Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including steel plates, bars, profiles, tubes, wire and articles thereof, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, ships, etc. made of iron or steel which are classified in other chapters. This chapter ranges from raw semi-finished products to finished products, such as railway tracks, steel pipes, springs, chains, household steel utensils, etc., and is an important chapter for the classification of iron and steel commodities in international trade. Heading 7320 specifically covers springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel, including leaf springs, helical springs, torsion bar springs, disc springs, etc., whether or not heat-treated or surface-treated. However, this heading does not include springs as dedicated parts of machines (such as clock springs, springs for vehicle suspension which should be classified according to the vehicle), nor does it include springs of rubber or plastics. The first 2 digits 73 represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel, which is a major category divided by material in the HS classification. Digits 3-4, 20, represent heading 7320, i.e., springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel. Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 732010, specifically leaf springs and leaves therefor, including multi-layer leaf springs and single leaf springs for vehicles, machinery, etc. There is no further subdivision under this subheading, and all steel leaf springs are classified under this code. Leaf springs are made of multiple layers of spring steel leaves stacked together, using the elastic deformation of steel to absorb vibration, and are a typical spring of iron or steel, therefore classified under 7320. They are not classified under 732020 (helical springs) or 732090 (other springs), nor under vehicle parts (such as 8708) because they are general-purpose spring parts and do not constitute dedicated vehicle components.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including steel plates, bars, profiles, tubes, wire and articles thereof, but excludes machines, mechanical appliances, vehicles, ships, etc. made of iron or steel which are classified in other chapters. This chapter ranges from raw semi-finished products to finished products, such as railway tracks, steel pipes, springs, chains, household steel utensils, etc., and is an important chapter for the classification of iron and steel commodities in international trade.
Heading
Heading 7320 specifically covers springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel, including leaf springs, helical springs, torsion bar springs, disc springs, etc., whether or not heat-treated or surface-treated. However, this heading does not include springs as dedicated parts of machines (such as clock springs, springs for vehicle suspension which should be classified according to the vehicle), nor does it include springs of rubber or plastics.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 73 represent Chapter 73, articles of iron or steel, which is a major category divided by material in the HS classification. Digits 3-4, 20, represent heading 7320, i.e., springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel. Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 732010, specifically leaf springs and leaves therefor, including multi-layer leaf springs and single leaf springs for vehicles, machinery, etc. There is no further subdivision under this subheading, and all steel leaf springs are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
Leaf springs are made of multiple layers of spring steel leaves stacked together, using the elastic deformation of steel to absorb vibration, and are a typical spring of iron or steel, therefore classified under 7320. They are not classified under 732020 (helical springs) or 732090 (other springs), nor under vehicle parts (such as 8708) because they are general-purpose spring parts and do not constitute dedicated vehicle components.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the commodity name, which should be accurately described as "leaf spring" or "leaf spring", avoiding confusing names such as "spring steel". Material: Specify the type of iron or steel, such as spring steel, alloy steel, etc., and indicate the main chemical composition or grade. Use: Indicate the applicable object, such as automotive suspension, railway vehicles, mechanical shock absorption, etc., but this should not affect classification. Structure: Describe whether it is multi-layer laminated or single leaf, and indicate the number of leaves, thickness, width and other dimensions. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "none". Model: Fill in the product model or part number for easy identification. Processing technology: Indicate whether heat treatment, shot peening, coating, etc. have been applied, such as "heat treatment + shot peening". Product name: leaf spring; Material: spring steel 65Mn; Use: for automotive suspension; Structure: multi-layer laminated, 5 leaves in total, thickness 10mm, width 80mm; Brand: ABC; Model: 12345; Processing technology: heat treatment + shot peening. Misclassifying leaf springs under 732020 (helical springs) because the structure is not described as laminated. Ignoring the material description and writing only "iron or steel", making it impossible to distinguish from alloy steel springs. Filling in the use as "automotive parts", which may lead to a recommendation to classify under 8708, but 732010 should be maintained.
Product name
Declare the commodity name, which should be accurately described as "leaf spring" or "leaf spring", avoiding confusing names such as "spring steel".
⚠️ Misdeclared as "spring steel leaf" or "automotive suspension spring", leading to classification disputes.
Material
Specify the type of iron or steel, such as spring steel, alloy steel, etc., and indicate the main chemical composition or grade.
⚠️ Writing only "iron or steel" is too general and fails to provide the specific steel type.
Use
Indicate the applicable object, such as automotive suspension, railway vehicles, mechanical shock absorption, etc., but this should not affect classification.
⚠️ Using use as the sole basis for classification, ignoring material and structure.
Structure
Describe whether it is multi-layer laminated or single leaf, and indicate the number of leaves, thickness, width and other dimensions.
⚠️ Failing to state the number of leaves and dimensions, leading to confusion with helical springs.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "none".
⚠️ Failing to indicate when the brand and manufacturer are inconsistent.
Model
Fill in the product model or part number for easy identification.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing model number.
Processing technology
Indicate whether heat treatment, shot peening, coating, etc. have been applied, such as "heat treatment + shot peening".
⚠️ Ignoring the process description, affecting the classification determination.
Misclassifying leaf springs under 732020 (helical springs) because the structure is not described as laminated.
Ignoring the material description and writing only "iron or steel", making it impossible to distinguish from alloy steel springs.
Filling in the use as "automotive parts", which may lead to a recommendation to classify under 8708, but 732010 should be maintained.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the structure and material of the commodity: leaf springs are made of stacked or single leaves of iron or steel and work by elastic deformation, conforming to the description of heading 7320. Even if dedicated for automobiles, according to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should still be classified under 732010, because they are general-purpose spring parts and do not constitute dedicated vehicle components. 732020 Helical springs: Helical springs are spiral-shaped and work by torsion or compression; leaf springs are laminated and work by bending. The structural difference is the key to distinction. 732090 Other springs: Includes disc springs, torsion bar springs and other non-leaf, non-helical springs. Leaf springs have a specific subheading and are not classified here. 870880 Parts of vehicle suspension systems: If leaf springs are combined with other suspension system components into a dedicated module, they may be classified under 8708; however, leaf springs presented separately are still classified under 732010. 731829 Other articles of iron or steel: Some steel leaves without elastic requirements may be classified here, but leaf springs have an elastic function and should be classified under 732010. 722090 Stainless steel plate: If the leaf spring is made of stainless steel but has spring characteristics, it is still classified under 732010; if it is ordinary stainless steel plate without spring function, it is classified under 7220. Is it made of iron or steel? Does it have elastic deformation function? Is it a laminated or single-leaf structure? Is it presented separately rather than as a vehicle assembly? Has it not been further processed into other parts?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the structure and material of the commodity: leaf springs are made of stacked or single leaves of iron or steel and work by elastic deformation, conforming to the description of heading 7320. Even if dedicated for automobiles, according to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should still be classified under 732010, because they are general-purpose spring parts and do not constitute dedicated vehicle components.
Confused Codes：
732020 - Helical springs
Helical springs are spiral-shaped and work by torsion or compression; leaf springs are laminated and work by bending. The structural difference is the key to distinction.
732090 - Other springs
Includes disc springs, torsion bar springs and other non-leaf, non-helical springs. Leaf springs have a specific subheading and are not classified here.
870880 - Parts of vehicle suspension systems
If leaf springs are combined with other suspension system components into a dedicated module, they may be classified under 8708; however, leaf springs presented separately are still classified under 732010.
731829 - Other articles of iron or steel
Some steel leaves without elastic requirements may be classified here, but leaf springs have an elastic function and should be classified under 732010.
722090 - Stainless steel plate
If the leaf spring is made of stainless steel but has spring characteristics, it is still classified under 732010; if it is ordinary stainless steel plate without spring function, it is classified under 7220.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it made of iron or steel?
✓ Does it have elastic deformation function?
✓ Is it a laminated or single-leaf structure?
✓ Is it presented separately rather than as a vehicle assembly?
✓ Has it not been further processed into other parts?
❓ FAQ
How are leaf springs and helical springs distinguished in HS codes? Leaf springs are classified under 732010, and helical springs under 732020. The key to distinction lies in the structure: leaf springs are made of stacked or single spring steel leaves and use bending elasticity; helical springs are spiral-shaped and use torsional or compressive elasticity. The structure should be accurately described when declaring. Should automotive leaf springs be classified under 8708 or 732010? Automotive leaf springs presented separately should be classified under 732010, because they are general-purpose spring parts. If assembled with other suspension system components into a dedicated module, they may be classified under 8708. Classification should be determined according to the state as presented. Which declaration elements for leaf springs are most prone to error? Common errors include: material description too general (only writing "iron or steel"), structure not stating the number of leaves and dimensions, and use mistakenly written as "automotive parts" leading to classification disputes. It is recommended to fill in the material grade, structural parameters and processing technology in detail. How can I check the import tariff rate for leaf springs? Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different preferential rates, such as RCEP, etc. If the leaf spring is made of stainless steel, will the code change? No. HS code 732010 is based on the structure and function of the commodity and does not distinguish the specific steel type. Stainless steel leaf springs are still classified under 732010, but the material should be indicated as stainless steel when declaring. Which General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System apply to the classification of leaf springs? Mainly Rules 1 and 6 apply. According to Rule 1, classification is determined according to the terms of the heading; if the subheadings under a heading require further distinction, subheadings are determined according to Rule 6. Leaf springs conform to the description of heading 7320, so they are classified under 732010. What should be noted when declaring leaf springs sold via cross-border e-commerce? Complete declaration elements must be provided, including material, structure, use, etc. Note the difference between personal items and commercial express shipments; commercial express shipments require formal customs declaration. It is recommended to confirm the HS code in advance to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. Are there special requirements for export tax rebates on leaf springs? Export tax rebates depend on the HS code and commodity characteristics. 732010 usually has an export tax rebate, but it must comply with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate and ensure that the customs declaration form is consistent with the VAT invoice.
Q: How are leaf springs and helical springs distinguished in HS codes?
A: Leaf springs are classified under 732010, and helical springs under 732020. The key to distinction lies in the structure: leaf springs are made of stacked or single spring steel leaves and use bending elasticity; helical springs are spiral-shaped and use torsional or compressive elasticity. The structure should be accurately described when declaring.
Q: Should automotive leaf springs be classified under 8708 or 732010?
A: Automotive leaf springs presented separately should be classified under 732010, because they are general-purpose spring parts. If assembled with other suspension system components into a dedicated module, they may be classified under 8708. Classification should be determined according to the state as presented.
Q: Which declaration elements for leaf springs are most prone to error?
A: Common errors include: material description too general (only writing "iron or steel"), structure not stating the number of leaves and dimensions, and use mistakenly written as "automotive parts" leading to classification disputes. It is recommended to fill in the material grade, structural parameters and processing technology in detail.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for leaf springs?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different preferential rates, such as RCEP, etc.
Q: If the leaf spring is made of stainless steel, will the code change?
A: No. HS code 732010 is based on the structure and function of the commodity and does not distinguish the specific steel type. Stainless steel leaf springs are still classified under 732010, but the material should be indicated as stainless steel when declaring.
Q: Which General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System apply to the classification of leaf springs?
A: Mainly Rules 1 and 6 apply. According to Rule 1, classification is determined according to the terms of the heading; if the subheadings under a heading require further distinction, subheadings are determined according to Rule 6. Leaf springs conform to the description of heading 7320, so they are classified under 732010.
Q: What should be noted when declaring leaf springs sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Complete declaration elements must be provided, including material, structure, use, etc. Note the difference between personal items and commercial express shipments; commercial express shipments require formal customs declaration. It is recommended to confirm the HS code in advance to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors.
Q: Are there special requirements for export tax rebates on leaf springs?
A: Export tax rebates depend on the HS code and commodity characteristics. 732010 usually has an export tax rebate, but it must comply with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate and ensure that the customs declaration form is consistent with the VAT invoice.
⚠️ 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.