Product classification
HS code for Unalloyed zinc: 7901.12
Zinc, unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc.
Classification of unalloyed zinc under HS 7901.12
Unalloyed zinc containing less than 99.99% zinc by weight is classified under HS code 7901.12. This classification falls within Chapter 79, which covers zinc and articles thereof. Heading 7901 specifically addresses unwrought zinc, which refers to zinc in primary forms such as ingots, blocks, or slabs that have not yet been manufactured into finished products. The distinction between 7901.11 and 7901.12 is based strictly on the purity level of the metal. To qualify for 7901.12, the zinc must be "unalloyed," meaning no other elements have been intentionally added to change its properties, and it must have a purity level below the 99.99% threshold (typically between 97.5% and 99.99%). This classification is critical for the metals trade, as different purity levels often attract different tariff rates and are used for different industrial applications, such as galvanizing or chemical production. The term "unwrought" is a key legal definition in the HS, excluding any metal that has been rolled, extruded, or otherwise worked beyond simple casting.
- Covers
- Unalloyed zinc ingots (purity < 99.99%)
- Zinc slabs and blocks
- Zinc pigs and jumbo blocks
- Zinc plates (unwrought and unalloyed)
- Zinc anodes for electroplating (if unwrought)
- Also under 7901.12
- Nyrstar SHG Zinc
- Korea Zinc SHG Ingots
- Glencore Zinc Slabs
- Teck Zinc Cathodes
- Hindustan Zinc Ingots
Codes often confused with 7901.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 7901.12 and 7901.11. Code 7901.11 is reserved for zinc with a purity of 99.99% or higher (Special High Grade). Another error is classifying unalloyed zinc under 7901.20, which is specifically for zinc alloys (where other metals like aluminum or copper are added). Additionally, zinc waste and scrap should be classified under 7902.00 rather than 7901.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790112 (the code used for unalloyed zinc), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790112 (the code used for unalloyed zinc) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 790112, not only unalloyed zinc.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $595M 22% of world exports
- 2 Finland $336M 12% of world exports
- 3 Iran* ~$286M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $787M 27% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $494M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $222M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 codes for unalloyed zinc
Brazil splits HS 7901.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7901.12.10Unalloyed zinc ingots, under 99.99% zinc
- 7901.12.90Other unalloyed zinc, under 99.99% zinc
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unalloyed zinc
What is the HS code for Unalloyed zinc?
The HS code for Unalloyed zinc is 790112 (Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc). The HS code for unalloyed unwrought zinc containing less than 99.99% zinc by weight is 7901.12.
How do I classify Unalloyed zinc for customs?
Unalloyed zinc is classified under HS code 790112 — Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines zinc as "unalloyed" in the HS?
Zinc is considered unalloyed if the weight of any other element present (such as iron, lead, or copper) does not exceed the limits specified in the Chapter 79 notes, typically requiring the zinc content to be at least 97.5% by weight.
Which countries are the top exporters of unalloyed zinc (HS 790112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790112 (the code used for unalloyed zinc) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($595M, 22% of world exports), Finland ($336M) and Iran (about $286M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 unalloyed zinc (HS 790112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790112 (the code used for unalloyed zinc) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($787M, 27% of world imports), Türkiye ($494M) and Germany ($222M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Unalloyed zinc the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790112 for Unalloyed 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 unalloyed zinc in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 790112 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for unalloyed zinc depends on the product's details: 7901.12.10 (Unalloyed zinc ingots, under 99.99% zinc), 7901.12.90 (Other unalloyed zinc, under 99.99% zinc).