7217.30 - Plated or coated with other base metals:

This HTS category, 7217.30, encompasses wire manufactured from iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with base metals other than zinc. This explicitly excludes wire coated solely with zinc, which falls under 7217.20, and unadorned, polished, or unplated wire found in 7217.10. The "other base metals" designation is crucial for correct classification, covering coatings such as tin, nickel, copper, or other metallic substances applied for purposes like corrosion resistance, solderability, or decorative finishes.

The distinction from sibling categories is based on the specific type of metallic coating applied. While 7217.20 is exclusively for zinc-plated or coated wire, 7217.30 addresses a broader range of metallic coatings. If a wire is not plated or coated with any metal, or if its primary characteristic is being polished but not metallically coated, it would be classified under 7217.10. The existence of "Other" in the sibling list at 7217.90 suggests a residual category for wires not fitting the explicit descriptions of plating/coating, but 7217.30 specifically addresses the "other base metals" coating scenario.

Within this category, further subclassification differentiates based on the cross-sectional shape of the wire. Subcategories exist for "Flat wire," which has a rectangular or square cross-section, and "Round wire," the most common form. The presence of an "Other" subcategory within this level indicates that any shapes or profiles of plated or coated wire that are not strictly flat or round will be accounted for here, providing a comprehensive classification system for various manufactured wire forms under this specific coating type.