Bridges and bridge-sections

CN code 7308 10 of the Combined Nomenclature covers bridges and their parts made of iron or steel. This heading encompasses both complete bridge structures prepared for assembly and prefabricated bridge elements such as girders, spans, pylons, bridge bearings, bridge barriers and other load-bearing components forming an integral part of the bridge structure. Steel bridges are used in road, railway, pedestrian and industrial infrastructure. Classification under CN 7308 10 requires that the product constitutes a bridge or an identifiable structural bridge element. Separate steel elements such as plates, angles and profiles not processed into bridge components are classified under Chapter 72 as rolled products. The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) No 305/2011 applies to structural steel bridge components placed on the EU market, requiring a Declaration of Performance and CE marking in accordance with harmonised standard EN 1090-1. Classification follows the General Rules for Interpretation, in particular Rule 1 (description of heading) and the notes to Chapter 73 CN. For multi-material elements, the essential character determines classification under Rule 3b.

Importing steel bridges and bridge elements under CN code 7308 10 into the European Union is governed by the Union Customs Code. Since 1 January 2026, products under heading 7308 fall within the scope of the CBAM mechanism, obliging importers to register as authorised CBAM declarants, submit annual embedded emissions declarations and purchase CBAM certificates (certificate sales start on 1 February 2027). Structural steel bridge components must comply with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) No 305/2011 - the manufacturer is required to prepare a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and affix the CE mark based on harmonised standard EN 1090-1 for execution of steel structures. The execution class (EXC1 through EXC4) depends on the use category and consequence class. Bridge elements of execution classes EXC3 and EXC4 require factory production control certification by a notified body. Required import documents include a commercial invoice, technical specification, welding documentation (WPQR, WPS), material certificates per EN 10204, CE Declaration of Performance and certificate of origin. Current duty rates should be verified in TARIC.

Steel bridges and bridge elements under CN code 7308 10 may be subject to EU trade defence measures. Steel safeguard measures under the TRQ system may cover steel structures under heading 7308 - importers should check in TARIC the current quarterly quota and the additional 25 percent duty above the limit. Imports of steel structures from Russia and Belarus are prohibited under EU sanctions packages. Anti-dumping duties may apply to structural steel elements from specific countries - the current status should be verified in TARIC for the specific 10-digit code and country of origin. Bridge elements must comply with Eurocode requirements (EN 1993 for steel structures, EN 1994 for composite steel-concrete structures), which define calculation methods and design requirements. Welding of bridge elements must be performed in accordance with EN ISO 3834 by welders certified per EN ISO 9606-1. Preferential rates under EU FTAs may reduce import costs. Total import cost includes customs value, conventional duty, any AD and safeguard measures, CBAM obligations and VAT.

Products classified under CN code 7308 10 (bridges and bridge sections of steel) must comply with applicable EU technical standards. Depending on their intended use, these may include harmonised EN standards for construction products (CPR Regulation 305/2011), the Machinery Directive or the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Construction products require CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP). Customs authorities verify compliance with technical requirements during clearance and may withhold release of goods where required documentation or certificates are missing.