HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7308.40 – Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping
HS code 7308.40 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or steel, structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping. It is used for adjustable steel props, steel scaffolding frames, steel formwork props, steel pit props and scaffolding jacks.
What HS 7308.40 covers
This HS code covers iron or steel props and similar equipment specifically designed for scaffolding, shuttering (formwork), or pit-propping in construction and mining. These temporary support structures are indispensable for ensuring safety and stability during building construction, concrete pouring, excavation, and underground work. The trade in these goods is directly linked to the global construction industry's health and mining activities. Major importers are countries with active construction sectors, large infrastructure projects, or significant mining operations, such as the United States, India, and Australia. Exporters typically originate from nations with robust steel manufacturing and fabrication capabilities, often including China, Italy, and Germany. Key considerations for these products include load-bearing capacity, adjustability, durability, and compliance with safety standards (e.g., OSHA, EN standards). The reusability and robustness of these steel components are critical for cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency on job sites worldwide.
- Covers
- Adjustable steel props
- Steel scaffolding frames
- Steel formwork props
- Steel pit props
- Scaffolding jacks
- Shoring posts
- Steel support beams
- Examples
- PERI scaffolding systems
- Doka formwork systems
- Layher scaffolding
- Hünnebeck shoring equipment
Codes often confused with 7308.40
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 730890 (other iron or steel structures) if the temporary support function is not emphasized, or with 732690 (other articles of iron or steel) if they are seen as general metal articles rather than specific structural supports.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 730840, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 730840 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.6% 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 China $2.0B 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 17% of world exports
- 3 India $415M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $7.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $477M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$407M 5.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $382M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 7308.40
Brazil does not split HS 7308.40: its NCM code is 7308.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.08 →
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 7308.40
What is HS code 730840?
HS code 730840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping. This HS code covers iron or steel props and similar equipment specifically designed for scaffolding, shuttering (formwork), or pit-propping in construction and mining. These temporary support structures are indispensable for ensuring safety and stability during building construction, concrete pouring, excavation, and underground work. The trade in these goods is directly linked to the global construction industry's health and mining activities. Major importers are countries with active construction sectors, large infrastructure projects, or significant mining operations, such as the United States, India, and Australia. Exporters typically originate from nations with robust steel manufacturing and fabrication capabilities, often including China, Italy, and Germany. Key considerations for these products include load-bearing capacity, adjustability, durability, and compliance with safety standards (e.g., OSHA, EN standards). The reusability and robustness of these steel components are critical for cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency on job sites worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 730840?
Adjustable steel props, Steel scaffolding frames, Steel formwork props, Steel pit props, Scaffolding jacks, Shoring posts, Steel support beams
What are common misclassifications for HS code 730840?
This code might be confused with 730890 (other iron or steel structures) if the temporary support function is not emphasized, or with 732690 (other articles of iron or steel) if they are seen as general metal articles rather than specific structural supports.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 730840?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 730840 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 29% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and India ($415M). World exports came to about $7.0B, 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 730840?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 730840 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($477M, 6.6% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $407M) and the United States ($382M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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 730840 structured?
HS code 730840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) 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 730840?
In Brazil, HS code 730840 is NCM 7308.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.