Product classification
HS code for Metal bands: 7312.90
Iron or steel, plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated.
Classification of metal bands under HS 7312.90
Metal bands, specifically those made of iron or steel that are plaited or formed into slings, are classified under HS code 7312.90. This classification falls under Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. Heading 7312 is dedicated to stranded wire, ropes, cables, plaited bands, slings, and the like, of iron or steel, not electrically insulated. The classification is determined by the manufacturing process where multiple wires are twisted or plaited together to create a flexible yet high-tensile band. These products are distinct from solid steel strips or hoops because of their braided or plaited structure. Under GRI 1, the specific description of "plaited bands" in the heading text directs the classification here. The subheading 7312.90 is the residual category for items in this heading that are not stranded wire, ropes, or cables (which fall under 7312.10). These bands are widely used in industrial lifting, securing cargo, and structural reinforcement where flexibility and strength are required simultaneously.
- Covers
- Plaited steel bands
- Iron wire slings
- Braided metal straps (non-insulated)
- Steel wire lifting slings
- Woven wire bands for industrial fastening
- Also under 7312.90
- Crosby Group wire rope slings
- Peerless Industrial Group lifting slings
- Kito steel chain slings
- Gunnebo Industries lifting equipment
- Miller Fall Protection steel lanyards
Codes often confused with 7312.90
Common mistake. Metal bands are often misclassified under HS code 7326.90, which is a general "catch-all" code for other articles of iron or steel. However, because heading 7312 specifically mentions plaited bands, it takes precedence. Another common error is HS code 8544.30, which applies to insulated electric conductors. If the metal band is coated with plastic for electrical insulation, it moves to Chapter 85. Finally, solid steel strapping used for packaging is classified under 7212 or 7326, not 7312.90, because it is not plaited or stranded.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731290 (the code used for metal bands), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731290 (the code used for metal bands) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 731290, not only metal bands.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $104M 25% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $41M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $31M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $414M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $76M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $38M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 China $29M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $557M 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 metal bands
Brazil classifies metal bands under NCM 7312.90.00: HS 7312.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal bands
What is the HS code for Metal bands?
The HS code for Metal bands is 731290 (Iron or steel; plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated). Plaited metal bands and slings made of iron or steel are classified under HS code 7312.90.
How do I classify Metal bands for customs?
Metal bands is classified under HS code 731290 — Iron or steel; plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are insulated metal bands covered under this code?
No, if the bands are electrically insulated, they are classified under heading 8544.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal bands (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731290 (the code used for metal bands) in UN Comtrade data were China ($104M, 25% of world exports), Thailand ($41M) and the United States ($31M). World exports came to about $414M, 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 metal bands (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731290 (the code used for metal bands) in UN Comtrade data were India ($76M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($38M) and China ($29M). World imports came to about $557M, 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 Metal bands the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731290 for Metal bands 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 metal bands in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal bands (HS 731290) is classified under NCM 7312.90.00.