Product classification

HS code for Zinc ingots: 7901.12

Zinc, unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc.

Classification of zinc ingots under HS 7901.12

Zinc ingots with a purity of less than 99.99% are classified under HS code 7901.12. This code falls under heading 79.01, which covers unwrought zinc. The classification is strictly based on two factors: the physical state of the metal and its chemical purity. "Unwrought" refers to primary forms such as ingots, blocks, slabs, or similar masses obtained by casting or sintering, which have not been further worked. Subheading 7901.12 specifically targets non-alloyed zinc where the zinc content by weight is less than 99.99%. This type of zinc is frequently used in the hot-dip galvanizing industry and for the production of brass and other zinc-based alloys. The distinction in purity is critical for customs valuation and trade statistics, as higher purity zinc (Special High Grade) is categorized separately.

Covers
  • Zinc ingots (non-alloyed, <99.99% purity)
  • Unwrought zinc slabs
  • Zinc blocks for melting
  • Cast zinc bars (unwrought)
  • Zinc jumbo blocks for galvanizing
Also under 7901.12
  • Nyrstar SHG Zinc
  • Korea Zinc SHG Ingots
  • Glencore Zinc Slabs
  • Teck Zinc Cathodes
  • Hindustan Zinc Ingots

Codes often confused with 7901.12

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between 7901.12 and 7901.11. HS code 7901.11 is reserved for zinc with a purity of 99.99% or higher (Special High Grade). Importers must have laboratory assays to prove the purity level. Another common error is classifying zinc alloys under this code; zinc alloys (where zinc predominates by weight but other elements like aluminum or copper are intentionally added) must be classified under 7901.20. Finally, if the ingot has been rolled or extruded, it is no longer "unwrought" and must be moved to headings such as 79.04 or 79.05.

7901.11Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight 99.99% or more of zinc7901.20Zinc; unwrought, alloys

Top exporters and importers of HS 790112 (the code used for zinc ingots), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790112 (the code used for zinc ingots) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 790112, not only zinc ingots.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Canada $595M
  2. 2 Finland $336M
  3. 3 Iran* ~$286M

World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $787M
  2. 2 Türkiye $494M
  3. 3 Germany $222M

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 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 ingots

Brazil splits HS 7901.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 7901.12.10Unalloyed zinc ingots, under 99.99% zinc
  • 7901.12.90Other unalloyed zinc, under 99.99% zinc

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

Questions about zinc ingots

What is the HS code for Zinc ingots?

The HS code for Zinc ingots is 790112 (Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc). Zinc ingots that are not alloyed and have a purity of less than 99.99% are classified under HS code 7901.12.

How do I classify Zinc ingots for customs?

Zinc ingots is classified under HS code 790112 — Zinc; unwrought, (not alloyed), containing by weight less than 99.99% of zinc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is "unwrought" defined for zinc ingots?

Unwrought refers to metal in its primary form, such as ingots or slabs, produced by casting or smelting, which has not been rolled, forged, or otherwise processed.

Which countries are the top exporters of zinc ingots (HS 790112)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790112 (the code used for zinc ingots) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($595M, 22% of world exports), Finland ($336M) and Iran (about $286M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 ingots (HS 790112)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 790112 (the code used for zinc ingots) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($787M, 27% of world imports), Türkiye ($494M) and Germany ($222M). 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 Zinc ingots the same in all countries?

The base HS code 790112 for Zinc ingots 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 ingots in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 790112 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc ingots depends on the product's details: 7901.12.10 (Unalloyed zinc ingots, under 99.99% zinc), 7901.12.90 (Other unalloyed zinc, under 99.99% zinc).