## Common ground
All options refer to wire rods used for tyre cord, 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 steel tyre cords for passenger vehicles.
- **Best fit when:** High strength and low cost are priorities; no corrosion resistance needed.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category including all iron-based steels, covering non-alloy and alloy types.
- **Typical examples:** General-purpose steel wire rods for industrial use.
- **Best fit when:** The material is not precisely known or falls under multiple steel subtypes.
**7221.00 – Stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium (≥10.5%) for corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Tyre cords in harsh environments (e.g., marine, chemical exposure).
- **Best fit when:** Long-term durability and resistance to rust are essential.
**7228 – Other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains alloying elements like nickel, chromium, or molybdenum beyond stainless steel.
- **Typical examples:** High-performance tyres for heavy-duty vehicles.
- **Best fit when:** Enhanced strength, heat resistance, or fatigue life is required.
**7403,7407 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Conductive and ductile; used where electrical properties matter.
- **Typical examples:** Specialized tyre cords with electromagnetic shielding.
- **Best fit when:** The wire must conduct electricity or resist thermal expansion.
**7505.1X – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High resistance to heat and corrosion; often used in extreme conditions.
- **Typical examples:** Tyre cords in aerospace or high-temperature industrial applications.
- **Best fit when:** Extreme environmental stability is needed.
**7601 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with moderate strength and good corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Light-duty tyres for bicycles or electric vehicles.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is critical.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely high density and melting point; used for extreme strength.
- **Typical examples:** High-performance racing tyres or specialized industrial cords.
- **Best fit when:** Maximum tensile strength and heat resistance are required.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Strength Level | Weight |
|--------|---------------------|-----------------------|----------------|------------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low | Medium | High |
| 7213–7228 | Iron/steel (broad) | Varies | Varies | High |
| 7221.00| Stainless steel | High | Medium-High | High |
| 7228 | Other alloy steel | Medium-High | High | High |
| 7403,7407| Copper | Medium | Low-Medium | Medium |
| 7505.1X| Nickel | Very High | High | High |
| 7601 | Aluminium | High | Medium | Low |
| 8101.99| Tungsten | High | Very High | Very High |
## How to choose
- Is the wire made of plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Does it contain chromium (≥10.5%) for rust resistance? → 7221.00
- Is it an alloy steel with elements like Ni, Mo, or Cr beyond stainless? → 7228
- Is it copper, aluminum, nickel, or tungsten? → Match to respective code
- Is the material unknown or spans multiple types? → 7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlap:** A stainless steel wire rod (7221.00) also fits the broader "iron or steel" category (7213–7228), but only one HS code applies. Use the most specific.
- **Pitfall:** "Iron or steel" (7213–7228) is too broad; avoid unless no finer detail is available.
- **Priority:** Always choose the most specific material code. If unsure, ask: “What alloying elements are present?”