7217.20 - Plated or coated with zinc:

This HTS category, 7217.20, specifically covers wire manufactured from iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with zinc. This zinc coating serves to protect the base metal from corrosion and can also be applied for aesthetic purposes. Examples include galvanized wire used in construction, fencing, and various industrial applications.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. HTS 7217.10 addresses wire that is not plated or coated at all, regardless of whether it has been polished. Similarly, 7217.30 encompasses wire coated with base metals other than zinc, such as tin or nickel. HTS 7217.90 serves as a catch-all for wire not otherwise specified. The presence of a zinc coating is the definitive characteristic for classification under 7217.20.

Within the 7217.20 category, further subclassification is based on the physical form of the zinc-coated wire. The subcategories are designed to differentiate between specific product types. For instance, "Flat wire" refers to wire with a rectangular or elliptical cross-section. "Round wire" is self-explanatory, covering circular cross-sections. The "Other" subcategory is for any zinc-coated iron or non-alloy steel wire that does not fit the defined flat or round profiles.