Japan implements new import statistical codes for Chapter 72 hot-dipped galvanized steel products
Date of publication: August 18, 2026.
The implementation of the new HS codes
Japan has added four new Japanese import statistical codes in Chapter 72, affecting certain hot-dipped galvanized steel products. The update follows MOF Notification No. 221, effective from August 8, 2026, which amends Japan's import statistical item schedules. This notification is essentially a statistical classification amendment supporting Japan's new provisional anti-dumping action on hot-dip galvanized steel products from Korea and China.
Summary of HS code changes
The four new codes have been added as set out below. The revised structure provides importers with clearer guidance when classifying hot-dipped galvanized steel products, particularly by distinguishing hot-dip galvanized steel coil, sheet and strip from other products under the same tariff headings.
HS | Description |
|---|---|
721049030 | - Falling under Article 1, paragraph (1), item (i), (a) of Cabinet Order relating to the imposition of a provisional anti-dumping duty on Hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet and strip (Cabinet Order No. 254 of 2026), other than those of subheading 7212.30 |
721230020 | - Falling under Article 1, paragraph (1), item (i), (a) of Cabinet Order relating to the imposition of a provisional anti-dumping duty on Hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet and strip, other than those of subheading 7210.49 |
722592930 | - Falling under Article 1, paragraph (1), item (i), (b) of Cabinet Order relating to the imposition of a provisional anti-dumping duty on Hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet and strip, other than those of subheading 7226.99 |
722699912 | -- Falling under Article 1, paragraph (1), item (i), (b) of Cabinet Order relating to the imposition of a provisional anti-dumping duty on Hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet and strip, other than those of subheading 7225.92 |
Duty rates for the new HS codes
The four new statistical HS codes are subject to the following import duty rates:
Duty type | Rate |
|---|---|
General rate | 3.9% (HS 721049030 and 721230020); 4.6% (HS 722592930 and 722699912) |
WTO rate | 0% |
GSP rate | 0% |
Preferential duty rates | The four new HS codes are eligible for 0% FTA preferential rates, where applicable and subject to the relevant rules of origin and documentation requirements. |
Anti-dumping duty considerations
The introduction of the new HS codes is closely linked to Japan's provisional anti-dumping measures on Hot-dip Galvanized Steel Strip and Steel Sheet under Cabinet Order No. 254 of 2026. However, the scope of the provisional antidumping duty is not limited to the four newly introduced HS codes.
Although the new HS codes may help identify products that fall within the potential scope of the provisional anti-dumping measures, classification under one of these codes does not automatically mean that anti-dumping duty applies. The provisional anti-dumping duty will apply only where the goods meet all applicable requirements under Cabinet Order No. 254 of 2026, including product description, content composition, manufacturing process, country of origin, and producer-specific rates.
Importers should review the relevant Charge notes in ONESOURCE Global Trade Content and assess whether their products are subject to the provisional anti-dumping duty before importation.
Cabinet Order No. 254 of 2026 | |
|---|---|
Scope of goods subject to the provisional anti-dumping | (A) Among the products classified under HS 7210.49 or HS 7212.30 of the Customs Tariff Schedule, those that have been hot-dip galvanized, excluding any of the following: (1) Corrugated products. (2) Alloyed hot-dip galvanized products, limited to those in which the iron content of the coating layer is 7% or more by total weight of the coating layer and forms a homogeneous alloy. (3) Products in which the magnesium content of the coating layer is 2% or more by total weight of the coating layer, and the aluminum content of the coating layer is 5% or more by total weight of the coating layer. (4) Products in which the aluminum content of the coating layer is 4% or more by total weight of the coating layer, and the coating layer contains both magnesium and nickel. (B) Among the products classified under HS 7225.92 or HS 7226.99 of the Customs Tariff Schedule, those that have been hot-dip galvanized, provided that in the base metal (meaning the "other alloy steel" referred to in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72 of the Tariff Schedule before galvanizing), the content of boron, manganese, or titanium is at or above the threshold specified in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, and the content of each element other than boron, manganese, and titanium listed in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72 is below the respective threshold specified in that note. However, the following products are excluded: (1) Corrugated products. (2) Bimetal products (limited to clad products with a nickel content exceeding 10% by total weight). (3) Alloy tool steel as defined in Note 1 to Chapter 72 of the Tariff Schedule. (4) High-speed steel as defined in Subheading Note 1(d) to Chapter 72 of the Tariff Schedule. (5) Alloyed hot-dip galvanized products, limited to those in which the iron content of the coating layer is 7% or more by total weight of the coating layer and forms a homogeneous alloy. (6) Products in which the magnesium content of the coating layer is 2% or more by total weight of the coating layer, and the aluminum content of the coating layer is 5% or more by total weight of the coating layer. (7) Products in which the aluminum content of the coating layer is 4% or more by total weight of the coating layer, and the coating layer contains both magnesium and nickel. |
Conclusion
The August 8, 2026 amendment to Japan's import statistical codes for Chapter 72 is more than a routine classification update - it reflects a targeted regulatory response to trade defence measures.
Recognizing the importance of these changes, we have updated ONESOURCE Global Trade Content to reflect the changes. For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you in managing supply chain risk, tariff challenges and regulatory compliance, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.