7217.20.45.30 - Containing by weight 0.6 percent or more of carbon

This HTS category, 7217.20.45.30, specifically classifies wire of iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with zinc, has a round cross-section, and measures less than 1.0 mm in diameter. The defining characteristic of this subcategory is its carbon content, which must be 0.6 percent or more by weight. This particular composition indicates a higher strength or hardness compared to steels with lower carbon percentages.

This classification distinguishes itself from its sibling categories by the precise carbon threshold. For example, 7217.20.45.10 covers wire with less than 0.25 percent carbon, and 7217.20.45.20 applies to wire with a carbon content between 0.25 and less than 0.6 percent. Therefore, importers and exporters must carefully analyze the material composition to ensure accurate classification, as the carbon percentage is the sole differentiator at this level.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. This means that wire fitting all the preceding criteria (iron or non-alloy steel, zinc plated or coated, round wire, less than 1.0 mm diameter, and containing by weight 0.6 percent or more of carbon) will be classified directly under this code. Examples of such wire might include specialized microfilaments used in electronics, fine binding wires for industrial applications, or specific types of drawn wire where enhanced tensile strength due to higher carbon content is a key requirement.