Product classification

HS code for Pit props: 7308.40

Iron or steel, structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping.

Classification of pit props under HS 7308.40

Pit props are classified under HS code 7308.40 because they are structural iron or steel components specifically designed for use in underground mining to support the roof and walls of a tunnel. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 7308 covers structures and parts of structures of iron or steel. Subheading 7308.40 specifically identifies equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping. These items are characterized by their ability to withstand heavy compressive loads and are often adjustable or telescopic in nature to accommodate varying heights in mine galleries. The classification remains here regardless of whether the props are finished or unfinished, provided they have the essential character of a pit prop. The material composition is the primary driver for this code, as it excludes wooden supports which fall under Chapter 44.

Covers
  • Adjustable steel pit props
  • Telescopic mining props
  • Hydraulic pit props (structural components)
  • Mechanical friction props
  • Steel roof supports for mines
  • Yielding steel props
Also under 7308.40
  • PERI scaffolding systems
  • Doka formwork systems
  • Layher scaffolding
  • Hünnebeck shoring equipment

Codes often confused with 7308.40

Common mistake. Pit props are frequently misclassified under HS code 4403.11 or 4403.91, which refer to wood in the rough or wooden pit props. It is vital to distinguish the material; only iron or steel props belong in 7308.40. Another common error is using HS code 8479.89 for hydraulic props. While hydraulic props have mechanical components, if their primary function is static structural support within the context of pit-propping, 7308.40 is the more specific heading. Additionally, general steel tubes (7304 or 7306) are sometimes used, but once they are fitted with base plates or adjustment mechanisms, they must be classified as structures under 7308.40.

4403.11Wood; coniferous species, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared; treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives4403.91Wood; oak, in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared, untreated8479.89Machines and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapter73.04Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel73.06Iron or steel (excluding cast iron); tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73

Top exporters and importers of HS 730840 (the code used for pit props), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730840 (the code used for pit props) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.6% 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 730840, not only pit props.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.0B
  2. 2 Germany $1.1B
  3. 3 India $415M

World total: $7.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $477M
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$407M
  3. 3 United States $382M

World total: $7.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 pit props

Brazil classifies pit props under NCM 7308.40.00: HS 7308.40 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 pit props

What is the HS code for Pit props?

The HS code for Pit props is 730840 (Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping). The HS code for iron or steel pit props is 7308.40, which covers equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, or pit-propping.

How do I classify Pit props for customs?

Pit props is classified under HS code 730840 — Iron or steel; structures and parts thereof, props and similar equipment for scaffolding, shuttering or pit-propping. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can wooden pit props be classified here?

No, wooden pit props are classified under Chapter 44, specifically heading 4403 if they are in the rough, or 4407 if they are sawn or chipped lengthwise.

Which countries are the top exporters of pit props (HS 730840)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730840 (the code used for pit props) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 29% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and India ($415M). World exports came to about $7.0B, 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 pit props (HS 730840)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 730840 (the code used for pit props) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($477M, 6.6% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $407M) and the United States ($382M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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 Pit props the same in all countries?

The base HS code 730840 for Pit props 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 pit props in Brazil?

In Brazil, pit props (HS 730840) is classified under NCM 7308.40.00.