HS Code for Coated steel wire

Classification of coated steel wire under HS code 7217.30 is determined by the material composition and the nature of the surface treatment applied to the wire. Heading 7217 specifically addresses wire made of iron or non-alloy steel. The classification process begins by confirming that the carbon content is less than 0.25% by weight, which defines non-alloy steel in this context. Subheading 7217.30 is reserved for wire that has been plated or coated with base metals such as copper, tin, lead, or nickel. This excludes zinc coatings, which are classified elsewhere. The coating must be applied to the individual wire strand rather than a finished product like a cable. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between raw industrial materials and processed goods, as the metallurgical properties of the coating significantly affect the wire's conductivity, corrosion resistance, and industrial application. The wire must have a uniform cross-section along its entire length and must not be in coiled form that exceeds specific diameter thresholds if it were to be considered a different product category.

Products Included

• Copper-coated non-alloy steel wire
• Tin-plated iron wire
• Nickel-coated steel wire for industrial springs
• Lead-coated non-alloy steel wire
• Brass-plated steel wire for tire cord reinforcement

Common Misclassification

This code is frequently confused with HS code 7217.20, which is specifically for wire plated or coated with zinc (galvanized wire). Another common error is using 7217.90, which is a residual category for wire coated with other materials like plastics or ceramics. Furthermore, if the wire is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under heading 7223.00, regardless of the coating, as the alloy composition takes precedence over the surface treatment in the HS hierarchy.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Coated steel wire?

The HS code for iron or non-alloy steel wire plated or coated with base metals (excluding zinc) is 7217.30.

Does this code include plastic-coated wire?

No, wire coated with plastics or other non-metallic materials is classified under HS code 7217.90. HS code 7217.30 is strictly for coatings consisting of base metals other than zinc.