Product classification
HS code for Steel bolts: 7318.15
Iron or steel, threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers.
Classification of steel bolts under HS 7318.15
Steel bolts are classified under HS code 7318.15, which covers threaded screws and bolts of iron or steel, whether or not they are imported with their nuts or washers. This classification is part of Chapter 73, which encompasses articles of iron or steel, distinguishing finished products from the raw materials found in Chapter 72. The primary criteria for classification under 7318.15 are that the item must be made of iron or steel and must possess threads. Bolts are defined as headed and threaded fasteners designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and tightened by a nut. This subheading is quite broad and includes a wide variety of industrial and construction fasteners. The material composition (non-stainless steel) and the presence of a shank with external threads are the decisive factors. Even if the bolt is specialized for automotive or aerospace use, it remains under this code unless it is specifically excluded by the Section or Chapter notes of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Hexagonal head bolts made of carbon steel
- Carriage bolts for timber construction
- Machine screws with threaded shanks
- Stud bolts used in high-pressure piping
- Socket head cap screws
- Also under 7318.15
- Fastenal hex bolts
- Würth machine screws
- Böllhoff self-tapping screws
- ITW Buildex anchor bolts
Codes often confused with 7318.15
Common mistake. Steel bolts are often confused with 7318.16, which is the specific code for nuts. While bolts and nuts are often used together, if they are imported separately, they must be classified under their respective codes. Another common error is using 7318.14 for self-tapping screws, which have a different thread profile designed to cut their own hole. If the bolt is made of stainless steel, it should be classified under 7318.15.30 (in some regional tariffs) or specifically identified as stainless within the 7318.15 hierarchy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731815 (the code used for steel bolts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731815 (the code used for steel bolts) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 731815, not only steel bolts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.5B 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.2B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.5B 11% of world exports
World total: $22.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.8B 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.2B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $1.5B 6.7% of world imports
World total: $22.3B 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 steel bolts
Brazil classifies steel bolts under NCM 7318.15.00: HS 7318.15 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 steel bolts
What is the HS code for Steel bolts?
The HS code for Steel bolts is 731815 (Iron or steel; threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers). The international HS code for threaded steel bolts and screws is 7318.15.
How do I classify Steel bolts for customs?
Steel bolts is classified under HS code 731815 — Iron or steel; threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are nuts and washers included in the bolt HS code?
If nuts and washers are presented together with the bolts in a single shipment and in corresponding quantities, they are generally classified together under 7318.15. If shipped separately, nuts are 7318.16 and washers are 7318.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel bolts (HS 731815)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731815 (the code used for steel bolts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 20% of world exports), Germany ($3.2B) and the United States ($2.5B). World exports came to about $22.7B, 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 steel bolts (HS 731815)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731815 (the code used for steel bolts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.8B, 13% of world imports), Germany ($2.2B) and Mexico ($1.5B). World imports came to about $22.3B, 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 Steel bolts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731815 for Steel bolts 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 steel bolts in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel bolts (HS 731815) is classified under NCM 7318.15.00.