HS Code 73.15 – Chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel

HS code 7315 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Heading 7315 encompasses all types of chain and parts thereof, made of iron or steel. This is a critical classification for a vast array of industries, including maritime, heavy machinery, automotive, and general manufacturing. The scope is broad, covering everything from massive anchor chains for ships to intricate roller chains for industrial machinery, as long as they are made of iron or steel. This heading specifically includes link chain, roller chain, conveyor chain, and various other functional chains, as well as their individual components (e.g., links, pins, rollers). It excludes chains made of precious metals (Chapter 71), and importantly, it also excludes chains that are clearly identifiable as parts of specific machinery or vehicles and are more appropriately classified with those machines (e.g., bicycle chains with bicycles in Chapter 87, or track chains for excavators with parts of excavators in 8431). Key sub-categories often differentiate by chain type, material grade (e.g., galvanized, stainless, high-strength alloy steel), and load-bearing capacity. Accurate classification is paramount for trade compliance, impacting customs duties, safety certifications, and adherence to international standards for lifting and mechanical applications. Historically, chains have been indispensable tools for lifting, pulling, and transmitting power for millennia, evolving significantly with metallurgical advancements. As part of Chapter 73, this heading highlights the importance of highly fabricated iron or steel articles in industrial and commercial applications.

Anchor chains for ships, industrial lifting chains, roller chains for conveyor systems, snow chains for vehicle tires, logging chains, marine mooring chains, stud-link anchor chain, calibrated lifting chain, stainless steel chain for food processing, security barrier chains, galvanized steel link chain, agricultural machinery chains, transmission chains for industrial equipment, decorative steel chains (non-precious metal), chain slings for heavy lifting, parts of chain (individual links, connecting links, pins), load binder chains, pet leash chains (steel), swing set chains, hoist chains.

Common misclassification mistakes for HS 7315 often involve confusing general-purpose chains with chains specifically designed as integral parts of machinery or vehicles. For example, bicycle chains are typically classified under HS 8714 as parts of bicycles, not under 7315. Similarly, track chains for excavators or bulldozers are usually classified under HS 8431 as parts of earth-moving machinery. The key distinction is whether the chain is a general article of iron or steel, or if its design and primary function make it an identifiable part solely or principally used with a specific machine or vehicle. Another error is confusing chains with wire ropes (HS 7312), which are stranded wires, not interlinked segments.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7315 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 35% of world exports), Germany ($923M) and Japan ($444M). World exports came to about $6.0B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7315 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($633M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($417M) and Japan ($336M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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.

HS code 7315 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.