Product classification

HS code for Zinc powder: 7903.90

Zinc, powders and flakes.

Classification of zinc powder under HS 7903.90

Zinc powders and flakes are classified under HS code 7903.90. This classification is found within Chapter 79, which covers zinc and its derivatives. The Harmonized System distinguishes between zinc dust (7903.10) and zinc powders/flakes (7903.90). Powders are generally defined as particles obtained by atomization or mechanical grinding, while flakes are characterized by a high surface-area-to-thickness ratio, often produced by ball-milling. The classification depends on the particle size and the physical structure of the material. Unlike zinc ores, these are metallic products. They are used extensively in the manufacture of protective coatings, chemical reagents, and in powder metallurgy. The distinction between dust and powder is often based on the production method and the particle size distribution, with dust typically being finer and often a byproduct of distillation.

Covers
  • Atomized zinc powder
  • Zinc flakes for anti-corrosive paints
  • Zinc powder for chemical reduction
  • Zinc powder for metallurgical applications
  • Zinc flakes used in 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs between zinc powder (7903.90) and zinc dust (7903.10). Zinc dust is specifically defined in the HS Explanatory Notes as a very fine powder obtained by the condensation of zinc vapor. Another error is classifying zinc powder as a pigment under 3212.90 if it is dispersed in a non-aqueous medium. Furthermore, zinc oxide (2817.00) is sometimes mistaken for zinc powder due to its similar appearance, though it is a chemical compound rather than a metal.

7903.10Zinc dust3212.90Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils2817.00Zinc; oxide and peroxide

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc powder) 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 powder.

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 powder

Brazil classifies zinc powder 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 powder

What is the HS code for Zinc powder?

The HS code for Zinc powder is 790390 (Zinc; powders and flakes). The HS code for zinc powders and flakes is 7903.90.

How do I classify Zinc powder for customs?

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

How is zinc powder different from zinc dust in the HS system?

Zinc dust (7903.10) is typically a fine powder obtained by condensation, whereas zinc powder (7903.90) includes atomized or mechanically produced particles and flakes.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc powder) 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 powder (HS 790390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 790390 (the code used for zinc powder) 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 powder the same in all countries?

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

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