Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes products of iron or steel specifically named in other chapters (e.g., machine parts fall under Chapter 84, vehicle parts under Chapter 87). This chapter includes semi-finished and finished products of iron or steel such as pipes, plates, bars, and wire, as well as structural members, containers, chains, springs, tableware, etc. The core is general-purpose articles of iron or steel materials processed by forging, stamping, welding, etc., rather than specialized machinery or electronic equipment. Heading 7315 covers chains and parts thereof, of iron or steel. It includes various transmission chains, lifting chains, anchor chains, ladder chains, etc., as well as chain accessories such as chain links, link plates, pins, rollers, bushings, etc. Note: if chains are dedicated for use in vehicles or machines and are classified as machine parts under Chapters 84/87, they are excluded; ordinary chains and accessories are classified under this heading. Code 731590 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 73 = chapter for articles of iron or steel; digits 3-4, 15 = heading for chains and parts thereof; digits 5-6, 90 = other subheading, i.e., chain accessories not elsewhere specified. Specifically, under 7315: 731511 bicycle chains, 731512 motorcycle chains, 731519 other articulated link chains, 731520 anti-skid chains, 731581 ladder chains, 731582 other welded link chains, 731589 other chains, 731590 other parts of chains. 731590 specifically refers to chain parts other than articulated link chains, anti-skid chains, ladder chains, and welded link chains, such as chain links, rollers, bushings, pins, etc. This commodity is a chain accessory (such as a chain link or roller), not a complete chain, nor a machine part specifically named in other headings. Because it is a dedicated part of an iron or steel chain and is not specifically named in Chapter 84 or Chapter 87, it is classified under 731590, the last subheading of 7315. If the accessory is a part dedicated for use in an automobile engine timing chain, it may be classified under 8409 or 8708, and must be determined based on use.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes products of iron or steel specifically named in other chapters (e.g., machine parts fall under Chapter 84, vehicle parts under Chapter 87). This chapter includes semi-finished and finished products of iron or steel such as pipes, plates, bars, and wire, as well as structural members, containers, chains, springs, tableware, etc. The core is general-purpose articles of iron or steel materials processed by forging, stamping, welding, etc., rather than specialized machinery or electronic equipment.
Heading
Heading 7315 covers chains and parts thereof, of iron or steel. It includes various transmission chains, lifting chains, anchor chains, ladder chains, etc., as well as chain accessories such as chain links, link plates, pins, rollers, bushings, etc. Note: if chains are dedicated for use in vehicles or machines and are classified as machine parts under Chapters 84/87, they are excluded; ordinary chains and accessories are classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 731590 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 73 = chapter for articles of iron or steel; digits 3-4, 15 = heading for chains and parts thereof; digits 5-6, 90 = other subheading, i.e., chain accessories not elsewhere specified. Specifically, under 7315: 731511 bicycle chains, 731512 motorcycle chains, 731519 other articulated link chains, 731520 anti-skid chains, 731581 ladder chains, 731582 other welded link chains, 731589 other chains, 731590 other parts of chains. 731590 specifically refers to chain parts other than articulated link chains, anti-skid chains, ladder chains, and welded link chains, such as chain links, rollers, bushings, pins, etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a chain accessory (such as a chain link or roller), not a complete chain, nor a machine part specifically named in other headings. Because it is a dedicated part of an iron or steel chain and is not specifically named in Chapter 84 or Chapter 87, it is classified under 731590, the last subheading of 7315. If the accessory is a part dedicated for use in an automobile engine timing chain, it may be classified under 8409 or 8708, and must be determined based on use.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'chain accessory', 'chain link', 'roller', etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The specific type of iron or steel declared, such as 'alloy steel', 'carbon steel', 'stainless steel', and indicate the grade (e.g., 40Cr). Use: Explain the usage scenario of the accessory, such as 'for industrial transmission chains' or 'for motorcycle chain repair'. Brand: Declare the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write 'no brand'. Model: Declare the specific model or specification, such as '08B-1' or '12A-2', for easy identification. Processing Method: Explain the forming process of the accessory, such as 'forging', 'stamping', 'machining', 'welding'. Dimensions: Declare key dimensions, such as pitch, roller diameter, pin length, etc. Product Name: Chain accessory (chain link); Material: alloy steel 40Cr; Use: for connecting industrial transmission chains; Brand: XYZ; Model: 16A-1; Processing Method: machining after forging; Dimensions: pitch 25.4mm, roller diameter 15.88mm. Note: This accessory is a dedicated part of a chain, not a complete chain, and is classified under 731590. Misdeclaring a complete chain as an accessory, resulting in classification under another 7315 subheading instead of 731590. Failure to indicate dedicated use; if used for automobile engines, it may be classified under 8409 or 8708. Declaring the material as stainless steel when it is actually carbon steel, affecting classification and regulatory conditions.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'chain accessory', 'chain link', 'roller', etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing vaguely 'iron or steel article' or 'machine part' without reflecting the characteristics of a chain accessory.
Material
The specific type of iron or steel declared, such as 'alloy steel', 'carbon steel', 'stainless steel', and indicate the grade (e.g., 40Cr).
⚠️ Writing only 'iron' or 'steel' without distinguishing alloy steel from carbon steel, which affects classification.
Use
Explain the usage scenario of the accessory, such as 'for industrial transmission chains' or 'for motorcycle chain repair'.
⚠️ Writing 'general purpose' or 'for machinery', which is too vague to determine whether it is dedicated.
Brand
Declare the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write 'no brand'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or writing 'unknown', which may lead to questions during subsequent inspection.
Model
Declare the specific model or specification, such as '08B-1' or '12A-2', for easy identification.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual goods, or an internal code is filled in that cannot be matched.
Processing Method
Explain the forming process of the accessory, such as 'forging', 'stamping', 'machining', 'welding'.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the processing method, which affects the determination of whether it belongs to 7315.
Dimensions
Declare key dimensions, such as pitch, roller diameter, pin length, etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'standard' without providing specific values, making verification impossible.
Example： Product Name: Chain accessory (chain link); Material: alloy steel 40Cr; Use: for connecting industrial transmission chains; Brand: XYZ; Model: 16A-1; Processing Method: machining after forging; Dimensions: pitch 25.4mm, roller diameter 15.88mm. Note: This accessory is a dedicated part of a chain, not a complete chain, and is classified under 731590.
Common Mistakes：
Misdeclaring a complete chain as an accessory, resulting in classification under another 7315 subheading instead of 731590.
Failure to indicate dedicated use; if used for automobile engines, it may be classified under 8409 or 8708.
Declaring the material as stainless steel when it is actually carbon steel, affecting classification and regulatory conditions.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) whether the commodity is made of iron or steel; 2) whether it is a dedicated part of a chain; 3) whether it is specifically named in Chapter 84 or Chapter 87. If the accessory is dedicated for use in a certain machine (such as an automobile or motorcycle) and the machine part is named in Chapters 84/87, it is preferentially classified under Chapters 84/87. Otherwise, it is classified under 7315. For general-purpose chain accessories such as chain links and rollers, they are all classified under 731590. 731511 Bicycle chains: 731511 is a complete bicycle chain, while 731590 is a chain accessory. If what is declared is a chain link for a bicycle chain, it is still classified under 731590; if it is a complete chain, it is classified under 731511. 731512 Motorcycle chains: 731512 is a complete motorcycle chain, and 731590 is an accessory. If a dedicated accessory for a motorcycle chain is imported separately, it is classified under 731590; but if imported as a set with the chain, it is classified according to the chain. 731519 Other articulated link chains: 731519 is other articulated link chains (such as industrial transmission chains), and 731590 is accessories thereof. Note: if the accessory and the chain are inseparable, it should be classified under the chain subheading. 731589 Other chains: 731589 is other chains not elsewhere specified (such as lifting chains), and 731590 is accessories for these chains. The key distinction is whether it is a complete chain. 848390 Machine parts: If the chain accessory is dedicated for use in a certain machine (such as a machine tool) and the machine part is named in Chapter 84, it is classified under 848390. However, general-purpose chain accessories are still classified under 731590. Is it made of iron or steel? Is it a dedicated part of a chain? Is it a complete chain? If yes, classify under another 7315 subheading. Is it dedicated for use in machines of Chapter 84/87? If yes, consider classification under Chapter 84/87. Is it already named under another 7315 subheading?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) whether the commodity is made of iron or steel; 2) whether it is a dedicated part of a chain; 3) whether it is specifically named in Chapter 84 or Chapter 87. If the accessory is dedicated for use in a certain machine (such as an automobile or motorcycle) and the machine part is named in Chapters 84/87, it is preferentially classified under Chapters 84/87. Otherwise, it is classified under 7315. For general-purpose chain accessories such as chain links and rollers, they are all classified under 731590.
Confused Codes：
731511 - Bicycle chains
731511 is a complete bicycle chain, while 731590 is a chain accessory. If what is declared is a chain link for a bicycle chain, it is still classified under 731590; if it is a complete chain, it is classified under 731511.
731512 - Motorcycle chains
731512 is a complete motorcycle chain, and 731590 is an accessory. If a dedicated accessory for a motorcycle chain is imported separately, it is classified under 731590; but if imported as a set with the chain, it is classified according to the chain.
731519 - Other articulated link chains
731519 is other articulated link chains (such as industrial transmission chains), and 731590 is accessories thereof. Note: if the accessory and the chain are inseparable, it should be classified under the chain subheading.
731589 - Other chains
731589 is other chains not elsewhere specified (such as lifting chains), and 731590 is accessories for these chains. The key distinction is whether it is a complete chain.
848390 - Machine parts
If the chain accessory is dedicated for use in a certain machine (such as a machine tool) and the machine part is named in Chapter 84, it is classified under 848390. However, general-purpose chain accessories are still classified under 731590.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it made of iron or steel?
✓ Is it a dedicated part of a chain?
✓ Is it a complete chain? If yes, classify under another 7315 subheading.
✓ Is it dedicated for use in machines of Chapter 84/87? If yes, consider classification under Chapter 84/87.
✓ Is it already named under another 7315 subheading?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between chain accessories and complete chains? Complete chains are classified according to type under 731511 (bicycle chains), 731512 (motorcycle chains), 731519 (other articulated link chains), 731581 (ladder chains), 731582 (welded link chains), 731589 (other chains). Chain accessories (such as chain links, rollers, pins) are classified under 731590 when imported separately. If accessories are imported as a set with the chain, they are generally classified according to the complete chain. How can it be determined whether a chain accessory is dedicated for automobiles? If the accessory is a dedicated part of an automobile engine timing chain and can be clearly matched to an automobile model, it may be classified under 8409 (engine parts) or 8708 (automobile parts). If it is a general-purpose chain accessory that can be used in various machines, it is classified under 731590. It is recommended to provide proof of use, drawings, and other materials. How should the material be filled in during declaration? The specific material should be indicated, such as 'alloy steel 40Cr', 'carbon steel Q235', 'stainless steel 304'. Avoid writing only 'steel' or 'iron'. Material affects classification; for example, stainless steel chain accessories may involve different regulatory conditions. Does the processing method of chain accessories affect classification? The processing method itself does not change classification, but if the accessory is further processed into a machine-specific part, it may affect classification. For example, a forged and machined chain link is still classified under 731590, but if assembled into a machine component, it may be classified under Chapter 84. What regulatory conditions are required for importing chain accessories? Regulatory conditions depend on the specific material and use. Generally, iron or steel articles have no special regulation, but if stainless steel or alloy steel is involved, anti-dumping duties, tariff quotas, etc., may apply. It is recommended to consult the latest Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or consult a customs broker. If the chain accessory is made of plastic, which code is it classified under? Plastic chain accessories are classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), with the specific subheading determined by the type of plastic and use, such as 39269090. Only iron or steel ones are classified under 731590. How can classification errors be avoided during customs declaration? Recommendations: 1) Provide detailed product name, material, use, model, and dimensions; 2) Keep product drawings or photos; 3) Refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System; 4) Apply for advance classification if necessary. What is the export tax rebate rate for 731590? The export tax rebate rate changes with national policy and is not fixed. It is recommended to consult the latest export tax rebate rate database of the State Taxation Administration or consult the local tax authority. Generally, the rebate rate for iron or steel articles is between 0 and 13%.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between chain accessories and complete chains?
A: Complete chains are classified according to type under 731511 (bicycle chains), 731512 (motorcycle chains), 731519 (other articulated link chains), 731581 (ladder chains), 731582 (welded link chains), 731589 (other chains). Chain accessories (such as chain links, rollers, pins) are classified under 731590 when imported separately. If accessories are imported as a set with the chain, they are generally classified according to the complete chain.
Q: How can it be determined whether a chain accessory is dedicated for automobiles?
A: If the accessory is a dedicated part of an automobile engine timing chain and can be clearly matched to an automobile model, it may be classified under 8409 (engine parts) or 8708 (automobile parts). If it is a general-purpose chain accessory that can be used in various machines, it is classified under 731590. It is recommended to provide proof of use, drawings, and other materials.
Q: How should the material be filled in during declaration?
A: The specific material should be indicated, such as 'alloy steel 40Cr', 'carbon steel Q235', 'stainless steel 304'. Avoid writing only 'steel' or 'iron'. Material affects classification; for example, stainless steel chain accessories may involve different regulatory conditions.
Q: Does the processing method of chain accessories affect classification?
A: The processing method itself does not change classification, but if the accessory is further processed into a machine-specific part, it may affect classification. For example, a forged and machined chain link is still classified under 731590, but if assembled into a machine component, it may be classified under Chapter 84.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for importing chain accessories?
A: Regulatory conditions depend on the specific material and use. Generally, iron or steel articles have no special regulation, but if stainless steel or alloy steel is involved, anti-dumping duties, tariff quotas, etc., may apply. It is recommended to consult the latest Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or consult a customs broker.
Q: If the chain accessory is made of plastic, which code is it classified under?
A: Plastic chain accessories are classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), with the specific subheading determined by the type of plastic and use, such as 39269090. Only iron or steel ones are classified under 731590.
Q: How can classification errors be avoided during customs declaration?
A: Recommendations: 1) Provide detailed product name, material, use, model, and dimensions; 2) Keep product drawings or photos; 3) Refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System; 4) Apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 731590?
A: The export tax rebate rate changes with national policy and is not fixed. It is recommended to consult the latest export tax rebate rate database of the State Taxation Administration or consult the local tax authority. Generally, the rebate rate for iron or steel articles is between 0 and 13%.
⚠️ 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.