HS 721710 Not plated or coated, whether or not polished

```html

What products does HS 721710 cover?

This subheading covers wire of iron or non-alloy steel that is not plated or coated with metal, whether or not it has been polished. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically excludes wire that has undergone any form of plating (e.g., zinc, nickel) or coating (e.g., plastic, paint). The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to plain, uncoated steel wire, including that which has been subjected to surface treatments like polishing to improve its appearance or finish.

What falls outside HS 721710?

The following products are excluded from HS 721710: steel wire that has been plated or coated with any metal, such as galvanized wire (HS 721720) or tinned wire, and wire that is coated with non-metallic materials like plastic or paint. Also excluded are stainless steel wire (Chapter 72, Note 1(d)) and alloy steel wire (Chapter 72, Note 1(c)), as well as wire that has undergone further processing beyond simple polishing, such as drawing to a specific shape or forming into springs, which would fall under different headings.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 721710?

A common error is misclassifying steel wire that has a very thin, almost imperceptible coating or plating as "not plated or coated." General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1 and 2 are crucial here; if any plating or coating is present, even if minimal, it generally moves the product to a different subheading. Importers may also incorrectly classify polished wire that has undergone additional treatments, such as passivation or oiling for corrosion resistance, under this subheading when specific notes or further headings might apply based on the nature of the treatment.

How should importers classify products under HS 721710?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721710 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the wire is indeed of iron or non-alloy steel, and critically, that no plating or coating has been applied. Consulting the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, or the EU TARIC is essential to confirm the absence of any metallic or non-metallic surface treatments beyond simple polishing, ensuring accurate declaration.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721710?

A roll of plain, uncoated steel wire weighing 100 kilograms, declared at a customs value of $250 USD, would attract a US duty of $12.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 5% of $250 USD = $12.50. This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 7217.10.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721710?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721710, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, as required by the importing jurisdiction, is typically necessary.

```