Product classification
HS code for Zinc foil: 7905.00
Zinc, plates, sheets, strip and foil.
Classification of zinc foil under HS 7905.00
Zinc foil is classified under HS code 7905.00, which covers zinc plates, sheets, strip, and foil. This classification is determined by the product's flat-rolled shape and its thickness. In the Harmonized System, heading 79.05 is a consolidated heading that does not differentiate between plates, sheets, and foil by specific thickness thresholds in the same way other metals like aluminum do. The product is classified here if it is a flat-rolled product, whether or not in coils, and not meeting the definition of unwrought zinc. The material must be of a uniform thickness and not worked beyond surface treatment (such as polishing or coating) or being cut to shape. Zinc foil is commonly used in specialized battery manufacturing, architectural applications, and as a moisture barrier in industrial settings.
- Covers
- Thin rolled zinc foil
- Zinc strip in coils
- Zinc sheets for roofing
- Polished zinc plates for engraving
- Zinc ribbon for electrical applications
- Also under 7905.00
- VMZINC architectural zinc
- Rheinzink titanium zinc for roofing
- EverZinc zinc sheets for batteries
- Zintek zinc-titanium sheets
- Eramet zinc strip
Codes often confused with 7905.00
Common mistake. Zinc foil is often misclassified under 7907.00, which is the residual category for "Other articles of zinc." However, as long as the foil is a simple flat-rolled product, 7905.00 takes precedence. Another common error occurs when zinc foil is used as a component in primary cells or batteries; in such cases, it might be incorrectly declared under 85.06. If the foil is printed with designs or text, it may move to Chapter 49. Furthermore, zinc waste and scrap should be classified under 7902.00 rather than 7905.00, even if it appears in sheet form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 790500 (the code used for zinc foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790500 (the code used for zinc foil) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 790500, not only zinc foil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $193M 36% of world exports
- 2 Japan $78M 14% of world exports
- 3 Spain $72M 13% of world exports
World total: $540M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $132M 21% of world imports
- 2 France $99M 16% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $54M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $613M 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 foil
Brazil classifies zinc foil under NCM 7905.00.00: HS 7905.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc foil
What is the HS code for Zinc foil?
The HS code for Zinc foil is 790500 (Zinc; plates, sheets, strip and foil). The HS code for zinc foil is 7905.00, which includes plates, sheets, and strips of zinc.
How do I classify Zinc foil for customs?
Zinc foil is classified under HS code 790500 — Zinc; plates, sheets, strip and foil. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is there a thickness limit for zinc foil in heading 79.05?
Unlike aluminum foil (heading 76.07), heading 79.05 does not specify a maximum thickness for foil, though it is generally understood to refer to very thin sheets.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc foil (HS 790500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790500 (the code used for zinc foil) in UN Comtrade data were France ($193M, 36% of world exports), Japan ($78M) and Spain ($72M). World exports came to about $540M, 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 foil (HS 790500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 790500 (the code used for zinc foil) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($132M, 21% of world imports), France ($99M) and Belgium ($54M). World imports came to about $613M, 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 foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 790500 for Zinc foil 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 foil in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc foil (HS 790500) is classified under NCM 7905.00.00.