Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, plates, wire rods and other steel materials and their finished products, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, ships and other goods of iron or steel already classified in other chapters. This chapter ranges from semi-finished steel products (such as rough castings, forgings) to various structural parts, containers, household utensils, etc., and is the chapter with the most concentrated coverage of iron and steel products. Heading 7308 covers iron or steel structures and parts thereof (such as bridges, bridge sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames, thresholds, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns, etc.), as well as iron or steel plates, rods, profiles, tubes, etc., processed for structural use. Note, however, that this heading does not include articles clearly falling under other headings, such as ships, vehicles, etc. The first 2 digits 73 represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel. Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 7308, namely iron or steel structures and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 730810, specifically iron or steel bridges and bridge sections. Therefore, the full code 730810 means "iron or steel bridges and bridge sections," specifically referring to iron or steel structural bridges and their prefabricated components used to span rivers, gorges or other obstacles. The goods are steel structure bridges, which are typical iron or steel structures and are clearly intended for bridge use. According to HS classification rules, bridges and their parts, if made of iron or steel, should be classified under 7308.10, rather than other headings such as 7308.90 (other iron or steel structures) or 7302 (railway track construction material of iron or steel). Therefore, 730810 is the most precise classification.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, plates, wire rods and other steel materials and their finished products, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, ships and other goods of iron or steel already classified in other chapters. This chapter ranges from semi-finished steel products (such as rough castings, forgings) to various structural parts, containers, household utensils, etc., and is the chapter with the most concentrated coverage of iron and steel products.
Heading
Heading 7308 covers iron or steel structures and parts thereof (such as bridges, bridge sections, lock-gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames, thresholds, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns, etc.), as well as iron or steel plates, rods, profiles, tubes, etc., processed for structural use. Note, however, that this heading does not include articles clearly falling under other headings, such as ships, vehicles, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 73 represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel. Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 7308, namely iron or steel structures and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 730810, specifically iron or steel bridges and bridge sections. Therefore, the full code 730810 means "iron or steel bridges and bridge sections," specifically referring to iron or steel structural bridges and their prefabricated components used to span rivers, gorges or other obstacles.
Classification Basis
The goods are steel structure bridges, which are typical iron or steel structures and are clearly intended for bridge use. According to HS classification rules, bridges and their parts, if made of iron or steel, should be classified under 7308.10, rather than other headings such as 7308.90 (other iron or steel structures) or 7302 (railway track construction material of iron or steel). Therefore, 730810 is the most precise classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods should be accurately described as "steel structure bridge" or "iron or steel bridge section," avoiding vague generic terms. Material and composition: State the specific type of steel (such as carbon steel or alloy steel) and the content of main chemical components to ensure it meets the definition of steel. Specifications and model: Provide parameters such as dimensions, span and load rating of the bridge or bridge section so that customs can accurately identify it. Use: Clearly declare the specific use, such as for highway, railway or pedestrian bridges, to distinguish it from other building structures. Processing method: State the main processing techniques, such as welding, riveting, bolting, etc., which affect the classification determination. Brand and model: If there is a brand and model, declare them truthfully; if there is no brand, state "no brand." Quantity and unit: Declare by weight (kilograms) or number of pieces, and indicate the unit of measurement, such as "set" or "piece." Product name: Steel structure bridge (for highway use); Material: Carbon steel Q345B; Specifications: span 40 meters, width 12 meters, load rating Highway-I; Use: highway river-crossing bridge; Processing method: welded forming, surface hot-dip galvanized; Brand: no brand; Model: none; Quantity: 1 set; Unit: set; Weight: 50,000 kilograms. Confusing bridge parts with complete bridges, leading to incorrect classification. Ignoring material certification, making it impossible to prove it is made of iron or steel. Unclear declaration of use, which may result in classification under other building structures.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods should be accurately described as "steel structure bridge" or "iron or steel bridge section," avoiding vague generic terms.
⚠️ Declaring only as "bridge" without indicating the material, or incorrectly reporting as "building structural component."
Material and composition
State the specific type of steel (such as carbon steel or alloy steel) and the content of main chemical components to ensure it meets the definition of steel.
⚠️ Failing to provide material certification, or incorrectly reporting as stainless steel when it is actually carbon steel.
Specifications and model
Provide parameters such as dimensions, span and load rating of the bridge or bridge section so that customs can accurately identify it.
⚠️ Filling in only "standard type" without specific data, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Clearly declare the specific use, such as for highway, railway or pedestrian bridges, to distinguish it from other building structures.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "for construction" without highlighting the bridge-specific nature.
Processing method
State the main processing techniques, such as welding, riveting, bolting, etc., which affect the classification determination.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether further processing has been carried out, such as painting or galvanizing.
Brand and model
If there is a brand and model, declare them truthfully; if there is no brand, state "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or model, resulting in inconsistency with invoice information.
Quantity and unit
Declare by weight (kilograms) or number of pieces, and indicate the unit of measurement, such as "set" or "piece."
⚠️ Confusing units, such as incorrectly reporting "set" as "kilograms."
Confusing bridge parts with complete bridges, leading to incorrect classification.
Ignoring material certification, making it impossible to prove it is made of iron or steel.
Unclear declaration of use, which may result in classification under other building structures.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to HS Chapter 73 and the text of heading 7308. Iron or steel bridges and bridge sections must satisfy: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) they are specially used for bridge construction; 3) they are unassembled or assembled but have the essential character of a bridge. If the bridge parts are made of concrete or composite materials, they are not classified under this code. At the same time, reference should be made to the definition of "bridge" in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. 730890 Other iron or steel structures: 730890 covers other iron or steel structures not elsewhere specified, such as towers and roofing frameworks, while 730810 specifically refers to bridges and has a specific use. 730820 Iron or steel towers and lattice masts: 730820 is used for tower structures such as electricity towers and communication towers, which differ from bridges in use and structure. 730840 Iron or steel scaffolding, formwork, etc.: 730840 covers temporary structures for construction, while bridges are permanent building structures. 730230 Iron or steel switch blades, etc.: 730230 belongs to railway track material and is used for railway lines, not bridges. Is the material iron or steel? Is it specially used for bridges? Does it include bridge sections or parts? Has it undergone further processing? Is it mixed with other materials?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to HS Chapter 73 and the text of heading 7308. Iron or steel bridges and bridge sections must satisfy: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) they are specially used for bridge construction; 3) they are unassembled or assembled but have the essential character of a bridge. If the bridge parts are made of concrete or composite materials, they are not classified under this code. At the same time, reference should be made to the definition of "bridge" in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System.
Confused Codes：
730890 - Other iron or steel structures
730890 covers other iron or steel structures not elsewhere specified, such as towers and roofing frameworks, while 730810 specifically refers to bridges and has a specific use.
730820 - Iron or steel towers and lattice masts
730820 is used for tower structures such as electricity towers and communication towers, which differ from bridges in use and structure.
730840 - Iron or steel scaffolding, formwork, etc.
730840 covers temporary structures for construction, while bridges are permanent building structures.
730230 - Iron or steel switch blades, etc.
730230 belongs to railway track material and is used for railway lines, not bridges.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material iron or steel?
✓ Is it specially used for bridges?
✓ Does it include bridge sections or parts?
✓ Has it undergone further processing?
✓ Is it mixed with other materials?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for steel structure bridges? The HS code for steel structure bridges is 730810, namely iron or steel bridges and bridge sections. This code applies to complete bridges or prefabricated sections made of iron or steel. How do you distinguish 730810 from 730890? 730810 specifically refers to bridges, while 730890 covers other iron or steel structures not elsewhere specified. If the goods are specially used for bridges, they should be classified under 730810; if they are general building structures, they should be classified under 730890. What elements need attention when declaring? It is necessary to declare the product name, material, specifications, use, processing method, brand and model, quantity and unit, etc. Material and use are key, and vague declarations should be avoided. Can bridge parts be classified under 730810? Yes, as long as the parts are made of iron or steel and are specially used for bridges, such as bridge sections and bridge piers, they can be classified under 730810. However, proof of the connection between the parts and the bridge must be provided. How can the tax rate for imported steel structure bridges be checked? The tax rate must be determined according to the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. The latest tax rate can be checked through customs tariff schedules, customs union websites, or by consulting a customs broker. Specific values are not provided here. How should a bridge made of composite materials be classified? If the main material of the bridge is iron or steel, it is still classified under 730810; if the main material is concrete, it may be classified under Chapter 6810 or other chapters. The determination should be based on the main material. What documents are required for exporting steel structure bridges? Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, material certificate, statement of use, etc. are required. For specific documentary requirements, consult the local customs. Does HS code 730810 apply to all bridges? It applies only to iron or steel bridges. Bridges made of other materials, such as concrete or stone, must be classified under other codes. In addition, ancillary facilities of bridges such as lighting and guardrails, if declared separately, may be classified under other headings.
Q: What is the HS code for steel structure bridges?
A: The HS code for steel structure bridges is 730810, namely iron or steel bridges and bridge sections. This code applies to complete bridges or prefabricated sections made of iron or steel.
Q: How do you distinguish 730810 from 730890?
A: 730810 specifically refers to bridges, while 730890 covers other iron or steel structures not elsewhere specified. If the goods are specially used for bridges, they should be classified under 730810; if they are general building structures, they should be classified under 730890.
Q: What elements need attention when declaring?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, material, specifications, use, processing method, brand and model, quantity and unit, etc. Material and use are key, and vague declarations should be avoided.
Q: Can bridge parts be classified under 730810?
A: Yes, as long as the parts are made of iron or steel and are specially used for bridges, such as bridge sections and bridge piers, they can be classified under 730810. However, proof of the connection between the parts and the bridge must be provided.
Q: How can the tax rate for imported steel structure bridges be checked?
A: The tax rate must be determined according to the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. The latest tax rate can be checked through customs tariff schedules, customs union websites, or by consulting a customs broker. Specific values are not provided here.
Q: How should a bridge made of composite materials be classified?
A: If the main material of the bridge is iron or steel, it is still classified under 730810; if the main material is concrete, it may be classified under Chapter 6810 or other chapters. The determination should be based on the main material.
Q: What documents are required for exporting steel structure bridges?
A: Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, customs declaration form, material certificate, statement of use, etc. are required. For specific documentary requirements, consult the local customs.
Q: Does HS code 730810 apply to all bridges?
A: It applies only to iron or steel bridges. Bridges made of other materials, such as concrete or stone, must be classified under other codes. In addition, ancillary facilities of bridges such as lighting and guardrails, if declared separately, may be classified under other headings.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.