HS Code 79.01 – Zinc; unwrought

HS code 7901 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; unwrought. Heading 7901 of the Harmonized System covers unwrought zinc, which refers to zinc that has not been worked beyond the stages of smelting, casting, or alloying. This fundamental classification includes primary zinc, refined zinc, remelted zinc, and various zinc alloys in their raw, unworked metallic state, typically presented as ingots, blocks, slabs, or pigs. The scope is strictly limited to zinc in this foundational form, excluding zinc waste and scrap (7902) or zinc that has been further processed into specific forms like plates, sheets, or powders (7904). Proper classification of unwrought zinc is essential for trade compliance, as it determines applicable tariffs, trade agreements, and potential anti-dumping duties. Historically, zinc has been crucial for galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, die-casting, and the production of brass and other alloys. This heading serves as the primary entry point for zinc in Chapter 79, which covers zinc and articles thereof, establishing the raw material basis for subsequent, more processed zinc products within the chapter.

Refined zinc ingots, zinc blocks, zinc slabs, zinc bars (unwrought), zinc pigs, zinc billets, zinc anodes (for refining), secondary unwrought zinc, zinc alloy ingots (e.g., Zamak alloys, unwrought), pure zinc ingots, special high grade (SHG) zinc, continuous galvanizing grade (CGG) zinc, die-casting zinc alloys (unwrought), zinc-aluminum alloy ingots (unwrought), remelted zinc ingots, zinc granules (unwrought, for alloying), zinc pellets (unwrought, for alloying), zinc dust (if considered unwrought form for further processing), zinc-copper alloy ingots (unwrought), zinc-titanium alloy ingots (unwrought), zinc-magnesium alloy ingots (unwrought), zinc for brass production, zinc for galvanizing, zinc for chemical applications, zinc for battery production.

A common mistake is confusing unwrought zinc (7901) with zinc waste and scrap (7902), especially if the material is high-purity but originates from discarded items. Traders might also incorrectly classify zinc alloys that have been worked into specific forms, such as plates or sheets (7904), under 7901. Another error involves zinc dust; if it's considered a residue or byproduct (e.g., in Heading 2620), it should not be classified here, which is reserved for metallic powders intended for further processing as unwrought material. Clear distinction between raw material and waste/semi-finished forms is essential.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7901 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.3B, 9.2% of world exports), the Netherlands ($1.3B) and Australia ($1.3B). World exports came to about $14.0B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7901 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 14% of world imports), Germany ($1.1B) and China ($1.0B). World imports came to about $14.9B, 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.

HS code 7901 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 79 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (79) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.