Product classification
HS code for Steel wire rope: 7312.10
Iron or steel, stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated.
Classification of steel wire rope under HS 7312.10
Steel wire rope is classified under HS code 7312.10 because it consists of multiple strands of wire twisted together to form a rope or cable. This heading covers stranded wire, ropes, cables, plaited bands, slings, and similar articles of iron or steel. The primary requirement for this classification is that the product must not be electrically insulated. The construction involves a core (which can be fiber or steel) around which strands are laid, providing high tensile strength for lifting, towing, and structural support. The classification remains the same whether the rope is made of bright (uncoated) wire, galvanized wire, or stainless steel, as heading 7312 does not differentiate by the type of steel alloy in its primary subheading. The manufacturing process involves drawing wire to a specific gauge and then using a closing machine to twist the wires into strands and the strands into the final rope. This code is used globally for heavy-duty rigging equipment. It is important to note that the presence of fittings (like hooks or loops) does not necessarily change the classification, provided the essential character remains that of wire rope or a sling made from wire rope.
- Covers
- Steel cables for cranes and elevators
- Wire rope slings for lifting
- Non-insulated stranded wire for guy lines
- Plaited bands of steel wire
- Galvanized steel wire rope
- Stainless steel wire rope
- 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. Often confused with 8544, which covers insulated electric conductors. If the wire rope has any electrical insulation (not just a protective plastic sleeve), it must be moved to Chapter 85. It is also distinct from 7315, which covers iron or steel chains, and 7312.90, which covers other stranded products like barbed wire (though barbed wire has its own heading 7313).
Top exporters and importers of HS 731210 (the code used for steel wire rope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731210 (the code used for steel wire rope) 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 wire rope.
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 wire rope
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 wire rope
What is the HS code for Steel wire rope?
The HS code for Steel wire rope is 731210 (Iron or steel; stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically insulated). The HS code for non-insulated iron or steel wire rope and stranded wire is 7312.10.
How do I classify Steel wire rope for customs?
Steel wire rope 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.
Does this include stainless steel rope?
Yes, heading 7312 covers both alloy and non-alloy steel stranded products, including stainless steel wire rope.
Which countries are the top exporters of steel wire rope (HS 731210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731210 (the code used for steel wire rope) 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 wire rope (HS 731210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731210 (the code used for steel wire rope) 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 wire rope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731210 for Steel wire rope 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 wire rope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 731210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for steel wire rope 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).