HS 730210 Rails
Quick Answer: Steel railway or tramway track construction material, specifically rails, imported under HS 730210 enters the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at a rate of Free under the MFN rate. This classification covers new or used steel rails designed for railway or tramway tracks. Importers should note that while the primary duty rates are currently zero across these major markets, specific subheadings within the UK, EU, and US tariff schedules may apply to different types or conditions of rails, potentially impacting other applicable taxes or fees. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable trade environment for these goods.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7302102800 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302104000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302105000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302100000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7302101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302102800 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302105000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7302102200 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73021010 | Free | — | — |
| 7302101015 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7302101035 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7302101055 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7302101075 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 730210 cover?
This subheading covers railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel, specifically rails. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes new or used rails, whether or not drilled or cut to length, suitable for laying on permanent way. The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses standard railway rails, crane rails, and similar items designed for guiding rolling stock.
What falls outside HS 730210?
The following products are excluded from HS 730210: other railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel, such as sleepers (ties) and fish-plates (joint bars), which are classified under HS 7302.90. Additionally, items not specifically designed for railway or tramway use, like general structural steel beams or unformed steel sections, are classified elsewhere. For instance, plain steel bars for general construction would not fall under this heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 730210?
A common error is misclassifying steel products that resemble rails but are intended for other applications, such as heavy-duty shelving or industrial guide rails for machinery. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers must ensure the steel product's design and intended use align with the definition of railway or tramway rails.
How should importers classify products under HS 730210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 730210 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official HS nomenclature, relevant national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, UK Trade Tariff), and any available explanatory notes. Verifying that the steel product is specifically designed and manufactured for railway or tramway track construction is paramount to accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 730210?
A 100-meter section of new steel railway rail weighing 50 kilograms per meter, with a total weight of 5,000 kilograms and a declared customs value of $3,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($3,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 730210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 730210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement may also offer preferential rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a specific certificate of origin, depending on the agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 730210 (Rails)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 730210 (Rails) is 0.00% ad valorem in the United States. For the European Union, under the TARIC system, the duty rate is also 0.00% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate. It is crucial to verify specific preferential rates under trade agreements, as these can vary. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules for the importing country.
What specific criteria define 'Rails' under HS code 730210?
HS code 730210 covers 'Rails' specifically designed for railway or tramway track construction. These are typically hot-rolled or extruded products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a specific cross-sectional shape, intended for use in laying permanent way. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) clarify that this heading includes not only standard rails but also guard rails and switch rails, provided they are of a shape suitable for track construction. Products of iron or steel not meeting these specific railway track requirements would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required for importing HS code 730210 (Rails)?
When importing rails under HS code 730210, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the seller, buyer, quantity, description, and value of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature to substantiate the classification if requested by customs authorities.
How is the import duty for HS code 730210 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rate for HS code 730210 is typically 0.00% ad valorem in major markets like the US, EU, and UK, the duty calculation results in zero. However, if a hypothetical scenario with a non-zero duty rate were to apply, the calculation would be as follows: Duty Amount = (Ad Valorem Rate × Value of Goods) or (Specific Rate × Quantity). For example, if the duty rate were 1% ad valorem and the value of the imported rails was $100,000 USD, the duty would be 1% of $100,000, which equals $1,000 USD. If there were a specific duty, such as $5 per metric ton, and you imported 500 metric tons, the duty would be $5/ton × 500 tons = $2,500 USD. Always confirm the applicable duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and rate with the official tariff schedule.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, affect the duty rates for HS code 730210?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 730210. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from preferential duty rates, often 0.00% if the standard MFN rate is already zero, or a reduced rate if it is not. The European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partner countries that can reduce or eliminate duties on goods like rails. To claim preferential treatment, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation. It is essential to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the text of the applicable trade agreement to determine eligibility and requirements.