Product classification
HS code for Cotter pins: 7318.24
Iron or steel, non-threaded cotters and cotter-pins.
Classification of cotter pins under HS 7318.24
Cotter pins are classified under HS code 7318.24, which falls under the category of non-threaded fasteners made of iron or steel. Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, and heading 7318 specifically includes screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, and similar articles. The structure of heading 7318 is divided between threaded articles (7318.11 through 7318.19) and non-threaded articles (7318.21 through 7318.29). Since cotter pins function by mechanical deformation (such as bending the tines) or through tension rather than via a helical thread, they are categorized in the non-threaded section. Subheading 7318.24 is the specific designation for cotters and cotter-pins, ensuring they are distinguished from other non-threaded fasteners like rivets or spring washers. This classification applies to various designs of cotters, provided they are made of iron or steel and are not threaded. The material composition is the primary driver for the chapter selection, while the specific mechanical design dictates the subheading.
- Covers
- Split cotter pins
- R-clips (hairpin cotters)
- Wedge-action cotters
- Steel split pins for axle nuts
- Also under 7318.24
- Fastenal cotter pins
- Würth R-clips
- John Deere clevis pins (using cotters)
- Kubota linch pins
Codes often confused with 7318.24
Common mistake. Cotter pins are sometimes misclassified under 7318.23 (rivets) or 7318.29 (other non-threaded fasteners). They may also be confused with 7318.15 if the user mistakenly identifies them as a type of bolt. If the pin is made of copper, it must be classified under 7415.29 instead of the iron/steel code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731824 (the code used for cotter pins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731824 (the code used for cotter pins) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 731824, not only cotter pins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $339M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $224M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $91M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $216M 18% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $118M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $84M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for cotter pins
Brazil classifies cotter pins under NCM 7318.24.00: HS 7318.24 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about cotter pins
What is the HS code for Cotter pins?
The HS code for Cotter pins is 731824 (Iron or steel; non-threaded cotters and cotter-pins).
How do I classify Cotter pins for customs?
Cotter pins is classified under HS code 731824 — Iron or steel; non-threaded cotters and cotter-pins. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for steel cotter pins?
The HS code for iron or steel cotter pins is 7318.24.
Are cotter pins considered threaded fasteners?
No, cotter pins are non-threaded fasteners and are classified under the non-threaded subheadings of heading 7318.
Which countries are the top exporters of cotter pins (HS 731824)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731824 (the code used for cotter pins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($339M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($224M) and Germany ($91M). 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 cotter pins (HS 731824)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731824 (the code used for cotter pins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($216M, 18% of world imports), Mexico ($118M) and Thailand ($84M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Cotter pins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731824 for Cotter pins 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 cotter pins in Brazil?
In Brazil, cotter pins (HS 731824) is classified under NCM 7318.24.00.