Product classification
HS code for Steel cable: 7312.10
Iron or steel, stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated.
Classification of steel cable under HS 7312.10
Steel cable is classified under HS code 7312.10, which encompasses stranded wire, ropes, and cables made of iron or steel. The primary criteria for this classification are the manufacturing process—specifically the twisting or stranding of multiple wires together—and the absence of electrical insulation. This heading includes products regardless of their cross-sectional shape or the number of strands, provided they are not prepared for use as electric conductors. The classification covers both bare steel and coated steel (such as galvanized or plastic-coated), as long as the coating does not provide electrical insulation that would shift the product to Chapter 85. This code is essential for identifying structural and mechanical cables used in lifting, towing, and reinforcing applications. The classification is based on the physical structure of the wire being bundled or twisted, which distinguishes it from single-strand wire found in heading 7217.
- Covers
- Galvanized steel wire rope
- Stainless steel lifting cables
- Non-insulated guy wires
- Stranded steel wire for fencing
- Steel wire stays for marine use
- Also under 7312.10
- Bridon-Bekaert wire ropes
- Loos & Co. aircraft cables
- US Wire & Rope crane cables
- Python wire ropes
- Teufelberger steel cables
Codes often confused with 7312.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for steel cable is HS code 8544, which is reserved for insulated electric cables. If a steel cable has any layer of material intended to act as an electrical insulator, it must be moved to Chapter 85. Another common error is using HS code 7312.90, which is meant for plaited bands, slings, and similar articles that have been further worked into specific tools. Single-strand steel wire is often confused with cable but belongs under 7217.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731210 (the code used for steel cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731210 (the code used for steel cable) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% 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 731210, not only steel cable.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.8B 36% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$440M 5.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $435M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $934M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $357M 4.7% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$316M 4.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.6B 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 codes for steel cable
Brazil splits HS 7312.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7312.10.10Brass- or bronze-coated steel wire ropes, cables
- 7312.10.90Other iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, cables
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steel cable
What is the HS code for Steel cable?
The HS code for Steel cable is 731210 (Iron or steel; stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated). The HS code for non-electrically insulated steel cable and stranded wire is 7312.10.
How do I classify Steel cable for customs?
Steel cable is classified under HS code 731210 — Iron or steel; stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is plastic-coated steel cable classified here?
Yes, as long as the plastic coating is for corrosion resistance or identification and not for electrical insulation, it remains under 7312.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel cable (HS 731210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731210 (the code used for steel cable) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 36% of world exports), Vietnam (about $440M) and Germany ($435M). World exports came to about $7.7B, 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 cable (HS 731210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731210 (the code used for steel cable) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($934M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($357M) and Vietnam (about $316M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731210 for Steel cable 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 cable in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel cable depends on the product's details: 7312.10.10 (Brass- or bronze-coated steel wire ropes, cables), 7312.10.90 (Other iron or steel stranded wire, ropes, cables).