Product classification
HS code for Steel rails: 7302.10
Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material, rails.
Classification of steel rails under HS 7302.10
Steel rails are classified under HS code 7302.10. This classification is governed by heading 7302, which covers railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel. The classification is straightforward under GIR 1, as rails are specifically named in the heading and subheading. These products are characterized by their specific cross-sectional profiles designed to support and guide railway vehicles. They are typically made of high-carbon steel to withstand significant wear and heavy axle loads. The rails must be intended for track construction; this includes both heavy-duty railway lines and lighter tramway or industrial track systems. The manufacturing process involves hot-rolling long steel blooms into the specific rail profile, followed by controlled cooling to ensure the necessary metallurgical properties for safety and durability.
- Covers
- Vignole rails (flat-bottom rails)
- Grooved rails for tramways
- Flanged rails
- Conductor rails (third rails) for electric trains
- Rack rails for cog railways
- Also under 7302.10
- ArcelorMittal rails
- Nippon Steel rails
- EVRAZ rails
- Tata Steel rails
- Voestalpine rails
Codes often confused with 7302.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7302.30, which covers switch blades, crossing frogs, and other specialized track points. While these are made from rails, they are considered "worked" track material and have their own subheading. Another error is classifying crane rails or industrial guide rails under heading 7228 (alloy steel bars) if they are made of alloy steel and not specifically marketed as railway track. However, if the profile is clearly a rail for a transport system, 7302.10 takes precedence. Additionally, used rails intended for scrap should be classified under 7204 rather than 7302.
Top exporters and importers of HS 730210 (the code used for steel rails), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 730210 (the code used for steel rails) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 730210, not only steel rails.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $652M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $540M 19% of world exports
- 3 Japan $306M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $366M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $180M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $175M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 rails
Brazil splits HS 7302.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7302.10.10Steel rails, 44.5 kg/m or heavier
- 7302.10.90Other railway or tramway rails
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 rails
What is the HS code for Steel rails?
The HS code for Steel rails is 730210 (Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; rails). The HS code for railway and tramway rails made of iron or steel is 7302.10.
How do I classify Steel rails for customs?
Steel rails is classified under HS code 730210 — Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material; rails. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include rails for overhead cranes?
Yes, if the rails are of the type used for railway or tramway tracks, they are classified here, even if used for industrial crane runways.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel rails (HS 730210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 730210 (the code used for steel rails) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($652M, 23% of world exports), China ($540M) and Japan ($306M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of steel rails (HS 730210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 730210 (the code used for steel rails) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($366M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($180M) and Canada ($175M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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 rails the same in all countries?
The base HS code 730210 for Steel rails 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 rails in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 730210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel rails depends on the product's details: 7302.10.10 (Steel rails, 44.5 kg/m or heavier), 7302.10.90 (Other railway or tramway rails).