HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7903.90 – Zinc; powders and flakes
HS code 7903.90 is the 6-digit subheading for zinc, powders and flakes. It is used for atomized zinc powder, electrolytic zinc powder, zinc flakes for coatings, zinc powder for friction materials and zinc powder for batteries.
What HS 7903.90 covers
This category covers zinc in powdered or flake form, distinct from the specific 'dust' produced by vapor condensation (790310). These forms are typically manufactured through processes like atomization or milling and find application in a diverse range of industries. They are used as pigments in specialized paints, in friction materials for automotive brakes, as chemical catalysts, and as a component in certain types of batteries. Importers are often manufacturers in the automotive, construction, and electronics sectors, seeking specific material properties for their products. Exporters are typically specialized metal powder producers. Key considerations for trade include particle shape (e.g., spherical, irregular, flake), size distribution, and purity, all of which are critical for their functional performance in various industrial processes. The market for these products is driven by industrial manufacturing and technological advancements requiring tailored material characteristics.
- Covers
- Atomized zinc powder
- Electrolytic zinc powder
- Zinc flakes for coatings
- Zinc powder for friction materials
- Zinc powder for batteries
- Zinc powder for chemical applications
- Spherical zinc powder
- Examples
- ECKA Granules zinc powder
- Atlantic Equipment Engineers zinc flakes
- Reade Advanced Materials zinc powder
- Micron Metals zinc powder
- BASF zinc powder
Codes often confused with 7903.90
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 790310 (zinc dust) due to similar appearance, but distinguished by production method and often particle characteristics. It can also be mistaken for 3206 (other coloring matter) if used as a pigment and not clearly identified as elemental zinc.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 790390, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 790390 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 Belgium $42M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $34M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $17M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $23M 14% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $20M 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$13M 7.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $167M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for 7903.90
Brazil does not split HS 7903.90: its NCM code is 7903.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 79.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7903.90
What is HS code 790390?
HS code 790390 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; powders and flakes. This category covers zinc in powdered or flake form, distinct from the specific 'dust' produced by vapor condensation (790310). These forms are typically manufactured through processes like atomization or milling and find application in a diverse range of industries. They are used as pigments in specialized paints, in friction materials for automotive brakes, as chemical catalysts, and as a component in certain types of batteries. Importers are often manufacturers in the automotive, construction, and electronics sectors, seeking specific material properties for their products. Exporters are typically specialized metal powder producers. Key considerations for trade include particle shape (e.g., spherical, irregular, flake), size distribution, and purity, all of which are critical for their functional performance in various industrial processes. The market for these products is driven by industrial manufacturing and technological advancements requiring tailored material characteristics.
What products fall under HS code 790390?
Atomized zinc powder, Electrolytic zinc powder, Zinc flakes for coatings, Zinc powder for friction materials, Zinc powder for batteries, Zinc powder for chemical applications, Spherical zinc powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 790390?
Frequently confused with 790310 (zinc dust) due to similar appearance, but distinguished by production method and often particle characteristics. It can also be mistaken for 3206 (other coloring matter) if used as a pigment and not clearly identified as elemental zinc.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 790390?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 790390 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($42M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($34M) and Japan ($17M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 790390?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 790390 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($23M, 14% of world imports), Indonesia ($20M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World imports came to about $167M, 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 790390 structured?
HS code 790390 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (79) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 790390?
In Brazil, HS code 790390 is NCM 7903.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.