HS 790111 Zinc, not alloyed
Quick Answer: Unwrought zinc, not alloyed, imported under HS 790111 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.50% ad valorem, and the US at 1.5% ad valorem, with certain preferential trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers pure zinc in its primary, unworked state, such as ingots, pigs, and lumps, before it is mixed with other metals to form alloys. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific preferential rates applicable to their origin country. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying duty structures is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7901110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7901110000 | 2.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7901110000 | 1.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7901.11?
Imports of Zinc, not alloyed may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 790111 cover?
This subheading covers unwrought zinc that is not alloyed, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Specifically, it pertains to zinc in its primary, unmixed form, typically produced through smelting and refining processes. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this includes zinc with a minimum purity of 99.99% by weight. The EU's TARIC system also aligns with this definition, focusing on pure zinc in its raw, unworked state before any alloying elements are added.
What falls outside HS 790111?
The following products are excluded from HS 790111: zinc that has been alloyed with other metals, such as zinc alloys used in die-casting or galvanizing, which are classified under HS 790122. Also excluded are zinc waste and scrap (HS 790200), and articles of zinc (Chapter 79, Section XV). For instance, zinc bars, rods, and profiles, even if made from unalloyed zinc, would fall under a different classification within Chapter 79, not unwrought zinc.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 790111?
A common error is misclassifying zinc alloys as pure, unalloyed zinc under HS 790111. This often occurs when the purity level is not meticulously verified or when the presence of minor alloying elements, even below a certain threshold, is overlooked. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product contains even a small percentage of another metal, it is likely an alloy and should be classified accordingly, typically under HS 790122.
How should importers classify products under HS 790111?
The correct procedure for classifying unwrought zinc involves verifying its purity level against the definitions provided in the relevant tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Importers and customs brokers must obtain detailed technical specifications from the supplier, confirming the absence of alloying elements and the minimum purity percentage. If the zinc meets the criteria for unalloyed unwrought zinc (e.g., 99.99% pure), it should be classified under HS 790111. Documentation supporting the purity claim is crucial for customs clearance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 790111?
A shipment of 10,000 kilograms of pure zinc ingots, declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($25,000 USD × 0.04 = $1,000.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 790111.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 790111?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 790111, 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) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Australia and Japan. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction, is typically required.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 790111 (Zinc, not alloyed)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 790111, 'Zinc, not alloyed', is typically 0.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable trade agreements to determine the exact duty rate.
How is the 'not alloyed' status determined for zinc under HS 790111?
For zinc to be classified under HS 790111, it must contain by weight a minimum purity of 97.5% zinc. This is a key criterion defined by the Harmonized System. Impurities are permitted, but they must not exceed 2.5% of the total weight. Importers should ensure that their product specifications and any accompanying certificates of analysis clearly demonstrate this purity level to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required for importing zinc classified under HS 790111?
Standard import documentation for HS 790111 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the origin of the goods, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is highly recommended to confirm the purity of the zinc and support its classification as 'not alloyed' under 790111.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS 790111?
Let's assume an importer brings in 10,000 kilograms of zinc (HS 790111) with a declared value of $2.50 per kilogram, and the applicable duty rate is 2.50% ad valorem. The total value of the shipment is 10,000 kg * $2.50/kg = $25,000. The import duty would be calculated as 2.50% of $25,000, which equals $625.00. If a specific duty rate per unit (e.g., per kilogram) were applicable, the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 790111?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 790111. For instance, agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU) often list this code with a 'Free' duty rate. Other agreements, such as those with countries like Canada (CA), Mexico (MX) under USMCA, or those with South Korea (KR), may also offer reduced or zero duty rates. Importers should verify the specific preferential treatment available based on the country of origin and the importing country's trade agreement list.