Product classification
HS code for High purity zinc: 7901.11
Zinc, unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc.
Classification of high purity zinc under HS 7901.11
High purity zinc is classified under HS code 7901.11. This code is part of Chapter 79, which covers zinc and articles thereof. Heading 7901 specifically addresses unwrought zinc, and subheading 7901.11 is reserved for zinc (not alloyed) containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc. This grade is commercially known as Special High Grade (SHG) zinc. The classification is determined by the purity of the metal and its physical state as \"unwrought,\" meaning it is in primary forms like ingots, blocks, or slabs. The Harmonized System uses these purity thresholds to distinguish between high-grade industrial feedstock and lower-purity or alloyed metals. Classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation and the specific notes to Section XV regarding base metals.
- Covers
- Special High Grade (SHG) zinc ingots
- Unwrought zinc slabs (99.99% purity)
- Zinc jumbo blocks for continuous galvanizing
- High purity zinc anodes (unwrought)
- Zinc plates for remelting with 99.99% purity
- Also under 7901.11
- Nyrstar SHG zinc
- Teck Metals zinc ingots
- Korea Zinc SHG zinc
- Hindustan Zinc ingots
Codes often confused with 7901.11
Common mistake. High purity zinc is often confused with other grades of unwrought zinc. For instance, zinc containing less than 99.99% but at least 97.5% zinc is classified under 7901.12. Zinc alloys, which contain other elements added for specific properties, are classified under 7901.20. Additionally, if the zinc has been worked into semi-finished shapes like sheets, plates, or foil, it moves to headings 7903 through 7905. Zinc dust, powders, and flakes are also excluded from 7901.11 and are classified under 7903.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790111 (the code used for high purity zinc), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790111 (the code used for high purity zinc) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 12% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 790111, not only high purity zinc.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.1B 12% of world exports
- 2 Spain $915M 10% of world exports
- 3 Australia $899M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $9.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 13% of world imports
- 2 China $790M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $609M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $9.4B 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 high purity zinc
Brazil splits HS 7901.11 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7901.11.11Electrolytic zinc ingots, 99.99% or more
- 7901.11.19Other electrolytic zinc, 99.99% or more
- 7901.11.91Non-electrolytic zinc ingots, 99.99% or more
- 7901.11.99Other non-electrolytic zinc, 99.99% or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high purity zinc
What is the HS code for High purity zinc?
The HS code for High purity zinc is 790111 (Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc). The HS code for unwrought, non-alloyed zinc with a purity of 99.99% or higher is 7901.11.
How do I classify High purity zinc for customs?
High purity zinc is classified under HS code 790111 — Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does \"unwrought\" mean in this classification?
Unwrought refers to the primary form of the metal, such as ingots or blocks, produced by smelting or electrolysis, which has not yet been rolled, extruded, or forged into a finished shape.
Which countries are the top exporters of high purity zinc (HS 790111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790111 (the code used for high purity zinc) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.1B, 12% of world exports), Spain ($915M) and Australia ($899M). World exports came to about $9.1B, 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 high purity zinc (HS 790111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790111 (the code used for high purity zinc) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 13% of world imports), China ($790M) and Germany ($609M). World imports came to about $9.4B, 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 High purity zinc the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790111 for High purity zinc 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 high purity zinc in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 790111 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for high purity zinc depends on the product's details: 7901.11.11 (Electrolytic zinc ingots, 99.99% or more), 7901.11.19 (Other electrolytic zinc, 99.99% or more), 7901.11.91 (Non-electrolytic zinc ingots, 99.99% or more), 7901.11.99 (Other non-electrolytic zinc, 99.99% or more).