7217.30.45.41 - Containing by weight less than 0.25 percent of carbon

This HTS category specifically covers round wire of iron or non-alloy steel that has been plated or coated with base metals other than zinc or tin. The defining characteristic of the steel for this classification is its carbon content, which must be less than 0.25 percent by weight. This distinction is crucial for determining the correct tariff treatment, as it signifies a specific grade of steel with particular metallurgical properties.

This category is differentiated from its siblings based on the precise carbon content of the iron or non-alloy steel wire. For instance, HTS code 7217.30.45.50 covers wire with a higher carbon content, ranging from 0.25 percent to less than 0.6 percent, while 7217.30.45.60 applies to wire with 0.6 percent or more carbon. Therefore, the critical factor for selecting this specific subcategory is the quantitative analysis of carbon within the steel alloy.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification terminates at this point, meaning that any round wire of iron or non-alloy steel plated or coated with base metals (excluding zinc or tin), with a diameter between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm, and containing less than 0.25 percent carbon by weight, falls directly into this classification. Practical examples would include such wire used in specialized manufacturing applications where low carbon content is a prerequisite for its intended function.