7217.30.15 - Flat wire

This HTS classification, 7217.30.15, specifically covers flat wire manufactured from iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with base metals other than zinc, tin, nickel, chromium, copper, or aluminum. The defining characteristic of this category is its cross-sectional shape, which is notably flattened rather than round. This distinction is crucial for differentiating it from its siblings.

Unlike the "Round wire" sibling, which encompasses wire with a circular cross-section, this category is reserved for wire that is noticeably wider than it is thick. The "Other" sibling at this level would likely encompass flat wire not plated or coated with base metals, or potentially flat wire coated with base metals not specifically enumerated within the parent context. Therefore, the presence of a coating of a base metal (other than those explicitly excluded at higher levels) and a non-round, flattened cross-section are the primary criteria for classification here.

The subcategories within 7217.30.15 further refine the classification based on the carbon content of the iron or non-alloy steel. Subcategory 7217.30.15.30 is for flat wire containing 0.6 percent or more by weight of carbon, which generally indicates a higher carbon content steel with potentially different metallurgical properties and applications. Subcategory 7217.30.15.60, "Other," captures flat wire with a lower carbon content, serving as a residual category for such goods.