HS 721730 Plated or coated with other base metals
Quick Answer: Wire of iron or non-alloy steel, plated or coated with other base metals, imported under HS 721730 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically applies to wire that has undergone a plating or coating process using base metals other than zinc, tin, or copper. Importers should be aware that while many jurisdictions offer duty-free entry, specific national regulations or trade agreements might introduce nuances. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable duty landscape for this product category across major markets. Exporters and customs brokers should verify specific national tariff schedules for any applicable taxes or fees beyond the ad valorem duty.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217309000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217300000 | — | — | — |
| 7217304100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217304900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217305000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217304100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217305000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217304900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7217309000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7217304504 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 72173015 | Free | — | — |
| 7217301560 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 72173045 | Free | — | — |
| 7217304511 | — | — | ["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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 721730 cover?
This subheading covers wire of iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with base metals other than tin, zinc, or chromium. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes coatings of materials like nickel, copper, or aluminum. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further clarify that the base metal coating must be applied through processes such as galvanizing, electroplating, or hot-dip coating, distinguishing it from other forms of surface treatment.
What falls outside HS 721730?
The following products are excluded from HS 721730: wire plated or coated with tin (HS 721720), wire plated or coated with zinc (HS 721720), wire plated or coated with chromium (HS 721790), stainless steel wire (Chapter 72), and wire of other base metals (Chapter 73 onwards). Also excluded are wire that is simply painted or lacquered, or wire that has undergone surface treatments not involving the application of a base metal coating, such as passivation.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 721730?
A common error is misinterpreting the type of coating applied. For instance, wire coated with tin or zinc is classified under HS 721720, not 721730. Another mistake involves confusing wire plated or coated with precious metals or metals clad with precious metals, which fall under different headings. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 721730?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 721730 involves first identifying the material of the wire (iron or non-alloy steel) and then determining the specific base metal used for plating or coating. Importers must consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Chapter 72. Verification of the coating material through product specifications or supplier declarations is essential to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 721730?
A coil of copper-plated steel wire weighing 1,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $3,000 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the customs value ($3,000 USD × 0.05 = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a similar product under heading 7217.30.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 721730?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 721730, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a CPTPP Certificate of Origin is typically required, depending on the exporting country and the specific agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the general import duty rates for HS code 721730 (Iron or non-alloy steel wire, plated or coated with other base metals)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 721730 is generally 0.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, specific rates can vary based on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. For instance, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may receive duty-free treatment. It is crucial to consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information.
How is the duty for HS code 721730 calculated if a duty applies?
While the MFN rate is often 0.00% for this code in the US, if a duty were applicable, it would typically be calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For example, if a hypothetical duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem applied to wire valued at $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 \times 0.035 = $350. If a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram applied to 1,000 kg of wire, the duty would be 1,000 kg \times $0.10/kg = $100. Always verify the applicable duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the HTSUS.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 721730?
Standard import documentation for HS 721730 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide a declaration or certificate of origin to substantiate any claims for preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the specific base metal coating and its origin, additional certifications regarding material composition or compliance with specific standards (e.g., RoHS for certain electronic applications) might be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 721730?
Yes, depending on the country of origin, various trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), may qualify for reduced or zero duties if they meet the rules of origin stipulated in that agreement. Similarly, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allows eligible developing countries to export certain goods to the U.S. duty-free. Importers must ensure they have the proper documentation to claim these benefits.
What distinguishes HS code 721730 from other wire classifications, specifically regarding the 'other base metals' coating?
HS code 721730 specifically covers iron or non-alloy steel wire that is plated or coated with base metals other than zinc (galvanized), tin (tinned), or nickel. For example, wire coated with copper, lead, or chromium would fall under 721730. Wire coated with zinc is classified under 721720, and wire coated with tin or nickel would typically be found in other subheadings within Chapter 72. The precise nature of the coating is critical for accurate classification.