Product classification
HS code for Steel rivets: 7318.23
Iron or steel, non-threaded rivets.
Classification of steel rivets under HS 7318.23
Steel rivets are classified under HS code 7318.23, which falls within Chapter 73 of the Harmonized System, covering articles of iron or steel. Specifically, heading 7318 encompasses screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, and similar articles. The classification of rivets under 7318.23 is determined by the product's physical characteristics as a non-threaded mechanical fastener. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the nomenclature of the heading and subheadings dictates that non-threaded articles are grouped separately from threaded ones. Rivets are permanent fasteners that are typically deformed during installation to secure two or more components together. The material composition must be iron or non-alloy steel; if the rivets were manufactured from stainless steel, they would still fall under this subheading, though specific regional trade data might distinguish them. The classification process requires verifying that the item lacks any helical threading, which distinguishes it from bolts or screws.
- Covers
- Solid steel rivets for structural engineering
- Blind rivets (commonly known as pop rivets)
- Semi-tubular and fully tubular steel rivets
- Bifurcated (split) rivets for heavy-duty fastening
- Large button head and countersunk rivets
- Also under 7318.23
- POP Rivets (Stanley Engineered Fastening)
- Avdel rivets
- Fastenal blind rivets
- Würth solid rivets
Codes often confused with 7318.23
Common mistake. Steel rivets are frequently misclassified under HS code 7318.15, which is reserved for threaded bolts and screws. The legal distinction rests entirely on the presence of threads. Another common error is the use of HS code 8308.20, which covers tubular or bifurcated rivets of base metal specifically designed for clothing, footwear, or travel goods. If the rivet is intended for industrial or structural use, 7318.23 is correct. Additionally, cotters and cotter-pins are often confused with rivets but must be classified under 7318.24.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731823 (the code used for steel rivets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731823 (the code used for steel rivets) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.5% 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 731823, not only steel rivets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $238M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $152M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $141M 15% of world exports
World total: $940M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $68M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $63M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $58M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $897M 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 rivets
Brazil classifies steel rivets under NCM 7318.23.00: HS 7318.23 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 rivets
What is the HS code for Steel rivets?
The HS code for Steel rivets is 731823 (Iron or steel; non-threaded rivets). The standard international HS code for non-threaded steel rivets is 7318.23. This code is used for customs declarations globally to identify permanent steel fasteners.
How do I classify Steel rivets for customs?
Steel rivets is classified under HS code 731823 — Iron or steel; non-threaded rivets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS code 7318.23 and 8308.20?
HS code 7318.23 is for general-purpose industrial and structural rivets. HS code 8308.20 is specifically for rivets used in the apparel and leather goods industries, which are often lighter and have different functional standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel rivets (HS 731823)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731823 (the code used for steel rivets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($238M, 25% of world exports), China ($152M) and Germany ($141M). World exports came to about $940M, 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 rivets (HS 731823)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731823 (the code used for steel rivets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($68M, 7.5% of world imports), Mexico ($63M) and the United States ($58M). World imports came to about $897M, 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 rivets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731823 for Steel rivets 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 rivets in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel rivets (HS 731823) is classified under NCM 7318.23.00.