## Common ground
All options refer to wire rods used for concrete reinforcement, 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 deformed bars for building foundations.
- **Best fit when:** The product is ordinary, low-cost reinforcement with no special corrosion resistance.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category covering all iron and steel types; lacks specificity on alloy content.
- **Typical examples:** Generic steel wire rods used in construction.
- **Best fit when:** The material is not clearly defined or falls under general steel classification.
**7221.00 – stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium (≥10.5%) for corrosion resistance; typically austenitic.
- **Typical examples:** Reinforcement in marine structures or chemical plants.
- **Best fit when:** The product resists rust and is used in harsh environments.
**7228 – other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains alloying elements (e.g., nickel, molybdenum) beyond carbon; not stainless.
- **Typical examples:** High-strength rods for bridges or seismic zones.
- **Best fit when:** Enhanced strength or toughness is needed without full corrosion resistance.
**7403,7407 – copper**
- **Defining trait:** Conductive metal with high ductility and corrosion resistance; not standard in concrete reinforcement.
- **Typical examples:** Rare; used only in specialized applications like electromagnetic shielding.
- **Best fit when:** The product is explicitly copper and intended for non-load-bearing, conductive roles.
**7505.1X – nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High resistance to heat and corrosion; very rare in reinforcement.
- **Typical examples:** Experimental or niche uses in extreme environments.
- **Best fit when:** The product is nickel-based and used in high-temperature or corrosive settings.
**7601 – aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight, non-magnetic, but lower strength than steel; prone to creep.
- **Typical examples:** Lightweight structures or areas where weight matters (e.g., bridges).
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical and corrosion resistance is needed.
**8101.99 – tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely dense and strong, but brittle; not used in standard reinforcement.
- **Typical examples:** Only in specialized or experimental applications (e.g., radiation shielding).
- **Best fit when:** The product is tungsten and intended for non-reinforcement purposes.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Strength Level | Common Use |
|-------|----------------|------------------------|----------------|------------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low | Medium | Standard construction |
| 7213,7214... | General iron/steel | Varies | Varies | Unclear or mixed use |
| 7221.00 | Stainless steel | High | Medium-High | Harsh environments |
| 7228 | Alloy steel | Moderate | High | High-performance structures |
| 7403,7407 | Copper | High | Low-Medium | Conductive/unique roles |
| 7505.1X | Nickel | Very high | Medium | Extreme conditions |
| 7601 | Aluminium | High | Low-Medium | Lightweight projects |
| 8101.99 | Tungsten | High | Very high | Non-reinforcement niche |
## How to choose
- Is the material plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Is it stainless (cr ≥10.5%)? → 7221.00
- Does it contain other alloying elements (not stainless)? → 7228
- Is it copper, nickel, aluminium, or tungsten? → Choose based on material
- Is the material unclear or general? → 7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** A stainless steel rod could also fall under “iron or steel” (7213,7214...), but the specific code 7221.00 takes priority.
- **Pitfalls:** Copper, nickel, aluminium, and tungsten are not standard for concrete reinforcement—using these codes may indicate non-standard or experimental use.
- **Priority rule:** Use the most specific code. If unsure, assume standard non-alloy steel (7213) unless otherwise specified