HS Code 73.16 – Anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel

HS code 7316 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Heading 7316 is dedicated to anchors, grapnels, and parts thereof, made of iron or steel. This classification is fundamental for the maritime industry, covering essential equipment for mooring and securing vessels of all sizes. The scope includes a wide variety of anchor types, from the traditional stockless anchors used on large ships to specialized fluke anchors for smaller boats, and multi-pronged grapnels used for retrieval. The defining characteristic is their construction from iron or steel, distinguishing them from anchors made of other materials. This heading also covers identifiable parts of anchors and grapnels, such as shanks, flukes, and crowns. It specifically excludes anchor chains (which fall under 7315) and purely ornamental anchors that do not function as actual mooring devices (which might fall under 8306 if small and decorative). Key sub-categories often relate to the anchor design (e.g., Danforth, Bruce, Delta, Plow, Mushroom), weight, and material grade (e.g., galvanized, polished stainless steel). Accurate classification under 7316 is crucial for customs compliance, ensuring adherence to maritime safety regulations, and proper duty assessment. Historically, anchors have been indispensable tools for seafaring, with designs evolving to meet the demands of different vessel types and seabed conditions. As part of Chapter 73, this heading underscores the importance of heavy, fabricated iron or steel articles in specialized industrial sectors like shipping and marine operations.

Stockless ship anchors, Danforth anchors, Bruce anchors, Delta anchors, mushroom anchors for buoys, grapnels for marine retrieval, anchor flukes (parts), anchor shanks (parts), folding grapnel anchors for small boats, plow anchors, Fortress anchors, CQR anchors, Admiralty pattern anchors, mooring anchors, anchor crowns (parts), galvanized boat anchors, stainless steel yacht anchors, permanent mooring anchors, salvage grapnels, fishing grapnels, sand anchors, rock anchors.

A common misclassification error for HS 7316 is confusing anchors with their associated chains. Anchor chains are classified separately under HS 7315 ('Chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel'), even though they are used together. The key distinction is that 7316 covers the anchor body itself, while 7315 covers the chain links. Another mistake might involve classifying very small, purely decorative anchors as functional anchors; if they serve no practical mooring purpose and are clearly ornamental, they might fall under HS 8306 (other articles of base metal). Traders must ensure the product's primary function is actual mooring or retrieval to qualify for 7316.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7316 in UN Comtrade data were China ($146M, 51% of world exports), the Netherlands ($30M) and Norway ($12M). World exports came to about $287M, 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 7316 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($49M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($37M) and Italy ($15M). World imports came to about $305M, 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 7316 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.