Product classification
HS code for Steel nails: 7317.00
Iron or steel, nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, staples (not those of heading no. 8305) and the like, with heads of other material or not, but excluding articles with heads of copper.
Classification of steel nails under HS 7317.00
HS code 7317.00 covers a wide range of fasteners including nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, and staples. These items are made of iron or steel and are characterized by their use in joining materials through piercing. Unlike screws or bolts, these items do not typically feature threads. The classification 7317.00 is broad and includes articles with heads made of other materials (like plastic or lead), provided the shank is iron or steel. However, it explicitly excludes articles with heads of copper, which are classified under Chapter 74. The manufacturing process usually involves wire drawing followed by cold heading and pointing. This code is used for bulk industrial nails as well as specialized tacks used in upholstery or construction. The classification is based on the physical form and the method of application (driving in with a hammer or pneumatic tool). It is important to note that this heading also includes staples, but only those used for heavy-duty applications or construction, rather than office use.
- Covers
- Common steel nails and finishing nails
- Roofing nails and masonry nails
- Steel tacks and drawing pins
- Corrugated nails for wood joining
- Industrial staples (not in strips)
- Also under 7317.00
- Senco staples
- Paslode nails
- Grip-Rite nails
- Stanley tacks
- Bostitch fasteners
Codes often confused with 7317.00
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion is between 7317.00 and 8305.20. While both cover staples, 8305.20 is specifically for staples in strips, such as those used in office staplers or for packaging. Industrial staples used in construction or heavy-duty manufacturing remain under 7317.00. Additionally, if a nail has a copper head, it must be classified under 7415, even if the shank is steel, due to the specific exclusionary notes in Chapter 73. Furthermore, threaded fasteners that might look like nails but function as screws must be moved to 7318.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731700 (the code used for steel nails), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731700 (the code used for steel nails) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% 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 731700, not only steel nails.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 49% of world exports
- 2 India $116M 3.7% of world exports
- 3 Germany $113M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $937M 32% of world imports
- 2 Canada $124M 4.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $116M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 codes for steel nails
Brazil splits HS 7317.00 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7317.00.10Iron or steel tacks
- 7317.00.20Iron or steel bent-wire staples
- 7317.00.30Points or teeth for textile machines
- 7317.00.90Other iron or steel nails and the like
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steel nails
What is the HS code for Steel nails?
The HS code for Steel nails is 731700 (Iron or steel; nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, staples (not those of heading no. 8305) and the like, with heads of other material or not, but excluding articles with heads of copper). The HS code for nails, tacks, and similar articles of iron or steel is 7317.00.
How do I classify Steel nails for customs?
Steel nails is classified under HS code 731700 — Iron or steel; nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, staples (not those of heading no. 8305) and the like, with heads of other material or not, but excluding articles with heads of copper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are office staples included in this HS code?
No, office staples in strips are classified under HS code 8305.20; 7317.00 is for industrial or loose staples.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel nails (HS 731700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731700 (the code used for steel nails) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 49% of world exports), India ($116M) and Germany ($113M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 nails (HS 731700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731700 (the code used for steel nails) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($937M, 32% of world imports), Canada ($124M) and Germany ($116M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 nails the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731700 for Steel nails 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 nails in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731700 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for steel nails depends on the product's details: 7317.00.10 (Iron or steel tacks), 7317.00.20 (Iron or steel bent-wire staples), 7317.00.30 (Points or teeth for textile machines), 7317.00.90 (Other iron or steel nails and the like).