HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7315.81 – Chain; stud-link chain, of iron or steel
HS code 7315.81 is the 6-digit subheading for chain, stud-link chain, of iron or steel. It is used for anchor chains, mooring chains, offshore platform chains, ship's stud-link chains and marine riser chains.
What HS 7315.81 covers
This HS code specifically covers stud-link chains made of iron or steel, which are characterized by a stud or bar across the middle of each link. These chains are primarily used in heavy-duty marine applications, such as anchoring for ships, offshore platforms, and permanent mooring systems due to their superior strength, stability, and resistance to kinking. International trade in these goods is driven by the global shipbuilding industry, offshore oil and gas exploration, and marine infrastructure projects. Major importers typically include shipyards, marine construction companies, and offshore energy operators in countries with significant maritime activity. Exporters are often specialized heavy industry manufacturers with advanced steel fabrication capabilities. Key considerations in trade involve adherence to international marine classification society standards (e.g., DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register), material grade, proof load, and corrosion resistance, as failure can have catastrophic consequences.
- Covers
- Anchor chains
- Mooring chains
- Offshore platform chains
- Ship's stud-link chains
- Marine riser chains
- Buoy chains
- Oil rig chains
- Examples
- Vicinay Marine anchor chains
- Ramnäs Bruk mooring chains
- Fincantieri ship chains
- DCL Mooring & Rigging chains
Codes often confused with 7315.81
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 731582 (welded link chain) if the specific stud-link feature is overlooked, or 731589 (other chains) if its heavy-duty marine application isn't clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 731581, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 731581 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 10% 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 $257M 79% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $13M 4.0% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.2M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $324M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $22M 10% of world imports
- 2 Australia $15M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$14M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $219M 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 7315.81
Brazil does not split HS 7315.81: its NCM code is 7315.81.00.
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 7315.81
What is HS code 731581?
HS code 731581 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chain; stud-link chain, of iron or steel. This HS code specifically covers stud-link chains made of iron or steel, which are characterized by a stud or bar across the middle of each link. These chains are primarily used in heavy-duty marine applications, such as anchoring for ships, offshore platforms, and permanent mooring systems due to their superior strength, stability, and resistance to kinking. International trade in these goods is driven by the global shipbuilding industry, offshore oil and gas exploration, and marine infrastructure projects. Major importers typically include shipyards, marine construction companies, and offshore energy operators in countries with significant maritime activity. Exporters are often specialized heavy industry manufacturers with advanced steel fabrication capabilities. Key considerations in trade involve adherence to international marine classification society standards (e.g., DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register), material grade, proof load, and corrosion resistance, as failure can have catastrophic consequences.
What products fall under HS code 731581?
Anchor chains, mooring chains, offshore platform chains, ship's stud-link chains, marine riser chains, buoy chains, oil rig chains
What are common misclassifications for HS code 731581?
This code can be confused with 731582 (welded link chain) if the specific stud-link feature is overlooked, or 731589 (other chains) if its heavy-duty marine application isn't clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 731581?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 731581 in UN Comtrade data were China ($257M, 79% of world exports), Singapore ($13M) and the Netherlands ($8.2M). World exports came to about $324M, 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 731581?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 731581 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($22M, 10% of world imports), Australia ($15M) and Vietnam (about $14M). World imports came to about $219M, 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 731581 structured?
HS code 731581 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 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 731581?
In Brazil, HS code 731581 is NCM 7315.81.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.