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What is a Section 232 form and do I need one?

Download a fillable Section 232 form here

A S232 form (short for Section 232 Declaration) is a U.S. Customs form required when you’re importing certain steel or aluminum products into the United States. It’s part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Section 232 regulations, which impose additional reporting requirements to verify where metal materials were made and processed — specifically the country of melt and pour (for steel) or smelt and cast (for aluminum).

These details help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determine whether extra tariffs or restrictions apply under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

When Do You Need an S232 Form?

Add an S232 form any time your shipment to the U.S. includes:

• Steel or aluminum (raw, semi-finished, or finished goods)

• Products that contain steel or aluminum, even as components (fasteners, frames, brackets, casings, shelving, appliances, machinery, etc.)If you’re unsure, ask your customs broker to confirm the HTS code(s). When in doubt, include the form to avoid clearance delays.

• Even if your item doesn’t contain steel and/or aluminum, you can upload a Section 232 form and indicate “0” for both value and content (both steel and aluminum). You’re effectively claiming that your item does not contain and steel/aluminum, and not subject to any additional duties / tariffs.

If you’re unsure, ask your customs broker to confirm the HTS code(s). When in doubt, include the form to avoid clearance delays.

How to complete the S232 form (step-by-step)

The S232 form includes two sections — one for steel and one for aluminum — but the process is essentially the same for both. Fill out a separate line for each product or component that contains steel or aluminum.

• Start with the header – Write the date and your shipment or invoice number so it matches your paperwork.

• List each product or part – Enter your internal part number or SKU exactly as it appears on your commercial invoice, packing list and USCMA form (if applicable)

• Identify the country or countries of origin.

• For steel, record the country where it was melted and poured.

• For aluminum, record the country where it was most recently cast, and if known, where it was smelted(largest and second-largest smelts). This information should come directly from your supplier’s Mill Test Certificate (MTC) for steel, or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for aluminum.

• Enter the value of the metal content – Write the dollar value of the steel or aluminum used in that product — not the total product price.

• Enter the weight of the metal content – Record the actual weight (in kilograms) of the steel or aluminum portion only.

• If a product has no metal content, write “N/A” – That tells Customs you reviewed it and confirmed it doesn’t contain steel or aluminum.

• Sign and date the form.

At the bottom, enter your company name, contact person, title, phone, and email, then sign and date the declaration. By signing, you’re confirming the information is accurate and complete.If you run out of space, just add another sheet and continue the same format for the remaining items.

How to Upload the S232 Form on ShipNerd electronically

Once your form is complete:

• Log in to your ShipNerd account.

• Open the shipment that requires the form.

• Click Upload Document.

• Choose the completed S232 Form (PDF).

• Mark it as “Declaration.” This ensures it’s correctly flagged for customs.

• Click Upload to attach it to your shipment record.

Please visit our how to on upload customs documents electronically on ShipNerd article for more help.