Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting, mineral products, and certain specific goods (such as tools of Chapter 82 and miscellaneous articles of Chapter 83). This chapter includes semi-finished products of iron or steel (such as ingots and billets), flat-rolled products, bars and rods, tubes and pipes, hollow profiles, structures, containers, cables, nails, bolts, springs, etc. Steel anchors, as anchors of iron or steel, fall within the scope of articles of iron or steel of this chapter. Heading 7316 specifically covers anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Anchors are key components for mooring and positioning ships, buoys, offshore platforms, etc., usually made of cast iron, cast steel or forged steel. This heading includes all types of anchors (such as stockless anchors, stocked anchors, high-holding-power anchors) and parts of anchors (such as flukes, shanks, anchor shackles), but excludes anchor chains (classified under 7315) and grabs for lifting (classified under 8431, etc.). Code 731600 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); the 3rd-4th digits '16' represent heading 7316 (anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel); the 5th-6th digits '00' indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all anchors and parts thereof of iron or steel are classified under this subheading. Therefore, 731600 is the complete HS code for anchors of iron or steel. Steel anchors are classified under 7316 rather than other codes because they are anchors of iron or steel, and anchors are articles specifically used for mooring, not falling under 7325 (other cast articles of iron or steel) or 7326 (other articles of iron or steel), since 7316 is a specific heading. Meanwhile, anchor chains should be classified under 7315, and lifting grabs for anchors under 8431, which need to be distinguished.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, but excludes raw materials for iron and steel smelting, mineral products, and certain specific goods (such as tools of Chapter 82 and miscellaneous articles of Chapter 83). This chapter includes semi-finished products of iron or steel (such as ingots and billets), flat-rolled products, bars and rods, tubes and pipes, hollow profiles, structures, containers, cables, nails, bolts, springs, etc. Steel anchors, as anchors of iron or steel, fall within the scope of articles of iron or steel of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 7316 specifically covers anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. Anchors are key components for mooring and positioning ships, buoys, offshore platforms, etc., usually made of cast iron, cast steel or forged steel. This heading includes all types of anchors (such as stockless anchors, stocked anchors, high-holding-power anchors) and parts of anchors (such as flukes, shanks, anchor shackles), but excludes anchor chains (classified under 7315) and grabs for lifting (classified under 8431, etc.).
Digit Breakdown
Code 731600 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '73' represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); the 3rd-4th digits '16' represent heading 7316 (anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel); the 5th-6th digits '00' indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, and all anchors and parts thereof of iron or steel are classified under this subheading. Therefore, 731600 is the complete HS code for anchors of iron or steel.
Classification Basis
Steel anchors are classified under 7316 rather than other codes because they are anchors of iron or steel, and anchors are articles specifically used for mooring, not falling under 7325 (other cast articles of iron or steel) or 7326 (other articles of iron or steel), since 7316 is a specific heading. Meanwhile, anchor chains should be classified under 7315, and lifting grabs for anchors under 8431, which need to be distinguished.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'steel anchor', 'marine anchor', 'grapnel anchor', etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The material of the declared anchor, such as cast iron, cast steel, forged steel, etc., as well as the specific grade (such as ZG230-450). Type: The type of the declared anchor, such as stockless anchor, stocked anchor, high-holding-power anchor, Danforth anchor, etc., which affects classification. Use: The use of the declared anchor, such as ship mooring, offshore platform positioning, buoy fixing, etc. Brand: The brand of the declared anchor (if any); if no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: The model or specification of the declared anchor, such as weight, dimensions, etc. Parts: If declaring parts of anchors, indicate the part name (such as fluke, shank) and the applicable anchor type. Product Name: Marine stockless anchor; Material: Cast steel ZG230-450; Type: Stockless anchor; Use: Ship mooring; Brand: ABC; Model: AC-14; Specification: Weight 500kg. Mistakenly classifying anchor chains (7315) under 7316; anchor chains are chains and should be classified under 7315. Mistakenly classifying lifting grabs (8431) under 7316; grabs are parts of lifting machinery and should be classified under 8431. Not distinguishing cast steel and cast iron; although both are classified under 7316, it affects the filling of declaration elements.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'steel anchor', 'marine anchor', 'grapnel anchor', etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Declaring generically as 'steel product' or 'anchor' without specifying material and type.
Material
The material of the declared anchor, such as cast iron, cast steel, forged steel, etc., as well as the specific grade (such as ZG230-450).
⚠️ Declaring only 'steel' or 'iron' without distinguishing cast or forged or specific composition.
Type
The type of the declared anchor, such as stockless anchor, stocked anchor, high-holding-power anchor, Danforth anchor, etc., which affects classification.
⚠️ Not specifying the type, leading to customs questioning the classification.
Use
The use of the declared anchor, such as ship mooring, offshore platform positioning, buoy fixing, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as 'for fixing'.
Brand
The brand of the declared anchor (if any); if no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring the brand.
Model
The model or specification of the declared anchor, such as weight, dimensions, etc.
⚠️ Not providing the model, using only 'standard' instead.
Parts
If declaring parts of anchors, indicate the part name (such as fluke, shank) and the applicable anchor type.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring anchor chains as anchor parts.
Mistakenly classifying anchor chains (7315) under 7316; anchor chains are chains and should be classified under 7315.
Mistakenly classifying lifting grabs (8431) under 7316; grabs are parts of lifting machinery and should be classified under 8431.
Not distinguishing cast steel and cast iron; although both are classified under 7316, it affects the filling of declaration elements.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 and the heading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. 7316 explicitly includes anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the commodity is of iron or steel, used for mooring, and is an anchor or anchor part. If it is an anchor chain, it is classified under 7315; if it is a lifting grab, it is classified under 8431; if it is other articles of iron or steel, it is classified under 7325 or 7326. 7315 Anchor chains of iron or steel: Anchor chains are chain-like, used to connect the anchor and the hull, and are classified under 7315; while the anchor itself is classified under 7316. 7325 Other cast articles of iron or steel: 7325 is for cast articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; anchors are specifically named, so they are not classified under 7325. 7326 Other articles of iron or steel: 7326 is for articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; anchors are specifically named, so they are not classified under 7326. 8431 Parts of lifting machinery: Lifting grabs are parts of lifting machinery and are classified under 8431; while anchors are mooring equipment and are classified under 7316. Is the commodity made of iron or steel? Is the commodity an anchor or grapnel? Is the commodity a part of an anchor? Is the commodity used for mooring? Is the commodity confused with anchor chains or grabs?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 and the heading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. 7316 explicitly includes anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the commodity is of iron or steel, used for mooring, and is an anchor or anchor part. If it is an anchor chain, it is classified under 7315; if it is a lifting grab, it is classified under 8431; if it is other articles of iron or steel, it is classified under 7325 or 7326.
Confused Codes：
7315 - Anchor chains of iron or steel
Anchor chains are chain-like, used to connect the anchor and the hull, and are classified under 7315; while the anchor itself is classified under 7316.
7325 - Other cast articles of iron or steel
7325 is for cast articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; anchors are specifically named, so they are not classified under 7325.
7326 - Other articles of iron or steel
7326 is for articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; anchors are specifically named, so they are not classified under 7326.
8431 - Parts of lifting machinery
Lifting grabs are parts of lifting machinery and are classified under 8431; while anchors are mooring equipment and are classified under 7316.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity made of iron or steel?
✓ Is the commodity an anchor or grapnel?
✓ Is the commodity a part of an anchor?
✓ Is the commodity used for mooring?
✓ Is the commodity confused with anchor chains or grabs?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for steel anchors? The HS code for steel anchors is 731600, i.e., anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. This code applies to all anchors and parts thereof of iron or steel, but anchor chains should be classified under 7315. How to distinguish the HS codes for steel anchors and anchor chains? Steel anchors are classified under 731600, and anchor chains under 7315. Anchors are mooring equipment, and anchor chains are chains connecting the anchor and the hull. Both are made of steel, but their shapes and functions are different. What are the declaration elements for steel anchors? Declaration elements include product name, material, type, use, brand, model, specification, etc. Note that the material should indicate cast steel or cast iron, and the type should indicate stockless anchor, stocked anchor, etc. What is the export tariff for steel anchors? Tariff rates may change; please consult the latest Import and Export Tariff or customs. Usually the export tariff for steel anchors depends on trade policy and origin. It is recommended to use customs tariff query tools. How to query the import tariff for steel anchors? You can query the MFN rate, general rate, etc. for 731600 through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the Import and Export Tariff. You can also use customs advance classification services to confirm. How are parts of steel anchors classified? Parts of steel anchors (such as flukes, shanks) are classified under 731600. However, parts of anchor chains are classified under 7315, and parts of lifting grabs under 8431. Is a test report required for the classification of steel anchors? Usually not required, but if customs has doubts about the material or function, they may require a composition test report or use description. It is recommended to keep relevant technical documents. Is the HS code for steel anchors the same as for stainless steel anchors? Yes, stainless steel anchors are also classified under 731600, because 7316 covers all anchors of iron or steel, including stainless steel. However, note that the material declaration for stainless steel anchors should indicate stainless steel.
Q: What is the HS code for steel anchors?
A: The HS code for steel anchors is 731600, i.e., anchors, grapnels and parts thereof, of iron or steel. This code applies to all anchors and parts thereof of iron or steel, but anchor chains should be classified under 7315.
Q: How to distinguish the HS codes for steel anchors and anchor chains?
A: Steel anchors are classified under 731600, and anchor chains under 7315. Anchors are mooring equipment, and anchor chains are chains connecting the anchor and the hull. Both are made of steel, but their shapes and functions are different.
Q: What are the declaration elements for steel anchors?
A: Declaration elements include product name, material, type, use, brand, model, specification, etc. Note that the material should indicate cast steel or cast iron, and the type should indicate stockless anchor, stocked anchor, etc.
Q: What is the export tariff for steel anchors?
A: Tariff rates may change; please consult the latest Import and Export Tariff or customs. Usually the export tariff for steel anchors depends on trade policy and origin. It is recommended to use customs tariff query tools.
Q: How to query the import tariff for steel anchors?
A: You can query the MFN rate, general rate, etc. for 731600 through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the Import and Export Tariff. You can also use customs advance classification services to confirm.
Q: How are parts of steel anchors classified?
A: Parts of steel anchors (such as flukes, shanks) are classified under 731600. However, parts of anchor chains are classified under 7315, and parts of lifting grabs under 8431.
Q: Is a test report required for the classification of steel anchors?
A: Usually not required, but if customs has doubts about the material or function, they may require a composition test report or use description. It is recommended to keep relevant technical documents.
Q: Is the HS code for steel anchors the same as for stainless steel anchors?
A: Yes, stainless steel anchors are also classified under 731600, because 7316 covers all anchors of iron or steel, including stainless steel. However, note that the material declaration for stainless steel anchors should indicate stainless steel.
⚠️ 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.