Product classification

HS code for Anchor chain: 7315.81

Chain, stud-link chain, of iron or steel.

Classification of anchor chain under HS 7315.81

Anchor chain is classified under HS code 7315.81, which falls within Chapter 73 for articles of iron or steel. Heading 7315 is dedicated to chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. The specific subheading 7315.81 is reserved for "stud-link" chain. In maritime and heavy industrial applications, a stud-link chain is characterized by a small solid bar (the stud) forged or welded across the width of each link. This design serves two critical purposes: it prevents the link from deforming under extreme tension and ensures the chain does not kink or tangle during deployment or retrieval from a chain locker. Because of this distinct structural feature and its primary use in heavy-duty anchoring for ships and offshore platforms, it is separated from other types of welded or articulated chains. The classification is based on the material (iron or steel) and the specific manufacturing design (stud-link) rather than the final application alone.

Covers
  • Marine stud-link anchor chains
  • Offshore mooring stud-link chains
  • Galvanized steel stud-link chains
  • High-tensile steel anchor chains with studs
Also under 7315.81
  • Vicinay Marine anchor chains
  • Ramnäs Bruk mooring chains
  • Fincantieri ship chains
  • DCL Mooring & Rigging chains

Codes often confused with 7315.81

Common mistake. Anchor chains are often misclassified under 7315.82, which covers other welded-link chains that lack the internal stud. They may also be confused with 7315.89, a general category for other types of chain. In some cases, importers mistakenly look at Chapter 89 (Ships and Boats), but general hardware like chains remains classified by material in Chapter 73.

7315.82Chain; welded link chain, of iron or steel7315.89Chain; n.e.c. in heading no. 7315, of iron or steel

Top exporters and importers of HS 731581 (the code used for anchor chain), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731581 (the code used for anchor chain) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 731581, not only anchor chain.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $257M
  2. 2 Singapore $13M
  3. 3 Netherlands $8.2M

World total: $324M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $22M
  2. 2 Australia $15M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$14M

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 anchor chain

Brazil classifies anchor chain under NCM 7315.81.00: HS 7315.81 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about anchor chain

What is the HS code for Anchor chain?

The HS code for Anchor chain is 731581 (Chain; stud-link chain, of iron or steel). The specific HS code for stud-link anchor chain made of iron or steel is 7315.81.

How do I classify Anchor chain for customs?

Anchor chain is classified under HS code 731581 — Chain; stud-link chain, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why is stud-link chain classified differently from regular chain?

Stud-link chain is classified separately because the addition of the stud provides unique mechanical properties and is a standard requirement for large-scale maritime anchoring systems.

Which countries are the top exporters of anchor chain (HS 731581)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731581 (the code used for anchor chain) 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 anchor chain (HS 731581)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 731581 (the code used for anchor chain) 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.

Is the HS code for Anchor chain the same in all countries?

The base HS code 731581 for Anchor chain is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for anchor chain in Brazil?

In Brazil, anchor chain (HS 731581) is classified under NCM 7315.81.00.