Product classification
HS code for Wire rope slings: 7312.90
Iron or steel, plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated.
Classification of wire rope slings under HS 7312.90
Wire rope slings are classified under HS code 7312.90, which covers articles made from iron or steel wire, specifically plaited bands, slings, and similar items that are not electrically insulated. While the raw wire rope itself is classified under 7312.10, once that rope is further processed into a specific article like a sling—typically by adding loops, eyes, or fittings at the ends—it moves to the 7312.90 category. This classification recognizes that the product is no longer just a bulk material but a finished or semi-finished tool used for lifting and securing loads. The absence of electrical insulation is a key factor, as insulated cables would be classified in Chapter 85. These slings are essential in construction, shipping, and manufacturing for rigging and material handling. The classification remains the same regardless of the number of legs (single-leg, two-leg, etc.) or the type of end-fittings used, provided the primary component is the iron or steel wire rope.
- Covers
- Steel wire rope slings
- Plaited wire bands
- Lifting strops made of wire
- Wire rope assemblies with mechanical splices
- Bridle slings made of steel wire
- 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. The most common misclassification is using 7312.10, which is reserved for stranded wire, ropes, and cables in bulk or on reels without end attachments. Another error is 7326.90, which is a residual category for other articles of iron or steel; however, because 7312 specifically mentions slings, it takes precedence. If the sling is made of textile fibers instead of wire, it would fall under 5609.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731290 (the code used for wire rope slings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731290 (the code used for wire rope 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 wire rope 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 wire rope slings
Brazil classifies wire rope 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 wire rope slings
What is the HS code for Wire rope slings?
The HS code for Wire rope slings is 731290 (Iron or steel; plaited bands, slings and the like, not electrically insulated). The HS code for iron or steel wire rope slings that are not electrically insulated is 7312.90.
How do I classify Wire rope slings for customs?
Wire rope 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 the metal hooks on the sling classified separately?
Generally, if the hooks or shackles are permanently attached as part of the sling assembly, the entire unit is classified under 7312.90 as a finished article.
Which countries are the top exporters of wire rope slings (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731290 (the code used for wire rope 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 wire rope slings (HS 731290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731290 (the code used for wire rope 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 Wire rope slings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731290 for Wire rope 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 wire rope slings in Brazil?
In Brazil, wire rope slings (HS 731290) is classified under NCM 7312.90.00.