Product classification
HS code for Leaf chain: 7315.12
Chain, articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel.
Classification of leaf chain under HS 7315.12
Leaf chain is classified under HS code 7315.12, which pertains to articulated link chains of iron or steel, specifically those other than roller chains. Classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, identifying the product as a mechanical component made of ferrous metal. Leaf chains, also known as fleyer chains, consist only of pins and link plates, lacking the rollers and bushings found in standard transmission chains. Because they are designed for high-tension, low-speed lifting applications rather than power transmission between sprockets, they fall into the 'other' articulated link chain category. The material composition (iron or steel) is the primary driver for Chapter 73 placement, while the specific mechanical assembly dictates the subheading. These chains are essential in material handling equipment where high load capacity is required in a compact space.
- Covers
- Forklift mast leaf chains
- Fleyer chains for lifting applications
- Counterweight chains for machine tools
- Balance chains for elevator systems
- High-tension steel link plates and pin assemblies
- 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. Leaf chains are often misclassified under HS code 7315.11, which is specifically for roller chains. The distinction is critical: roller chains have rollers that engage with sprocket teeth, whereas leaf chains do not. Another common error is attempting to classify the chain under HS code 8431.20 as a part of a forklift. According to Section XV Note 2, chains are considered 'parts of general use' and must be classified in their respective headings (7315) even if they are dedicated to a specific machine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731512 (the code used for leaf chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731512 (the code used for leaf 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 leaf 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 leaf 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 leaf chain
What is the HS code for Leaf chain?
The HS code for Leaf chain is 731512 (Chain; articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel). The correct HS code for leaf chain made of iron or steel is 7315.12.
How do I classify Leaf chain for customs?
Leaf 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.
Is leaf chain classified differently if it is made of stainless steel?
No, it remains under 7315.12, as the heading covers all articulated link chains of iron or steel, including stainless varieties.
Which countries are the top exporters of leaf chain (HS 731512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731512 (the code used for leaf 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 leaf chain (HS 731512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731512 (the code used for leaf 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 Leaf chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731512 for Leaf 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 leaf chain in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731512 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for leaf 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).