Product classification
HS code for Skid chain: 7315.20
Chain, skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel.
Classification of skid chain under HS 7315.20
Skid chains are classified under HS code 7315.20, which is situated within Chapter 73 for articles of iron or steel. Heading 7315 specifically covers chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. The subheading 7315.20 is dedicated to 'skid chain,' which are specialized chains designed to be fitted onto the tires of vehicles to provide better traction when driving through snow or ice. The classification is determined by the material (iron or steel) and the specific articulated link design. These chains are considered 'articulated link chains' because they consist of individual links joined together to allow flexibility while maintaining high tensile strength. Even though these are used exclusively on motor vehicles, they are classified by their constituent material and form (chain) rather than as vehicle parts under Chapter 87. This is due to Section XV Note 2, which defines 'parts of general use' (including chains) and excludes them from being classified as parts of specific machinery or vehicles if a material-specific heading exists.
- Covers
- Steel tire chains for passenger cars
- Heavy-duty snow chains for trucks
- Tractor skid chains
- Articulated link traction chains
- Also under 7315.20
- Peerless Chain snow chains
- Thule (König) tire chains
- RUD tire chains
- Laclede Chain skid chains
Codes often confused with 7315.20
Common mistake. Skid chains are frequently misclassified under 8708.99 as 'parts and accessories of motor vehicles.' However, because chains are 'parts of general use' under Section XV, they must be classified in Chapter 73. Another error is using 7315.82, which covers other articulated link chains; 7315.20 is more specific and must be used for chains intended for tire traction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731520 (the code used for skid chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731520 (the code used for skid chain) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 731520, not only skid chain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $61M 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $45M 18% of world exports
- 3 Austria $30M 12% of world exports
World total: $246M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $23M 10% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $12M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $227M 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 skid chain
Brazil classifies skid chain under NCM 7315.20.00: HS 7315.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about skid chain
What is the HS code for Skid chain?
The HS code for Skid chain is 731520 (Chain; skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel). The HS code for iron or steel skid chains is 7315.20.
How do I classify Skid chain for customs?
Skid chain is classified under HS code 731520 — Chain; skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic 'snow chains' classified here?
No, 7315.20 is strictly for iron or steel. Plastic traction devices would typically be classified under 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of skid chain (HS 731520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731520 (the code used for skid chain) in UN Comtrade data were China ($61M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($45M) and Austria ($30M). World exports came to about $246M, 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 skid chain (HS 731520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731520 (the code used for skid chain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($23M) and Sweden ($12M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 Skid chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731520 for Skid 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 skid chain in Brazil?
In Brazil, skid chain (HS 731520) is classified under NCM 7315.20.00.