Product classification
HS code for Steel slings: 7312.90
Iron or steel, plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated.
Classification of steel slings under HS 7312.90
Steel slings are classified under HS code 7312.90. This code falls within Chapter 73, which encompasses articles of iron or steel. Specifically, heading 7312 covers stranded wire, ropes, cables, plaited bands, slings, and similar items, provided they are not electrically insulated. The subheading 7312.90 is designated for "other" items within this heading, which includes finished slings made from wire rope or plaited bands. These products are essential in lifting and rigging applications. The classification is based on the manufacturing process where steel wires are stranded or plaited and then fashioned into a specific lifting device, often fitted with end attachments like hooks, eyes, or loops. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 7312 includes these items regardless of whether they are cut to length or fitted with joinings. The primary requirement is that the base material is iron or steel and that the final product is not designed for electrical conduction. If the sling is made of chain rather than wire rope, it is excluded from this heading and moved to 7315.
- Covers
- Wire rope slings
- Plaited steel bands
- Lifting strops made of steel wire
- Cargo nets made of steel rope
- Steel wire bridles
- Also under 7312.90
- Crosby Group wire rope slings
- Peerless Industrial Group lifting slings
- Kito steel chain slings
- Gunnebo Industries lifting equipment
- Miller Fall Protection steel lanyards
Codes often confused with 7312.90
Common mistake. Steel slings are often misclassified under HS code 7312.10. While 7312.10 covers stranded wire, ropes, and cables, it is generally intended for these items in bulk or long lengths. Once the rope is converted into a specific article like a sling with loops or fittings, 7312.90 is the more appropriate classification. Another common error is using 7315.82, which is for steel chains; slings made of chain links must be classified there, not under 7312.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731290 (the code used for steel slings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731290 (the code used for steel slings) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 731290, not only steel slings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $104M 25% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $41M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $31M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $414M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $76M 14% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $38M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 China $29M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $557M 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 slings
Brazil classifies steel slings under NCM 7312.90.00: HS 7312.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steel slings
What is the HS code for Steel slings?
The HS code for Steel slings is 731290 (Iron or steel; plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated). The HS code for steel wire rope slings and plaited bands is 7312.90.
How do I classify Steel slings for customs?
Steel slings is classified under HS code 731290 — Iron or steel; plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are insulated steel cables classified here?
No, if the steel cable or sling is electrically insulated, it must be classified under heading 8544 as insulated electric conductors.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel slings (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731290 (the code used for steel slings) in UN Comtrade data were China ($104M, 25% of world exports), Thailand ($41M) and the United States ($31M). World exports came to about $414M, 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 slings (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731290 (the code used for steel slings) in UN Comtrade data were India ($76M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($38M) and China ($29M). World imports came to about $557M, 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 slings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731290 for Steel slings 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 slings in Brazil?
In Brazil, steel slings (HS 731290) is classified under NCM 7312.90.00.