Product classification
HS code for Articulated link chain: 7315.12
Chain, articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel.
Classification of articulated link chain under HS 7315.12
Articulated link chain, made of iron or steel and excluding roller chain, is classified under HS code 731512. This classification is found within Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System, which covers articles of iron or steel. Heading 7315 is specifically designated for chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Subheading 731512 precisely describes "articulated link chain, (other than roller chain), of iron or steel." This code is appropriate as it accurately identifies the material composition (iron or steel) and the specific type of chain (articulated link, excluding roller type), distinguishing it from other chain designs or materials.
- Covers
- Drive chains (excluding roller type) for industrial machinery
- Conveyor chains (excluding roller type) for material handling systems
- Leaf chains for lifting and counterbalance applications
- Other articulated link chains of iron or steel, not incorporating rollers
- Also under 7315.12
- Tsubaki leaf chain
- Renold conveyor chain
- Rexnord engineering chain
- KCM silent chain
- Donghua block chain
Codes often confused with 7315.12
Common mistake. Articulated link chain is frequently misclassified with roller chain or other types of chain. Roller chain, also an articulated link chain of iron or steel, has its own specific classification under HS code 731511 due to the presence of rollers. Other types of chain, such as simple link chain not articulated, are classified under different subheadings like 731582. Furthermore, chains made from materials other than iron or steel, such as plastic (Chapter 39) or non-ferrous metals (e.g., Chapter 74 for copper, Chapter 76 for aluminum), would be classified under their respective material chapters. The critical distinction for 731512 is the articulated link design made of iron or steel, specifically without rollers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731512 (the code used for articulated link chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731512 (the code used for articulated link chain) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 731512, not only articulated link chain.
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 articulated link chain
Brazil splits HS 7315.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7315.12.10Transmission link chain, other than roller
- 7315.12.90Other articulated link chain, not roller
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about articulated link chain
What is the HS code for Articulated link chain?
The HS code for Articulated link chain is 731512 (Chain; articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel). The HS code for articulated link chain of iron or steel, excluding roller chain, is 731512.
How do I classify Articulated link chain for customs?
Articulated link chain is classified under HS code 731512 — Chain; articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS codes 731511 and 731512?
HS code 731511 is specifically for roller chain, of iron or steel, which incorporates rollers in its design. In contrast, 731512 is for other articulated link chain, of iron or steel, explicitly excluding roller chain, meaning it covers articulated chains without the distinct roller mechanism.
Which countries are the top exporters of articulated link chain (HS 731512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731512 (the code used for articulated link chain) 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 articulated link chain (HS 731512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731512 (the code used for articulated link chain) 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.
Is the HS code for Articulated link chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731512 for Articulated link 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 articulated link chain in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731512 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for articulated link chain depends on the product's details: 7315.12.10 (Transmission link chain, other than roller), 7315.12.90 (Other articulated link chain, not roller).