HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7302.40 – Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; fish-plates and sole plates
HS code 7302.40 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material, fish-plates and sole plates. It is used for fish-plates, sole plates, base plates, rail clips and rail anchors.
What HS 7302.40 covers
This code encompasses the critical connecting components made of iron or steel used in railway and tramway track construction, specifically fish-plates and sole plates. These items are fundamental for ensuring the structural integrity and smooth operation of rail lines, linking rail sections and distributing load. International trade in these goods is driven by global infrastructure development, particularly in countries investing heavily in expanding or modernizing their rail networks. Major importers often include developing nations or those undertaking large-scale public transport projects, while exporters are typically industrialized countries with robust steel manufacturing capabilities and specialized engineering firms. Key considerations in this trade involve material specifications, adherence to international railway standards (e.g., AREMA, EN), durability under extreme conditions, and the long-term maintenance costs of rail infrastructure. The market is influenced by government spending, economic growth, and the demand for efficient freight and passenger transport.
- Covers
- Fish-plates
- Sole plates
- Base plates
- Rail clips
- Rail anchors
- Tie plates
- Rail fasteners
- Rail joint bars
- Examples
- Pandrol rail clips
- Vossloh rail fastening systems
- ArcelorMittal fishplates
- Nippon Steel sole plates
- Tata Steel rail components
Codes often confused with 7302.40
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 730210 (rails) and 730230 (sleepers), as it specifically covers the connecting and supporting elements rather than the main rail sections or their foundations.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 730240, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 730240 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $40M 19% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $30M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $28M 13% of world exports
World total: $208M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $39M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $25M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $239M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 7302.40
Brazil does not split HS 7302.40: its NCM code is 7302.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 7302.40
What is HS code 730240?
HS code 730240 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; fish-plates and sole plates. This code encompasses the critical connecting components made of iron or steel used in railway and tramway track construction, specifically fish-plates and sole plates. These items are fundamental for ensuring the structural integrity and smooth operation of rail lines, linking rail sections and distributing load. International trade in these goods is driven by global infrastructure development, particularly in countries investing heavily in expanding or modernizing their rail networks. Major importers often include developing nations or those undertaking large-scale public transport projects, while exporters are typically industrialized countries with robust steel manufacturing capabilities and specialized engineering firms. Key considerations in this trade involve material specifications, adherence to international railway standards (e.g., AREMA, EN), durability under extreme conditions, and the long-term maintenance costs of rail infrastructure. The market is influenced by government spending, economic growth, and the demand for efficient freight and passenger transport.
What products fall under HS code 730240?
Fish-plates, sole plates, base plates, rail clips, rail anchors, tie plates, rail fasteners, rail joint bars
What are common misclassifications for HS code 730240?
This code is distinct from 730210 (rails) and 730230 (sleepers), as it specifically covers the connecting and supporting elements rather than the main rail sections or their foundations.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 730240?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 730240 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($40M, 19% of world exports), Czechia ($30M) and China ($28M). World exports came to about $208M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 730240?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 730240 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($39M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($25M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World imports came to about $239M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 730240 structured?
HS code 730240 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 730240?
In Brazil, HS code 730240 is NCM 7302.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.