Product classification

HS code for Zinc flakes: 7903.90

Zinc, powders and flakes.

Classification of zinc flakes under HS 7903.90

Zinc flakes are classified under HS code 7903.90 because they represent a specific physical form of zinc that has been processed into thin, lamellar particles. Unlike zinc dust, which consists of spherical or irregular particles, flakes are characterized by their high surface-area-to-thickness ratio. This classification falls within Chapter 79, which covers zinc and articles thereof, and specifically under heading 79.03, which encompasses zinc dust, powders, and flakes. The determination for 7903.90 is based on the manufacturing process that flattens the zinc particles, typically through ball milling with lubricants to prevent cold welding. These flakes are primarily used in the production of anti-corrosive coatings and paints, where their overlapping structure provides a physical barrier against moisture and oxidation. The classification remains here as long as the flakes are not mixed with other substances to form a prepared pigment or paint.

Covers
  • Lamellar zinc particles
  • Zinc flakes for protective coatings
  • Metallic zinc flakes for industrial paints
  • Zinc flake pigments (unmixed)
  • Zinc flake powders for mechanical plating
Also under 7903.90
  • ECKA Granules zinc powder
  • Atlantic Equipment Engineers zinc flakes
  • Reade Advanced Materials zinc powder
  • Micron Metals zinc powder
  • BASF zinc powder

Codes often confused with 7903.90

Common mistake. Zinc flakes are frequently confused with zinc dust, which is classified under HS code 7903.10. The distinction lies in the particle shape; 7903.10 is reserved for powders of a spherical nature, whereas 7903.90 covers the lamellar flake form. Additionally, if the zinc flakes are already mixed with binders or solvents to form a finished paint, they may be misclassified under heading 32.08 or 32.09. Another common error involves classifying them under 32.06 as other coloring matter, but pure metallic flakes remain in 7903.90 unless they are prepared as complex pigments.

7903.10Zinc dust

Top exporters and importers of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc flakes), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 790390, not only zinc flakes.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Belgium $42M
  2. 2 Germany $34M
  3. 3 Japan $17M

World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $23M
  2. 2 Indonesia $20M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$13M

World total: $167M 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 code for zinc flakes

Brazil classifies zinc flakes under NCM 7903.90.00: HS 7903.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about zinc flakes

What is the HS code for Zinc flakes?

The HS code for Zinc flakes is 790390 (Zinc; powders and flakes). The HS code for zinc flakes is 7903.90, which falls under the category of zinc powders and flakes.

How do I classify Zinc flakes for customs?

Zinc flakes is classified under HS code 790390 — Zinc; powders and flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do flakes differ from zinc dust in the HS system?

Zinc dust (7903.10) consists of fine, globular particles usually obtained by the condensation of zinc vapor, while flakes (7903.90) are flattened, plate-like particles often produced by mechanical milling.

Which countries are the top exporters of zinc flakes (HS 790390)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($42M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($34M) and Japan ($17M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 flakes (HS 790390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc flakes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($23M, 14% of world imports), Indonesia ($20M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World imports came to about $167M, 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 flakes the same in all countries?

The base HS code 790390 for Zinc flakes 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 flakes in Brazil?

In Brazil, zinc flakes (HS 790390) is classified under NCM 7903.90.00.