HS 721720 Plated or coated with zinc
Quick Answer: Iron or steel wire, plated or coated with zinc, imported under HS 721720 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate for many lines, though some US lines carry a 26% duty. This classification specifically covers wire made from iron or non-alloy steel that has undergone a process of plating or coating with zinc. This coating provides corrosion resistance. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule for the destination country, as variations exist, particularly in the US. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate duty assessment and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217200000 | — | — | — |
| 7217201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217203000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217205000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217203000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217209000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217209090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217201500 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 72172045 | Free | — | — |
| 7217204520 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7217204540 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7217204560 | — | — | ["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 721720 cover?
This subheading covers iron or non-alloy steel wire that has been plated or coated with zinc. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes wire that has undergone a process of galvanization or other zinc coating methods. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category specifically applies to wire meeting the specifications of heading 7217, which is further defined by its cross-sectional dimensions and material composition, provided it has a zinc coating.
What falls outside HS 721720?
The following products are excluded from HS 721720: wire made from stainless steel or alloy steel, which would be classified under other headings within Chapter 72. Also excluded are iron or non-alloy steel wires that are plated or coated with materials other than zinc, such as tin, nickel, or chromium, as these would fall under different subheadings. Uncoated iron or non-alloy steel wire, even if it meets the dimensional criteria of heading 7217, is also classified elsewhere, typically under HS 721710.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721720?
A common error is misinterpreting the type of coating. Importers may mistakenly classify wire coated with a zinc alloy or a zinc-based paint as if it were purely zinc-plated, leading to incorrect duty assessments. Furthermore, confusion can arise with products that are subsequently processed after zinc coating, such as drawing or straightening, which, if not explicitly covered by the scope of heading 7217, might require reclassification based on General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 2(a).
How should importers classify products under HS 721720?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721720 involves a systematic approach. Importers and customs brokers must first verify that the product is indeed iron or non-alloy steel wire. Subsequently, they must confirm that the wire has been plated or coated with zinc. Reference to the specific product's technical specifications, including the type of coating and the base metal composition, is crucial. Consulting the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the explanatory notes for heading 7217 is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721720?
A 100-meter coil of galvanized steel wire (HS 721720) weighing 5 kilograms, declared at a customs value of $15.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($15.00 USD × 0.05 = $0.75). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 7217.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721720, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or specific origin documentation for CPTPP, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 721720 (Iron or non-alloy steel wire, plated or coated with zinc)?
The import duty rates for HS code 721720 vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example, under the United States' Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff schedule, the rate is 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country. For instance, the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff should be checked for applicable duties within those regions. Always verify the most current rates as they can change.
How is HS code 721720 specifically classified? What are the key criteria?
HS code 721720 covers wire made of iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with zinc. The primary classification criteria are: 1. Material: The wire must be made of iron or non-alloy steel. 2. Form: It must be in the form of wire. 3. Surface treatment: It must be plated or coated with zinc. This distinguishes it from uncoated wire (721710) or wire coated with other materials. The WCO's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on the definition of 'wire' and 'non-alloy steel'.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 721720?
When importing goods under HS code 721720, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and 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. Specific quality certifications or compliance documents related to the zinc coating might also be requested by customs authorities to ensure the product meets safety and environmental standards.
Which trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 721720, and how can importers benefit?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on goods classified under HS 721720. For example, imports into the United States from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may benefit from preferential rates, often 0.00%, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has numerous FTAs that could impact duties. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin from the exporter to claim these benefits. Consulting the relevant trade agreement text and the customs authority of the importing country is essential to determine eligibility.
How is the import duty calculated for HS 721720, and can you provide an example?
Import duties for HS code 721720 are typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity, such as per kilogram or per metric ton), or a combination of both. For example, let's assume a country imposes a specific duty rate of $0.10 per kilogram on goods classified under 721720. If an importer brings in 10,000 kilograms of zinc-coated steel wire, the duty calculation would be: 10,000 kg × $0.10/kg = $1,000.00. If the duty were an ad valorem rate of 3.5% and the customs value of the shipment was $50,000, the duty would be: $50,000 × 3.5% = $1,750.00. Always confirm the exact duty calculation method and rate with the importing country's customs authority.