Product classification
HS code for Railway switches: 7302.30
Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material, switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other crossing pieces.
Classification of railway switches under HS 7302.30
Railway switches, including switch blades, crossing frogs, and point rods, are classified under HS code 7302.30. These are specialized track construction materials made of iron or steel. While they are part of the track, they are distinct from standard rails because they involve moving parts or complex geometries designed to divert rolling stock from one track to another. The classification is governed by the specific mention of "switch blades" and "crossing frogs" within the 7302 heading, ensuring that these complex assemblies are grouped with the rails they interact with rather than being classified as general machinery. These components are essential for the directional control of trains and are manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure safety at high speeds. The material must be iron or steel; similar components made of other materials (though rare) would fall elsewhere. The classification remains in Chapter 73 because these are considered articles of iron or steel used in infrastructure rather than mechanical appliances.
- Covers
- Switch blades (points)
- Crossing frogs (frogs)
- Point rods
- Switch operating levers (manual)
- Check rails for switches
- Stock rails for switches
- Also under 7302.30
- VAE Group (Voestalpine) turnouts
- Progress Rail (Caterpillar) trackwork
- Vossloh switch systems
- CRRC track components
Codes often confused with 7302.30
Common mistake. Railway switches are often misclassified under HS code 7302.10, which is reserved for standard rails. While switches are made from rail sections, their specialized function and shape require the more specific 7302.30 code. Another common error is using HS code 8608.00, which covers railway track fixtures. However, 8608.00 is intended for assembled signaling equipment or track segments that incorporate mechanical devices, whereas the individual steel components of the switch remain in 7302.30. Furthermore, if the switch is operated by an electric motor, the motor itself is classified under 8501, even if it is attached to the switch assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730230 (the code used for railway switches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730230 (the code used for railway switches) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 730230, not only railway switches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $92M 11% of world exports
- 2 China $91M 11% of world exports
- 3 Austria $73M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $819M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $76M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Italy $75M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $49M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $807M 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 switches
Brazil classifies railway switches under NCM 7302.30.00: HS 7302.30 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 switches
What is the HS code for Railway switches?
The HS code for Railway switches is 730230 (Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other crossing pieces). The HS code for railway or tramway switch blades, crossing frogs, and point rods is 7302.30.
How do I classify Railway switches for customs?
Railway switches is classified under HS code 730230 — Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other crossing pieces. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the manual levers for switches included in this code?
Yes, manual point rods and operating levers that are part of the track construction material are included under HS code 7302.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of railway switches (HS 730230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730230 (the code used for railway switches) in UN Comtrade data were France ($92M, 11% of world exports), China ($91M) and Austria ($73M). World exports came to about $819M, 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 switches (HS 730230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730230 (the code used for railway switches) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($76M, 9.4% of world imports), Italy ($75M) and Switzerland ($49M). World imports came to about $807M, 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 switches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730230 for Railway switches 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 switches in Brazil?
In Brazil, railway switches (HS 730230) is classified under NCM 7302.30.00.