Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including semi-finished and finished products such as plates, rods, profiles, tubes, etc., but excludes specific machinery, vehicles, instruments, etc., of iron or steel (which fall under Chapters 84 to 90). This chapter ranges from raw materials to simply processed goods, such as nails, screws, springs, chains, and other general iron or steel articles. Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers, and similar articles, of iron or steel. These goods are typically used for fastening, connecting, or positioning, made of iron or steel, whether or not surface-treated (e.g., galvanized, blackened). The first 2 digits 73 indicate Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); the 3rd-4th digits 18 indicate heading 7318 (iron or steel fasteners); the 5th-6th digits 24 indicate subheading 731824, specifically pins (including cotter pins, taper pins, cylindrical pins, etc.). This subheading is not further subdivided; all iron or steel pins are classified under this code. Pins are iron or steel fasteners used for positioning, connecting, or locking, conforming to the description of heading 7318. They differ from 731815 (screws, bolts) in that pins are usually unthreaded and installed differently; they differ from 731829 (other similar articles) in that pins have specific shapes and uses, so they are classified under 731824.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including semi-finished and finished products such as plates, rods, profiles, tubes, etc., but excludes specific machinery, vehicles, instruments, etc., of iron or steel (which fall under Chapters 84 to 90). This chapter ranges from raw materials to simply processed goods, such as nails, screws, springs, chains, and other general iron or steel articles.
Heading
Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers, and similar articles, of iron or steel. These goods are typically used for fastening, connecting, or positioning, made of iron or steel, whether or not surface-treated (e.g., galvanized, blackened).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 73 indicate Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); the 3rd-4th digits 18 indicate heading 7318 (iron or steel fasteners); the 5th-6th digits 24 indicate subheading 731824, specifically pins (including cotter pins, taper pins, cylindrical pins, etc.). This subheading is not further subdivided; all iron or steel pins are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
Pins are iron or steel fasteners used for positioning, connecting, or locking, conforming to the description of heading 7318. They differ from 731815 (screws, bolts) in that pins are usually unthreaded and installed differently; they differ from 731829 (other similar articles) in that pins have specific shapes and uses, so they are classified under 731824.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should be specific and clear, such as 'iron or steel pin' or 'pin'. Material: Declare the material of the pin, such as 'iron' or 'steel', and specify the specific grade (e.g., Q235, 304 stainless steel, etc.). Use: Explain the use of the pin, such as 'for mechanical connection', 'for positioning in automotive brake systems', etc. Specifications and Dimensions: Declare the diameter, length, and other dimensions of the pin, such as 'diameter 10mm, length 50mm'. Brand: Declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Declare the product model, such as 'GB/T 119.1' or 'DIN 7'. Processing Technique: Explain the processing method of the pin, such as 'turning', 'cold heading', 'stamping', etc. Surface Treatment: Declare the surface treatment status, such as 'galvanized', 'blackened', 'coated with anti-rust oil', etc. Product Name: Iron or steel pin (Pin); Material: Carbon steel, grade Q235; Use: For mechanical connection and positioning; Specifications and Dimensions: Diameter 8mm, length 40mm; Brand: No brand; Model: GB/T 119.1; Processing Technique: Cold heading; Surface Treatment: Galvanized. Mistakenly classifying pins under 731815 (screws, bolts), as they look similar but pins are unthreaded. Material declaration is unclear, such as writing 'stainless steel' but not specifying whether it is austenitic or martensitic, affecting classification. Use description is too broad, not reflecting the specific application scenario, which may lead to customs questioning.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should be specific and clear, such as 'iron or steel pin' or 'pin'.
⚠️ Writing only 'pin' without indicating the material, or mistakenly writing it as 'screw'.
Material
Declare the material of the pin, such as 'iron' or 'steel', and specify the specific grade (e.g., Q235, 304 stainless steel, etc.).
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' or 'alloy' without specifying iron or steel.
Use
Explain the use of the pin, such as 'for mechanical connection', 'for positioning in automotive brake systems', etc.
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as 'for industrial use'.
Specifications and Dimensions
Declare the diameter, length, and other dimensions of the pin, such as 'diameter 10mm, length 50mm'.
⚠️ Not providing specific dimensions, or writing only 'standard part'.
Brand
Declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Model
Declare the product model, such as 'GB/T 119.1' or 'DIN 7'.
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications, or not providing it.
Processing Technique
Explain the processing method of the pin, such as 'turning', 'cold heading', 'stamping', etc.
⚠️ Not indicating the process, or mistakenly writing 'casting'.
Surface Treatment
Declare the surface treatment status, such as 'galvanized', 'blackened', 'coated with anti-rust oil', etc.
⚠️ Not declaring surface treatment, or mistakenly writing 'untreated' but actually having a coating.
Example： Product Name: Iron or steel pin (Pin); Material: Carbon steel, grade Q235; Use: For mechanical connection and positioning; Specifications and Dimensions: Diameter 8mm, length 40mm; Brand: No brand; Model: GB/T 119.1; Processing Technique: Cold heading; Surface Treatment: Galvanized.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying pins under 731815 (screws, bolts), as they look similar but pins are unthreaded.
Material declaration is unclear, such as writing 'stainless steel' but not specifying whether it is austenitic or martensitic, affecting classification.
Use description is too broad, not reflecting the specific application scenario, which may lead to customs questioning.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 7318. Pins must be of iron or steel and be unthreaded fasteners used for positioning, connecting, or locking. If threaded, they should be classified under 731815; if made of other materials (such as copper or aluminum), they should be classified under Chapter 74 or Chapter 76. 731815 Screws, bolts: 731815 covers threaded fasteners, while 731824 pins are usually unthreaded and rely on interference fit or cotter pins for fixation after installation. 731829 Other similar articles: 731829 includes iron or steel fasteners not elsewhere specified, such as retaining rings, keys, etc., while pins have a specific name and should be preferentially classified under 731824. 731823 Rivets: Rivets are used for permanent connection and must deform after installation; pins are removable and usually do not undergo permanent deformation. 731819 Other threaded articles: 731819 covers other threaded iron or steel articles, such as threaded pins, but if threaded pins are threaded, they should be classified under 731815 or 731819, not 731824. 741529 Copper pins: Different material; copper pins are classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel ones under Chapter 73. Confirm whether the material is iron or steel (iron or steel). Confirm whether the product is an unthreaded pin. Confirm whether the use is for positioning, connecting, or locking. Confirm whether it is threaded; if so, classify under 731815. Confirm whether it belongs to other specified subheadings, such as rivets, washers, etc.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 73 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 7318. Pins must be of iron or steel and be unthreaded fasteners used for positioning, connecting, or locking. If threaded, they should be classified under 731815; if made of other materials (such as copper or aluminum), they should be classified under Chapter 74 or Chapter 76.
Confused Codes：
731815 - Screws, bolts
731815 covers threaded fasteners, while 731824 pins are usually unthreaded and rely on interference fit or cotter pins for fixation after installation.
731829 - Other similar articles
731829 includes iron or steel fasteners not elsewhere specified, such as retaining rings, keys, etc., while pins have a specific name and should be preferentially classified under 731824.
731823 - Rivets
Rivets are used for permanent connection and must deform after installation; pins are removable and usually do not undergo permanent deformation.
731819 - Other threaded articles
731819 covers other threaded iron or steel articles, such as threaded pins, but if threaded pins are threaded, they should be classified under 731815 or 731819, not 731824.
741529 - Copper pins
Different material; copper pins are classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel ones under Chapter 73.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the material is iron or steel (iron or steel).
✓ Confirm whether the product is an unthreaded pin.
✓ Confirm whether the use is for positioning, connecting, or locking.
✓ Confirm whether it is threaded; if so, classify under 731815.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to other specified subheadings, such as rivets, washers, etc.
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a pin belongs to 731824? First confirm the material is iron or steel, then confirm the product is an unthreaded pin used for positioning or connection. If threaded, classify under 731815; if made of other materials, classify under the corresponding chapter. What is the difference between pins and screws in HS codes? Pins are usually unthreaded and classified under 731824; screws are threaded and classified under 731815. They differ in installation method and use: pins rely on interference fit or cotter pins, while screws rely on threading. Which code should stainless steel pins be classified under? Stainless steel is iron or steel, so stainless steel pins are still classified under 731824. However, note that if stainless steel pins are threaded, they should be classified under 731815. Which declaration elements for pins are most prone to errors? Material and use are most prone to errors. Material should be clearly stated as 'iron or steel' with grade; use should be specific, such as 'for automotive engine positioning', avoiding general descriptions. If pins are used for aircraft, are they still classified under 731824? According to the General Rules for Classification, if pins are special parts for aircraft and meet the notes to Chapter 88, they may be classified under Chapter 88. However, general-purpose pins are still classified under 731824, and judgment should be based on specific use and dimensions. How to check the tariff rate for pins? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the Import and Export Tariff. Rates may vary due to trade agreements, origin, etc., and the latest tariff should be used. Do cross-border e-commerce retail exports of pins also require HS code declaration? Yes, cross-border e-commerce exports must declare HS codes according to customs requirements for statistics and supervision. Pins should be declared under 731824, and declaration elements should be filled in truthfully. Are pins and cotter pins classified under the same code? Yes, cotter pins (also called split pins) are a type of pin and are classified under 731824. However, note that cotter pins are usually made by bending steel wire and are still of iron or steel.
Q: How to determine whether a pin belongs to 731824?
A: First confirm the material is iron or steel, then confirm the product is an unthreaded pin used for positioning or connection. If threaded, classify under 731815; if made of other materials, classify under the corresponding chapter.
Q: What is the difference between pins and screws in HS codes?
A: Pins are usually unthreaded and classified under 731824; screws are threaded and classified under 731815. They differ in installation method and use: pins rely on interference fit or cotter pins, while screws rely on threading.
Q: Which code should stainless steel pins be classified under?
A: Stainless steel is iron or steel, so stainless steel pins are still classified under 731824. However, note that if stainless steel pins are threaded, they should be classified under 731815.
Q: Which declaration elements for pins are most prone to errors?
A: Material and use are most prone to errors. Material should be clearly stated as 'iron or steel' with grade; use should be specific, such as 'for automotive engine positioning', avoiding general descriptions.
Q: If pins are used for aircraft, are they still classified under 731824?
A: According to the General Rules for Classification, if pins are special parts for aircraft and meet the notes to Chapter 88, they may be classified under Chapter 88. However, general-purpose pins are still classified under 731824, and judgment should be based on specific use and dimensions.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for pins?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the Import and Export Tariff. Rates may vary due to trade agreements, origin, etc., and the latest tariff should be used.
Q: Do cross-border e-commerce retail exports of pins also require HS code declaration?
A: Yes, cross-border e-commerce exports must declare HS codes according to customs requirements for statistics and supervision. Pins should be declared under 731824, and declaration elements should be filled in truthfully.
Q: Are pins and cotter pins classified under the same code?
A: Yes, cotter pins (also called split pins) are a type of pin and are classified under 731824. However, note that cotter pins are usually made by bending steel wire and are still of iron or 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.