Product classification
HS code for Tire chain: 7315.20
Chain, skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel.
Classification of tire chain under HS 7315.20
Tire chains, also known as skid chains, are classified under HS code 7315.20. This heading covers chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Subheading 7315.20 is specifically designated for 'skid chain.' These products are designed to be fitted onto the tires of vehicles to provide better traction and prevent skidding on snow, ice, or mud. The classification is based on the material (iron or steel) and the specific application as an anti-skid device. The construction usually involves a series of articulated links that form a mesh or ladder pattern over the tire tread. Even if the chains include small tensioning components made of other materials like rubber or plastic, the essential character of the product is provided by the steel chain, thus remaining in Chapter 73.
- Covers
- Steel snow chains for passenger cars
- Heavy-duty mud chains for trucks
- Articulated link skid chains
- Traction chains for tractors and earthmovers
- Also under 7315.20
- Peerless Chain snow chains
- Thule (König) tire chains
- RUD tire chains
- Laclede Chain skid chains
Codes often confused with 7315.20
Common mistake. Tire chains are often misclassified under HS code 7315.82, which is a general category for other welded link chains. However, because 7315.20 is a specific provision for skid chains, it must be used according to the principle of specificity. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 4016.99, which covers other articles of vulcanized rubber. This happens when the product is a 'liquid chain' or a purely rubber traction aid. If the product is made of plastic, it should be classified under 3926.90. Only chains where the traction element is made of iron or steel belong in 7315.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731520 (the code used for tire chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731520 (the code used for tire chain) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 731520, not only tire chain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $61M 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $45M 18% of world exports
- 3 Austria $30M 12% of world exports
World total: $246M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $23M 10% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $12M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $227M 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 tire chain
Brazil classifies tire chain under NCM 7315.20.00: HS 7315.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tire chain
What is the HS code for Tire chain?
The HS code for Tire chain is 731520 (Chain; skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel). The HS code for iron or steel tire chains (skid chains) is 7315.20.
How do I classify Tire chain for customs?
Tire chain is classified under HS code 731520 — Chain; skid, articulated link chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic emergency snow traction ties classified here?
No, plastic traction ties or 'zip-tie' style snow chains are classified under HS code 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of tire chain (HS 731520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731520 (the code used for tire chain) in UN Comtrade data were China ($61M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($45M) and Austria ($30M). World exports came to about $246M, 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 tire chain (HS 731520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731520 (the code used for tire chain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($23M) and Sweden ($12M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 Tire chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731520 for Tire chain 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 tire chain in Brazil?
In Brazil, tire chain (HS 731520) is classified under NCM 7315.20.00.