Product classification
HS code for Welded link chain: 7315.82
Chain, welded link chain, of iron or steel.
Classification of welded link chain under HS 7315.82
Welded link chain is classified under HS code 7315.82. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 7315 covers chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Within this heading, the code 7315.82 is specifically designated for welded link chain. The classification depends on the manufacturing process where individual links are formed from steel rod or wire and then permanently joined by welding at the contact point. This distinguishes it from articulated link chains, which rely on mechanical pins, or chains that are simply bent into shape without a fused joint. The material must be iron or steel, and the chain must be of the link variety rather than a cable or rope construction.
- Covers
- Carbon steel welded link chains for general purpose use
- High-tensile alloy steel lifting chains (Grade 80, Grade 100)
- Mooring and anchor chains without studs
- Security and decorative welded chains
- Conveyor chains with welded links
- Also under 7315.82
- Peerless Chain
- Campbell Chain
- Crosby Group lifting chains
- Columbus McKinnon (CM) chains
Codes often confused with 7315.82
Common mistake. A frequent error is misclassifying welded link chain under HS code 7315.11 or 7315.12. These codes are strictly for articulated link chains, such as roller chains or silent chains, which function through pins and bushings rather than fused links. Another common mistake involves HS code 7315.81, which is specifically for stud-link chain. Stud-link chain includes a transverse bar across the middle of each link to prevent deformation, typically used in heavy marine anchors. Additionally, some importers confuse these with 7312.10, which covers stranded wire, ropes, and cables. While both are used for lifting, the structural construction of a welded link is fundamentally different from a twisted wire rope.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731582 (the code used for welded link chain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731582 (the code used for welded link chain) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 731582, not only welded link chain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $389M 46% of world exports
- 2 Germany $151M 18% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $41M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $839M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $122M 15% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $74M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 China $67M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $820M 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 welded link chain
Brazil classifies welded link chain under NCM 7315.82.00: HS 7315.82 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about welded link chain
What is the HS code for Welded link chain?
The HS code for Welded link chain is 731582 (Chain; welded link chain, of iron or steel). The standard HS code for welded link chain made of iron or steel is 7315.82.
How do I classify Welded link chain for customs?
Welded link chain is classified under HS code 731582 — Chain; welded link chain, of iron or steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 7315.82 differ from 7315.81?
HS code 7315.81 is specifically for stud-link chain, which features a support bar across each link, whereas 7315.82 is for standard welded links without such supports.
Which countries are the top exporters of welded link chain (HS 731582)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731582 (the code used for welded link chain) in UN Comtrade data were China ($389M, 46% of world exports), Germany ($151M) and Czechia ($41M). World exports came to about $839M, 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 welded link chain (HS 731582)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731582 (the code used for welded link chain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($122M, 15% of world imports), Brazil ($74M) and China ($67M). World imports came to about $820M, 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 Welded link chain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731582 for Welded link 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 welded link chain in Brazil?
In Brazil, welded link chain (HS 731582) is classified under NCM 7315.82.00.