Product classification
HS code for Zinc dust: 7903.10
Zinc dust.
Classification of zinc dust under HS 7903.10
Zinc dust is classified under HS code 790310. This code is part of heading 7903, which covers zinc dust, powders, and flakes. The Harmonized System makes a technical distinction between 'dust' and 'powders/flakes.' According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 79, zinc dust (also known as blue powder) is obtained by the condensation of zinc vapor. This process results in very fine, spherical particles that are distinct from the particles found in zinc powders. The spherical nature of the dust particles is a key identifying characteristic for customs authorities. Zinc dust is primarily used in the manufacture of zinc-rich paints, as a reducing agent in chemical manufacturing, and in the purification of solutions for hydrometallurgy. Because of its high surface area and reactivity, it is treated differently than larger zinc particles or unwrought ingots. The classification 790310 is specific to this condensed form, whereas other forms of finely divided zinc fall under 790390.
- Covers
- Blue powder (condensed zinc vapor)
- Ultra-fine spherical zinc dust
- Zinc dust for protective coatings
- Zinc dust used in gold recovery (cyanidation)
- Also under 7903.10
- Umicore Zinc Dust
- EverZinc Zinc Dust
- Transpek Industry Zinc Dust
- Zochem Zinc Dust
- US Zinc Dust
Codes often confused with 7903.10
Common mistake. Zinc dust is most commonly misclassified under HS code 790390, which covers zinc powders and flakes. The difference is the production method: 790390 is for powders produced by atomization or milling, which results in irregular or lamellar (flake-like) shapes, whereas 790310 is strictly for the spherical dust produced by condensation. Another misclassification occurs with 320649 (other coloring matter), where zinc-based pigments are sometimes placed. However, if the product is pure metallic zinc in dust form, Chapter 79 takes precedence over Chapter 32. Finally, it should not be confused with zinc oxide (281700), which is a white chemical compound rather than a metallic dust.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790310 (the code used for zinc dust), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790310 (the code used for zinc dust) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 11% 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 790310, not only zinc dust.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $58M 18% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $44M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $38M 12% of world exports
World total: $321M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $34M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $31M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $30M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $313M 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 code for zinc dust
Brazil classifies zinc dust under NCM 7903.10.00: HS 7903.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc dust
What is the HS code for Zinc dust?
The HS code for Zinc dust is 790310 (Zinc dust). The HS code for zinc dust is 790310.
How do I classify Zinc dust for customs?
Zinc dust is classified under HS code 790310 — Zinc dust. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between zinc dust and zinc powder?
In the HS system, zinc dust (790310) is specifically produced by condensation and has spherical particles, while zinc powder (790390) is produced by other means like atomization and has different particle shapes.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc dust (HS 790310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790310 (the code used for zinc dust) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($58M, 18% of world exports), Sweden ($44M) and South Korea ($38M). World exports came to about $321M, 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 dust (HS 790310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790310 (the code used for zinc dust) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($34M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($31M) and France ($30M). World imports came to about $313M, 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 dust the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790310 for Zinc dust 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 dust in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc dust (HS 790310) is classified under NCM 7903.10.00.