Product classification
HS code for Drive chain: 7315.11
Chain, articulated link, roller, of iron or steel.
Classification of drive chain under HS 7315.11
Drive chains are classified under HS code 7315.11 based on their material and mechanical design. This code specifically covers articulated link chains of the "roller" variety, constructed from iron or steel. Roller chains are characterized by a series of cylindrical rollers held together by side links and pins. They are primarily used for power transmission in bicycles, motorcycles, and various industrial conveyor systems. The classification follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the material (iron or steel) and the specific function (articulated link chain). Because these chains are considered general-purpose hardware, they are classified by their constituent material in Chapter 73 rather than as specific machinery parts in Chapter 84. The "articulated" nature refers to the chain's ability to flex at the joints, which is essential for wrapping around sprockets. To qualify for 7315.11, the chain must be a roller chain; other types of articulated chains, such as silent chains or leaf chains, are relegated to other subheadings within 7315.
- Covers
- Standard industrial roller chains (single or multi-strand)
- Bicycle drive chains made of steel
- Motorcycle drive chains (O-ring and X-ring types)
- Steel transmission chains for agricultural harvesters
- Also under 7315.11
- Tsubaki roller chain
- Renold roller chain
- Daido Kogyo (D.I.D) roller chain
- Regina roller chain
- Diamond Chain Company
Codes often confused with 7315.11
Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying drive chains under HS code 8483, which covers transmission shafts and cranks. While chains are used in transmission, heading 7315 is more specific to the article's physical nature. Another common error is confusing roller chains with "silent chains" (HS code 7315.12) or "skid chains" (HS code 7315.20). If the chain is made of stainless steel, it still falls under 7315, but importers must ensure they are not using codes for non-articulated chains, such as stud-link or welded link chains found in 7315.81 or 7315.82.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731511 (the code used for drive chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731511 (the code used for drive chain) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% 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 731511, not only drive chain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $823M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $325M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $310M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $222M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $212M 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $131M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 drive chain
Brazil splits HS 7315.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7315.11.10Bicycle roller chain, 12.7 mm pitch
- 7315.11.90Other iron or steel roller chain
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about drive chain
What is the HS code for Drive chain?
The HS code for Drive chain is 731511 (Chain; articulated link, roller, of iron or steel). The HS code for an articulated link roller chain made of iron or steel is 7315.11.
How do I classify Drive chain for customs?
Drive chain is classified under HS code 731511 — Chain; articulated link, roller, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic drive chains classified here?
No, plastic drive chains are classified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3926.90) as articles of plastics, as HS code 7315 is strictly limited to iron or steel products.
Which countries are the top exporters of drive chain (HS 731511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731511 (the code used for drive chain) in UN Comtrade data were China ($823M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($325M) and Japan ($310M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 drive chain (HS 731511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731511 (the code used for drive chain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($222M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($212M) and Mexico ($131M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Drive chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731511 for Drive 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 drive chain in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731511 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for drive chain depends on the product's details: 7315.11.10 (Bicycle roller chain, 12.7 mm pitch), 7315.11.90 (Other iron or steel roller chain).