Product classification
HS code for Railway fishplates: 7302.40
Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material, fish-plates and sole plates.
Classification of railway fishplates under HS 7302.40
Railway fishplates, also known as joint bars, are classified under HS code 7302.40. This classification is determined by the material composition and the specific function of the product within track infrastructure. Heading 7302 specifically covers iron or steel railway or tramway track construction material. Fishplates are essential components used to join two lengths of rail together, maintaining alignment and continuity of the running surface. Unlike rolling stock parts, fishplates are considered stationary track material. The classification under 7302.40 is specific to fishplates and sole plates (tie plates), which are the flat plates that sit between the rail and the sleeper to distribute the load. This code is applied regardless of whether the fishplates are standard, insulated for signaling purposes, or designed for different rail profiles.
- Covers
- Standard steel fishplates (joint bars)
- Insulated fishplates for track circuits
- Compromise fishplates for joining different rail sections
- Sole plates (tie plates) for rail support
- Joggled fishplates for emergency rail repairs
- Baseplates for rail fastening systems
- Also under 7302.40
- Pandrol rail clips
- Vossloh rail fastening systems
- ArcelorMittal fishplates
- Nippon Steel sole plates
- Tata Steel rail components
Codes often confused with 7302.40
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8608.00, which covers railway track fixtures and fittings. While fishplates are part of the track, heading 7302 is more specific for the structural steel components of the rail assembly. Another frequent error is the use of HS code 7318, which covers screws, bolts, and nuts. While bolts are used to secure fishplates, the fishplate itself is a distinct structural component classified under 7302.40. Importers also sometimes confuse these with 7301 (sheet piling), but the specialized profile and function for rail joints necessitate the use of 7302.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730240 (the code used for railway fishplates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730240 (the code used for railway fishplates) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 16% 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 730240, not only railway fishplates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $40M 19% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $30M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $28M 13% of world exports
World total: $208M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $39M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $25M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $239M 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 railway fishplates
Brazil classifies railway fishplates under NCM 7302.40.00: HS 7302.40 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 railway fishplates
What is the HS code for Railway fishplates?
The HS code for Railway fishplates is 730240 (Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; fish-plates and sole plates). The correct HS code for railway fishplates and sole plates is 7302.40, falling under the category of iron or steel track construction material.
How do I classify Railway fishplates for customs?
Railway fishplates is classified under HS code 730240 — Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; fish-plates and sole plates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the bolts used to fasten the fishplates?
No, the bolts and nuts used with fishplates are generally classified under HS code 7318, as they are considered general-purpose fasteners.
Which countries are the top exporters of railway fishplates (HS 730240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730240 (the code used for railway fishplates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($40M, 19% of world exports), Czechia ($30M) and China ($28M). World exports came to about $208M, 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 railway fishplates (HS 730240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730240 (the code used for railway fishplates) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($39M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($25M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World imports came to about $239M, 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 Railway fishplates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730240 for Railway fishplates 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 railway fishplates in Brazil?
In Brazil, railway fishplates (HS 730240) is classified under NCM 7302.40.00.