HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.17 – Zinc; oxide and peroxide
What HS 28.17 covers
Heading 2817 is unique in Chapter 28, encompassing both elemental zinc and two specific zinc compounds: zinc oxide and zinc peroxide. For elemental zinc, this heading specifically includes it in dust, powder, or flake form, distinguishing it from unwrought zinc in ingots or blocks (classified in Chapter 79). The scope is precise, covering only zinc metal in these specified forms, and its oxide and peroxide. It explicitly excludes other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, or zinc carbonate, which are classified under other specific headings within Chapter 28 (e.g., 2830-2841 for salts). Key sub-categories include various grades of zinc oxide (pharmaceutical, rubber, cosmetic, pigment), zinc peroxide, and zinc in powder or flake form for metallurgical or coating applications. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting customs duties, potential anti-dumping measures (historically applicable to zinc metal), and regulatory approvals, especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grades of zinc oxide. Zinc and its oxide have been vital industrial materials for centuries, foundational in galvanizing, rubber production, and medicinal applications. Its inclusion alongside its key oxides in Chapter 28, primarily dedicated to inorganic compounds, highlights its close association in industrial processes and trade flows, despite elemental metals generally falling under Section XV.
- Covers
- Zinc dust
- Zinc powder
- Zinc flakes
- Zinc oxide (calcined)
- Zinc oxide (pharmaceutical grade)
- Zinc oxide (rubber grade)
- Zinc oxide (cosmetic grade)
- Zinc oxide (pigment grade)
- Zinc peroxide
- Zinc oxide for sunscreens
- Zinc oxide for diaper rash creams
- Zinc oxide for ceramic glazes
- Zinc oxide for tire manufacturing
- Zinc oxide for paints
- Zinc powder for galvanizing
- Zinc powder for metallurgical applications
- Zinc flakes for anti-corrosion coatings
- Zinc powder for chemical synthesis
- Zinc oxide for animal feed
- Zinc oxide for glass production.
- Examples
A large steel galvanizing plant in Mexico imports several containers of zinc powder from Australia for coating steel sheets used in automotive manufacturing, providing corrosion resistance. A pharmaceutical company in the USA imports high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide powder from India for use in topical creams, ointments, and medicinal formulations. A tire manufacturer in Germany sources rubber-grade zinc oxide from a Chinese supplier to act as an activator in the vulcanization process, enhancing tire durability. A cosmetics brand in South Korea imports finely milled zinc oxide from Japan for incorporation into mineral sunscreens and makeup products, valued for its UV-blocking properties. An industrial coatings company in Brazil imports zinc flakes from Canada for use in anti-corrosion paint systems.
Subheadings under 28.17 1
Codes often confused with 28.17
Common mistake. Misclassification under 2817 commonly occurs with unwrought zinc and other zinc compounds. Heading 7901 (Unwrought zinc) is often confused; 2817 specifically covers zinc in dust, powder, or flake form, while 7901 is for unwrought zinc in ingots, blocks, etc. Traders must verify the physical form. Another frequent error is misclassifying other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate or zinc carbonate, under 2817 due to the 'zinc' keyword. However, 2817 is *only* for zinc oxide and peroxide. These other salts belong to headings like 2833 (Sulfates) or 2836 (Carbonates). Finally, if zinc oxide or peroxide is mixed into a specific preparation (e.g., a pre-mixed rubber compound), it could be incorrectly classified under 3824 (Prepared chemical products) instead of 2817.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2817, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2817 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $172M 11% of world exports
- 2 United States $154M 10.0% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $115M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $304M 19% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $123M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $113M 7.1% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 28.17
What is HS code 2817?
HS code 2817 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; oxide and peroxide. Heading 2817 is unique in Chapter 28, encompassing both elemental zinc and two specific zinc compounds: zinc oxide and zinc peroxide. For elemental zinc, this heading specifically includes it in dust, powder, or flake form, distinguishing it from unwrought zinc in ingots or blocks (classified in Chapter 79). The scope is precise, covering only zinc metal in these specified forms, and its oxide and peroxide. It explicitly excludes other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, or zinc carbonate, which are classified under other specific headings within Chapter 28 (e.g., 2830-2841 for salts). Key sub-categories include various grades of zinc oxide (pharmaceutical, rubber, cosmetic, pigment), zinc peroxide, and zinc in powder or flake form for metallurgical or coating applications. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting customs duties, potential anti-dumping measures (historically applicable to zinc metal), and regulatory approvals, especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grades of zinc oxide. Zinc and its oxide have been vital industrial materials for centuries, foundational in galvanizing, rubber production, and medicinal applications. Its inclusion alongside its key oxides in Chapter 28, primarily dedicated to inorganic compounds, highlights its close association in industrial processes and trade flows, despite elemental metals generally falling under Section XV.
What products fall under HS code 2817?
Zinc dust, zinc powder, zinc flakes, zinc oxide (calcined), zinc oxide (pharmaceutical grade), zinc oxide (rubber grade), zinc oxide (cosmetic grade), zinc oxide (pigment grade), zinc peroxide, zinc oxide for sunscreens, zinc oxide for diaper rash creams, zinc oxide for ceramic glazes, zinc oxide for tire manufacturing, zinc oxide for paints, zinc powder for galvanizing, zinc powder for metallurgical applications, zinc flakes for anti-corrosion coatings, zinc powder for chemical synthesis, zinc oxide for animal feed, zinc oxide for glass production.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2817?
Misclassification under 2817 commonly occurs with unwrought zinc and other zinc compounds. Heading 7901 (Unwrought zinc) is often confused; 2817 specifically covers zinc in dust, powder, or flake form, while 7901 is for unwrought zinc in ingots, blocks, etc. Traders must verify the physical form. Another frequent error is misclassifying other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate or zinc carbonate, under 2817 due to the 'zinc' keyword. However, 2817 is *only* for zinc oxide and peroxide. These other salts belong to headings like 2833 (Sulfates) or 2836 (Carbonates). Finally, if zinc oxide or peroxide is mixed into a specific preparation (e.g., a pre-mixed rubber compound), it could be incorrectly classified under 3824 (Prepared chemical products) instead of 2817.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2817?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2817 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($172M, 11% of world exports), the United States ($154M) and Mexico ($115M). World exports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 2817?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2817 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 19% of world imports), Mexico ($123M) and Germany ($113M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2817 structured?
HS code 2817 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (17) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.