7312.10.70.00 - Fitted with fittings or made up into articles

This HTS category, 7312.10.70.00, encompasses ropes, cables, and cordage, specifically those not constructed from stranded wire, which are made of iron or steel. The defining characteristic here is the construction method; these are typically formed by twisting or braiding individual yarns or strands of iron or steel wire together, as opposed to the more compact, parallel arrangement found in stranded wire. This category includes products like mooring ropes, towing cables, and general-purpose cordage where the rope or cable structure is formed through plaiting or twisting.

It's crucial to distinguish this category from others at the same level which might also deal with iron or steel ropes and cables. For instance, "stranded wire" (a sibling category) refers to assemblies where multiple wires are laid parallel to each other and then twisted, resulting in a more uniform, solid-looking cable. This category, however, focuses on constructions where the individual plies or strands are more readily discernible and are twisted or braided in a manner distinct from standard stranded wire.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification within 7312.10.70.00 is determined by confirming that the article is indeed an iron or steel rope, cable, or cordage that is not electrically insulated and is not constructed as stranded wire. The key differentiator remains the method of construction and the resulting physical structure of the product.