HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7315.12 – Chain; articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel
HS code 7315.12 is the 6-digit subheading for chain, articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel. It is used for leaf chain, block chain, silent chain, pintle chain and flat-top conveyor chain.
What HS 7315.12 covers
This HS code covers articulated link chains made of iron or steel, *excluding* roller chains. This category encompasses a wide variety of chains where the links are articulated but do not feature the specific roller design found in power transmission chains. Examples include leaf chains, block chains, silent chains, and various types of conveyor chains that might use different link designs for specific purposes. These chains are primarily used for lifting, pulling, conveying, or securing applications where the smooth, low-friction engagement of a roller chain is not the primary requirement. Industries utilizing these chains include material handling, forklifts, hoists, and specialized industrial machinery. Importers are often manufacturers of lifting equipment, conveyor systems, or specialized industrial machinery. Exporters are typically nations with strong steel fabrication and engineering sectors. Key trading considerations include the chain's breaking strength, link design, pitch, and material composition, as these factors dictate its suitability for specific load-bearing or conveying tasks. Understanding the intended application is crucial to differentiate these chains from roller chains.
- Covers
- Leaf chain
- Block chain
- Silent chain
- Pintle chain
- Flat-top conveyor chain
- Engineering class chain
- Welded steel chain (articulated)
- Examples
- Tsubaki leaf chain
- Renold conveyor chain
- Rexnord engineering chain
- KCM silent chain
- Donghua block chain
Codes often confused with 7315.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 731511 (roller chains) due to both being articulated link chains, but the absence of rollers is the key distinguishing feature.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 731512, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 731512 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $280M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $256M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $115M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $112M 11% of world imports
- 2 Japan $68M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $66M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 codes for 7315.12 2
Brazil splits HS 7315.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 7315.12.10 Transmission link chain, other than rollerDe transmissão
- 7315.12.90 Other articulated link chain, not rollerOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7315.12
What is HS code 731512?
HS code 731512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chain; articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel. This HS code covers articulated link chains made of iron or steel, *excluding* roller chains. This category encompasses a wide variety of chains where the links are articulated but do not feature the specific roller design found in power transmission chains. Examples include leaf chains, block chains, silent chains, and various types of conveyor chains that might use different link designs for specific purposes. These chains are primarily used for lifting, pulling, conveying, or securing applications where the smooth, low-friction engagement of a roller chain is not the primary requirement. Industries utilizing these chains include material handling, forklifts, hoists, and specialized industrial machinery. Importers are often manufacturers of lifting equipment, conveyor systems, or specialized industrial machinery. Exporters are typically nations with strong steel fabrication and engineering sectors. Key trading considerations include the chain's breaking strength, link design, pitch, and material composition, as these factors dictate its suitability for specific load-bearing or conveying tasks. Understanding the intended application is crucial to differentiate these chains from roller chains.
What products fall under HS code 731512?
Leaf chain, Block chain, Silent chain, Pintle chain, Flat-top conveyor chain, Engineering class chain, Welded steel chain (articulated)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 731512?
This code is often confused with 731511 (roller chains) due to both being articulated link chains, but the absence of rollers is the key distinguishing feature.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 731512?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 731512 in UN Comtrade data were China ($280M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($256M) and the United States ($115M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 731512?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 731512 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($112M, 11% of world imports), Japan ($68M) and Mexico ($66M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 731512 structured?
HS code 731512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 731512?
Brazil splits HS code 731512 into 2 NCM codes: 7315.12.10 (Transmission link chain, other than roller), 7315.12.90 (Other articulated link chain, not roller). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.