HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7217.20 – Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, plated or coated with zinc
HS code 7217.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, wire, plated or coated with zinc. It is used for galvanized fencing wire, galvanized barbed wire, galvanized tie wire, galvanized mesh wire and galvanized strand wire.
What HS 7217.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers iron or non-alloy steel wire that has been plated or coated with zinc, commonly known as galvanized wire. The zinc coating provides crucial corrosion resistance, significantly extending the lifespan and utility of the wire in outdoor or harsh environments. This makes it indispensable for applications in fencing, agricultural uses, construction (e.g., gabions, tie wire), and various industrial products where durability against rust is paramount. Importers are typically manufacturers of wire products, construction companies, and agricultural suppliers. Exporters are specialized wire drawing and galvanizing plants. Key trade factors include the thickness and quality of the zinc coating, wire diameter, and tensile strength, all of which impact its performance and suitability for specific end-uses. It's a vital commodity in sectors requiring weather-resistant materials.
- Covers
- Galvanized fencing wire
- Galvanized barbed wire
- Galvanized tie wire
- Galvanized mesh wire
- Galvanized strand wire
- Electro-galvanized wire
- Hot-dip galvanized wire
- Gabion wire
- Examples
- Bekaert galvanized wire
- Liberty Steel galvanized products
- Tata Steel galvanized wire
- Sumitomo Electric galvanized wire
- Mid-South Wire galvanized products
Codes often confused with 7217.20
Common mistake. The primary confusion arises with 721710 (uncoated wire) or 721730 (wire coated with other base metals). The presence and specific type of zinc coating are the critical distinguishing features for this classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.8% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $854M 34% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $204M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Slovakia $178M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $190M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 Poland $143M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $115M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 7217.20 2
Brazil splits HS 7217.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 7217.20.10 Zinc-coated wire, 0.6% carbon or moreCom um teor de carbono igual ou superior a 0,6 %, em peso
- 7217.20.90 Zinc-coated wire, under 0.6% carbonOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 7217.20
What is HS code 721720?
HS code 721720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, plated or coated with zinc. This HS code specifically covers iron or non-alloy steel wire that has been plated or coated with zinc, commonly known as galvanized wire. The zinc coating provides crucial corrosion resistance, significantly extending the lifespan and utility of the wire in outdoor or harsh environments. This makes it indispensable for applications in fencing, agricultural uses, construction (e.g., gabions, tie wire), and various industrial products where durability against rust is paramount. Importers are typically manufacturers of wire products, construction companies, and agricultural suppliers. Exporters are specialized wire drawing and galvanizing plants. Key trade factors include the thickness and quality of the zinc coating, wire diameter, and tensile strength, all of which impact its performance and suitability for specific end-uses. It's a vital commodity in sectors requiring weather-resistant materials.
What products fall under HS code 721720?
Galvanized fencing wire, Galvanized barbed wire, Galvanized tie wire, Galvanized mesh wire, Galvanized strand wire, Electro-galvanized wire, Hot-dip galvanized wire, Gabion wire
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721720?
The primary confusion arises with 721710 (uncoated wire) or 721730 (wire coated with other base metals). The presence and specific type of zinc coating are the critical distinguishing features for this classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($854M, 34% of world exports), Türkiye ($204M) and Slovakia ($178M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 721720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($190M, 7.8% of world imports), Poland ($143M) and Germany ($115M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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.
How is HS code 721720 structured?
HS code 721720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721720?
Brazil splits HS code 721720 into 2 NCM codes: 7217.20.10 (Zinc-coated wire, 0.6% carbon or more), 7217.20.90 (Zinc-coated wire, under 0.6% carbon). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.