7212 - Flat-rolled products of iron or nonalloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, clad, plated or coated:

HTS Code 7212 encompasses flat-rolled products of iron or nonalloy steel that are less than 600 mm in width and have undergone cladding, plating, or coating. These are distinct from their sibling categories, which primarily deal with live animals or other distinct categories of goods outside of ferrous metals. Within the broader scope of Section XV, this category is specifically concerned with processed steel products, differentiating them from raw iron and steel (Chapter 72, but not the flat-rolled, processed forms) or articles manufactured from base metals.

The subcategories within 7212 further refine the classification based on the specific method or material used for plating, coating, or cladding. For instance, 7212.10.00.00 specifies products coated with tin, while 7212.20.00.00 and 7212.30 distinguish between electrolytic and other methods of zinc plating. Categories like 7212.40.00.00 address products coated with plastics or paints, and 7212.50.00.00 covers other forms of plating or coating not otherwise specified. Finally, 7212.60.00.00 designates products that have been clad, indicating a composite material formed by bonding layers of different metals. This detailed breakdown ensures precise classification based on the nature of the surface treatment applied to the flat-rolled steel.