Product classification
HS code for Galvanized steel wire: 7217.20
Iron or non-alloy steel, wire, plated or coated with zinc.
Classification of galvanized steel wire under HS 7217.20
The classification of galvanized steel wire under HS code 7217.20 is determined by the definition of wire provided in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72. Wire is defined as cold-formed products in coils, of any cross-sectional shape, which do not conform to the definition of flat-rolled products. For a product to fall under 7217.20, it must be made of iron or non-alloy steel and must be plated or coated with zinc. The galvanization process, which provides a protective layer against oxidation, is the defining characteristic of this subheading. This classification applies regardless of the wire's diameter or its intended end-use, provided it remains in its raw, coiled form. If the wire were to be further processed into an article, such as a fence or a spring, it would move to Chapter 73. The classification logic prioritizes the material composition and the surface finish. By specifying non-alloy steel, the code excludes stainless steel wire (7223) and other alloy steel wires (7229). This precision allows for accurate monitoring of steel production and trade flows within the global market.
- Covers
- Galvanized carbon steel wire
- Zinc-coated binding wire
- Galvanized fencing wire (raw material)
- Zinc-plated non-alloy steel wire in coils
- Also under 7217.20
- 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. Common errors include using 7217.10, which is for wire that is not plated or coated. It is also confused with 7217.30, which covers wire coated with other base metals like copper or tin. Finished articles like mesh are classified under 7314.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721720 (the code used for galvanized steel wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721720 (the code used for galvanized steel wire) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 721720, not only galvanized steel wire.
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 galvanized steel wire
Brazil splits HS 7217.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7217.20.10Zinc-coated wire, 0.6% carbon or more
- 7217.20.90Zinc-coated wire, under 0.6% carbon
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 galvanized steel wire
What is the HS code for Galvanized steel wire?
The HS code for Galvanized steel wire is 721720 (Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, plated or coated with zinc). The HS code for wire of iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with zinc is 7217.20.
How do I classify Galvanized steel wire for customs?
Galvanized steel wire is classified under HS code 721720 — Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, plated or coated with zinc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is stainless steel wire included in 7217.20?
No, stainless steel wire is classified under heading 7223, as 7217 is strictly for iron or non-alloy steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of galvanized steel wire (HS 721720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721720 (the code used for galvanized steel wire) 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 galvanized steel wire (HS 721720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721720 (the code used for galvanized steel wire) 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.
Is the HS code for Galvanized steel wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721720 for Galvanized steel wire is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for galvanized steel wire in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for galvanized steel wire depends on the product's details: 7217.20.10 (Zinc-coated wire, 0.6% carbon or more), 7217.20.90 (Zinc-coated wire, under 0.6% carbon).