Product classification
HS code for Zinc alloys: 7901.20
Zinc, unwrought, alloys.
Classification of zinc alloys under HS 7901.20
Zinc alloys are classified under HS code 7901.20, which falls within Chapter 79 (Zinc and articles thereof). Heading 7901 covers unwrought zinc, and the subheading 7901.20 is specifically designated for zinc alloys in primary forms such as ingots, blocks, or slabs. According to the Section XV notes of the Harmonized System, a metal is considered an alloy if the total weight of the alloying elements (such as aluminum, copper, or magnesium) exceeds the limits defined for "unalloyed" zinc. For zinc, this typically means the zinc content must be less than 97.5% by weight, or the content of any other single element must exceed the limits specified in the chapter notes. These alloys are primarily used in die-casting and galvanizing processes where specific mechanical properties, such as hardness or fluid flow, are required that pure zinc cannot provide.
- Covers
- Zamak (zinc-aluminum-magnesium-copper) ingots
- Zinc-aluminum (ZA) alloy blocks
- Zinc-copper-titanium alloys in unwrought form
- Master alloys of zinc used for metallurgical additions
- Zinc-nickel alloy slabs for electroplating
- Also under 7901.20
- Zamak 3 ingots (used by Dynacast)
- ZA-27 alloy (from Nyrstar)
- Chicago White Metal Casting alloys
- Teck Zinc Alloys
Codes often confused with 7901.20
Common mistake. Zinc alloys are frequently misclassified under HS code 7901.11 or 7901.12, which are reserved for unalloyed zinc (containing at least 97.5% zinc by weight). Importers must verify the mill test certificate to ensure the alloying elements meet the threshold for 7901.20. Another common error is using 7902.00, which is for zinc waste and scrap; while scrap may contain alloys, it is classified by its physical state as waste rather than as a primary unwrought product. Additionally, if the zinc alloy has been worked into bars, rods, or profiles, it must be classified under 7904.00 instead of the unwrought heading 7901.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790120 (the code used for zinc alloys), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790120 (the code used for zinc alloys) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, 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 790120, not only zinc alloys.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $313M 16% of world exports
- 2 Australia $271M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $267M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $306M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $290M 12% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$162M 6.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
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 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 zinc alloys
Brazil splits HS 7901.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7901.20.10Zinc alloy ingots
- 7901.20.90Other unwrought zinc alloys
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc alloys
What is the HS code for Zinc alloys?
The HS code for Zinc alloys is 790120 (Zinc; unwrought, alloys). The HS code for unwrought zinc alloys is 7901.20.
How do I classify Zinc alloys for customs?
Zinc alloys is classified under HS code 790120 — Zinc; unwrought, alloys. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is a zinc alloy defined for customs?
A zinc alloy is defined as a metallic substance where zinc predominates by weight, but the total content of other elements exceeds 2.5% by weight.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc alloys (HS 790120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790120 (the code used for zinc alloys) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($313M, 16% of world exports), Australia ($271M) and Belgium ($267M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 zinc alloys (HS 790120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790120 (the code used for zinc alloys) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($306M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($290M) and Vietnam (about $162M). 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 Zinc alloys the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790120 for Zinc alloys 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 zinc alloys in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 790120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc alloys depends on the product's details: 7901.20.10 (Zinc alloy ingots), 7901.20.90 (Other unwrought zinc alloys).