Product classification
HS code for Uncoated steel wire: 7217.10
Iron or non-alloy steel, wire, (not plated or coated), whether or not polished.
Classification of uncoated steel wire under HS 7217.10
HS code 721710 is specifically designated for wire made of iron or non-alloy steel that remains in an uncoated state. To qualify for this classification, the wire must be a cold-formed product in coils, with any cross-sectional shape, but it must not have been plated or coated with metal (such as zinc, tin, or lead) or other materials like plastics or paints. The manufacturing process typically involves drawing a wire rod through a series of dies to reduce its diameter and increase its tensile strength. While the surface may be polished to achieve a smooth finish or treated with lubricants during the drawing process, it must not possess a distinct layer of a different material. This code is essential for distinguishing raw industrial wire from specialized coated wires used in corrosive environments. The classification relies on General Interpretative Rule 1 and 6, focusing on the material composition and the surface finish. It is used by manufacturers of springs, fencing, and fasteners who require raw steel for further processing or heat treatment. The classification also excludes products that have been further worked than cold-drawn, such as wire that has been shaped into specific articles. The distinction between wire and rods is also important; wire is typically in coils and has a uniform cross-section. If the steel contains alloying elements above the limits defined in Note 1(f) to Chapter 72, it must be classified under 7223.00.
- Covers
- Cold-drawn non-alloy steel wire in coils
- Polished iron wire without metallic coating
- Raw carbon steel wire for industrial spring manufacturing
- Bright drawn wire for fastener production
- Uncoated mild steel wire for general engineering
- Also under 7217.10
- Bekaert uncoated wire
- ArcelorMittal wire rod
- POSCO basic wire
- Nippon Steel wire products
- Liberty Steel uncoated wire
Codes often confused with 7217.10
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 721720, which covers wire coated with zinc (galvanized), and 721730, which covers wire coated with other base metals like tin or copper. Additionally, if the wire is made of stainless steel, it must be classified under 722300 regardless of whether it is coated or uncoated. Misclassification often occurs when the presence of a temporary rust-preventative oil is mistaken for a permanent coating.
Top exporters and importers of HS 721710 (the code used for uncoated steel wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 721710 (the code used for uncoated steel wire) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 721710, not only uncoated steel wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $494M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $385M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $235M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $288M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 United States $228M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 France $210M 6.9% 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 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 uncoated steel wire
Brazil splits HS 7217.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7217.10.11Tempered high-C wire, min 1,960 MPa, max 2.25 mm
- 7217.10.19Other uncoated wire, 0.6% carbon or more
- 7217.10.90Other uncoated 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 uncoated steel wire
What is the HS code for Uncoated steel wire?
The HS code for Uncoated steel wire is 721710 (Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, (not plated or coated), whether or not polished). The HS code for uncoated iron or non-alloy steel wire is 721710.
How do I classify Uncoated steel wire for customs?
Uncoated steel wire is classified under HS code 721710 — Iron or non-alloy steel; wire, (not plated or coated), whether or not polished. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can polished wire be classified under 721710?
Yes, polishing or the application of drawing lubricants does not constitute a coating, so polished uncoated wire remains under 721710.
Which countries are the top exporters of uncoated steel wire (HS 721710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 721710 (the code used for uncoated steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($494M, 17% of world exports), China ($385M) and Germany ($235M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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 uncoated steel wire (HS 721710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 721710 (the code used for uncoated steel wire) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($288M, 9.4% of world imports), the United States ($228M) and France ($210M). 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 Uncoated steel wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 721710 for Uncoated 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 uncoated steel wire in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 721710 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for uncoated steel wire depends on the product's details: 7217.10.11 (Tempered high-C wire, min 1,960 MPa, max 2.25 mm), 7217.10.19 (Other uncoated wire, 0.6% carbon or more), 7217.10.90 (Other uncoated wire, under 0.6% carbon).