HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 79 – Zinc and articles thereof
What HS 79 covers
Chapter 79 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Zinc and articles thereof," forming a crucial part of Section XV, which covers base metals and articles of base metals. This chapter comprehensively encompasses zinc in its various forms, ranging from raw, unwrought states to semi-finished products and fully manufactured articles. The scope includes pure zinc, zinc alloys where zinc predominates by weight, zinc waste and scrap for recycling, and zinc powders, dust, and flakes. Furthermore, it covers semi-finished forms such as bars, rods, profiles, wire, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes, pipes, and their fittings. Finally, it extends to all other articles made predominantly of zinc, provided they are not more specifically classified elsewhere in the HS nomenclature. Key sub-categories within Chapter 79 include unwrought zinc (7901), zinc waste and scrap (7902), zinc powders and flakes (7903), zinc bars, rods, profiles, and wire (7904), zinc plates, sheets, strip, and foil (7905), zinc tubes, pipes, and fittings (7906), and other articles of zinc (7907). Proper classification under this chapter is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable import duties, taxes, trade statistics, and the enforcement of specific trade policies such as anti-dumping measures or environmental regulations concerning heavy metals. Zinc holds significant historical and modern trade importance, primarily due to its use in galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, in the production of brass and other alloys, in die-casting for various industries, and in batteries. Its global demand is a key indicator of industrial health and infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Unwrought zinc ingots
- Zinc blocks
- Zinc slabs
- Zinc granules
- Zinc dust
- Zinc powders
- Zinc flakes
- Zinc wire
- Zinc rods
- Zinc bars
- Zinc profiles
- Zinc plates
- Zinc sheets
- Zinc strips
- Zinc foil
- Zinc tubes
- Zinc pipes
- Zinc pipe fittings
- Zinc anodes
- Zinc roof flashing
- Zinc gutters
- Zinc downspouts
- Zinc die-cast components for automotive
- Zinc battery casings
- Zinc architectural elements
- Zinc tokens
- Zinc coins (if predominantly zinc)
- Examples
A steel galvanizing plant in the United States imports unwrought zinc ingots (HS 7901.11.00) from major zinc producers in Australia, shipped via bulk carrier across the Pacific to West Coast ports, to coat steel sheets for construction. A Chinese manufacturer exports zinc sheets and strips (HS 7905.00.00) to a roofing materials distributor in Germany for use in high-end architectural applications, typically transported in containers via ocean freight through the Suez Canal. An automotive parts supplier in Mexico imports specialized zinc die-cast components (HS 7907.00.00), such as intricate lock mechanisms or decorative trim, from a foundry in Canada, benefiting from preferential tariffs under the USMCA agreement. A recycling facility in India imports zinc scrap (HS 7902.00.00) from industrial sites in the Middle East for reprocessing and reuse in local manufacturing, utilizing established shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.
Headings in chapter 79 6
Codes often confused with 79
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for Chapter 79 often arise from confusion between articles made *of* zinc and articles merely *coated* with zinc. For instance, galvanized steel sheets are classified under Chapter 72 or 73 (iron or steel), as zinc is only a protective coating, not the predominant base metal, whereas actual zinc sheets fall under 7905. Another frequent error is confusing zinc metal with zinc compounds; zinc oxide (used in paints or rubber) is a chemical compound classified under Chapter 28, not Chapter 79. Additionally, alloys where zinc is present but not predominant (e.g., certain brass compositions where copper is the primary metal) should be classified under their respective base metal chapters, such as Chapter 74 for copper and articles thereof, adhering to the General Rules of Interpretation, particularly Rule 3(b) regarding composite goods.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 79, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 79 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.1% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 Netherlands $1.4B 8.1% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $1.4B 7.7% of world exports
- 3 Australia $1.3B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $17.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.5B 7.8% of world imports
- 3 China $1.1B 5.9% of world imports
World total: $18.6B 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 79
What is HS code 79?
HS code 79 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc and articles thereof. Chapter 79 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Zinc and articles thereof," forming a crucial part of Section XV, which covers base metals and articles of base metals. This chapter comprehensively encompasses zinc in its various forms, ranging from raw, unwrought states to semi-finished products and fully manufactured articles. The scope includes pure zinc, zinc alloys where zinc predominates by weight, zinc waste and scrap for recycling, and zinc powders, dust, and flakes. Furthermore, it covers semi-finished forms such as bars, rods, profiles, wire, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes, pipes, and their fittings. Finally, it extends to all other articles made predominantly of zinc, provided they are not more specifically classified elsewhere in the HS nomenclature. Key sub-categories within Chapter 79 include unwrought zinc (7901), zinc waste and scrap (7902), zinc powders and flakes (7903), zinc bars, rods, profiles, and wire (7904), zinc plates, sheets, strip, and foil (7905), zinc tubes, pipes, and fittings (7906), and other articles of zinc (7907). Proper classification under this chapter is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable import duties, taxes, trade statistics, and the enforcement of specific trade policies such as anti-dumping measures or environmental regulations concerning heavy metals. Zinc holds significant historical and modern trade importance, primarily due to its use in galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, in the production of brass and other alloys, in die-casting for various industries, and in batteries. Its global demand is a key indicator of industrial health and infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 79?
Unwrought zinc ingots, zinc blocks, zinc slabs, zinc granules, zinc dust, zinc powders, zinc flakes, zinc wire, zinc rods, zinc bars, zinc profiles, zinc plates, zinc sheets, zinc strips, zinc foil, zinc tubes, zinc pipes, zinc pipe fittings, zinc anodes, zinc roof flashing, zinc gutters, zinc downspouts, zinc die-cast components for automotive, zinc battery casings, zinc architectural elements, zinc tokens, zinc coins (if predominantly zinc)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 79?
Common misclassifications for Chapter 79 often arise from confusion between articles made *of* zinc and articles merely *coated* with zinc. For instance, galvanized steel sheets are classified under Chapter 72 or 73 (iron or steel), as zinc is only a protective coating, not the predominant base metal, whereas actual zinc sheets fall under 7905. Another frequent error is confusing zinc metal with zinc compounds; zinc oxide (used in paints or rubber) is a chemical compound classified under Chapter 28, not Chapter 79. Additionally, alloys where zinc is present but not predominant (e.g., certain brass compositions where copper is the primary metal) should be classified under their respective base metal chapters, such as Chapter 74 for copper and articles thereof, adhering to the General Rules of Interpretation, particularly Rule 3(b) regarding composite goods.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 79?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 79 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.4B, 8.1% of world exports), South Korea ($1.4B) and Australia ($1.3B). World exports came to about $17.6B, 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 79?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 79 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 13% of world imports), Germany ($1.5B) and China ($1.1B). World imports came to about $18.6B, 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 79 structured?
HS code 79 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.