware, medical tools, or outdoor fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** The product is rust-resistant and used in harsh or hygienic environments.
**7228 – other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains alloying elements (e.g., nickel, molybdenum) for enhanced strength or hardness.
- **Typical examples:** High-strength wire rods for springs or precision tools.
- **Best fit when:** The product is designed for high stress, wear resistance, or specialized performance.
**7403,7407 – copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from copper; electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical wire, plumbing fittings, decorative fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** The product is used in electrical applications or where conductivity matters.
**7505.1X – nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High nickel content for heat/chemical resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace components, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** The product requires extreme durability in high-temperature or corrosive settings.
**7601 – aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight fasteners, window hardware, outdoor fixtures.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction or non-magnetic properties are critical.
**8101.99 – tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high melting point and hardness; used in extreme conditions.
- **Typical examples:** High-performance cutting tools, filaments, wear-resistant components.
- **Best fit when:** The product is for industrial tools or high-temperature applications.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Strength | Common Use Case |
|-------|----------------|------------------------|----------|------------------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low | Medium | General wire/nails |
| 7213,7214... | Iron/steel (broad) | Varies | Varies | Uncertain or mixed |
| 7221.00 | Stainless steel | High | Medium-High | Hygienic/outdoor |
| 7228 | Alloy steel | Medium | High | High-stress parts |
| 7403,7407 | Copper | High | Low-Medium | Electrical/conductive |
| 7505.1X | Nickel | Very high | High | Extreme environments |
| 7601 | Aluminium | High | Low | Lightweight applications |
| 8101.99 | Tungsten | High | Very high | Industrial tools |
## How to choose
- Is the rod made of plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Does it contain chromium (≥10.5%)? → 7221.00
- Is it alloyed with elements like nickel or molybdenum? → 7228
- Is it copper, aluminum, nickel, or tungsten? → Match material to code
- Is the material unclear or mixed? → 7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** A stainless steel rod could fall under both 7221.00 and the broad "iron or steel" code (7213,7214...).
- **Pitfall:** The broad code (7213,7214...) should only be used if no more specific classification applies.
- **Priority rule:** Always choose the most specific material code. If unsure, use the broad code only as a fallback