HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7312.10 – Iron or steel; stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated
HS code 7312.10 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or steel, stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated. It is used for steel wire ropes, galvanized steel cables, crane cables, suspension bridge cables and mining hoist ropes.
What HS 7312.10 covers
This category encompasses iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, and cables that are not electrically insulated. These robust products are formed by twisting multiple individual wires together, creating items with exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability. They are indispensable in heavy industries such as construction, marine, mining, and transportation, serving critical functions in lifting, towing, and structural support. Major importers include construction companies, shipping lines, crane operators, and infrastructure developers who require reliable components for demanding applications. Exporters are typically specialized wire and cable manufacturers with advanced steel processing capabilities. Key factors in trade include the specific construction (e.g., 6x19, 6x37), material grade, galvanization or coating for corrosion resistance, and compliance with safety standards for lifting equipment. Their global demand is directly tied to industrial and infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Steel wire ropes
- Galvanized steel cables
- Crane cables
- Suspension bridge cables
- Mining hoist ropes
- Fishing trawler cables
- Elevator ropes
- Examples
- Bridon-Bekaert wire ropes
- Loos & Co. aircraft cables
- US Wire & Rope crane cables
- Python wire ropes
- Teufelberger steel cables
Codes often confused with 7312.10
Common mistake. Often confused with single-strand wires (7217) or electrically insulated cables (8544), but the 'stranded' and 'not electrically insulated' aspects are key differentiators.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 731210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 731210 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 $2.8B 36% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$440M 5.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $435M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $934M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $357M 4.7% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$316M 4.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.6B 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 codes for 7312.10 2
Brazil splits HS 7312.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 7312.10.10 Brass- or bronze-coated steel wire ropes, cablesDe fios de aço revestidos de bronze ou latão
- 7312.10.90 Other iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, cablesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7312.10
What is HS code 731210?
HS code 731210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or steel; stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated. This category encompasses iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, and cables that are not electrically insulated. These robust products are formed by twisting multiple individual wires together, creating items with exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability. They are indispensable in heavy industries such as construction, marine, mining, and transportation, serving critical functions in lifting, towing, and structural support. Major importers include construction companies, shipping lines, crane operators, and infrastructure developers who require reliable components for demanding applications. Exporters are typically specialized wire and cable manufacturers with advanced steel processing capabilities. Key factors in trade include the specific construction (e.g., 6x19, 6x37), material grade, galvanization or coating for corrosion resistance, and compliance with safety standards for lifting equipment. Their global demand is directly tied to industrial and infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 731210?
Steel wire ropes, galvanized steel cables, crane cables, suspension bridge cables, mining hoist ropes, fishing trawler cables, elevator ropes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 731210?
Often confused with single-strand wires (7217) or electrically insulated cables (8544), but the 'stranded' and 'not electrically insulated' aspects are key differentiators.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 731210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 731210 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 36% of world exports), Vietnam (about $440M) and Germany ($435M). World exports came to about $7.7B, 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 731210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 731210 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($934M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($357M) and Vietnam (about $316M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 731210 structured?
HS code 731210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 731210?
Brazil splits HS code 731210 into 2 NCM codes: 7312.10.10 (Brass- or bronze-coated steel wire ropes, cables), 7312.10.90 (Other iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, cables). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.