7226.99.01.10 - Electrolytically plated or coated with zinc

This HTS category, 7226.99.01.10, specifically covers flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, less than 600 mm in width, which are plated or coated with zinc through an electrolytic process. "Other alloy steel" generally refers to steel alloys that do not fall under the specific alloy steel categories already detailed in Chapter 72. The defining characteristic for this classification is the method of zinc application; it must be done via electrolysis, a process involving the use of an electric current to deposit a thin layer of zinc onto the steel surface.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 7226.99.01.30 and 7226.99.01.80, is crucial. While all fall under "other" flat-rolled products of other alloy steel plated or coated with zinc, 7226.99.01.10 is reserved solely for products where the zinc coating is *electrolytically* applied. Sibling 7226.99.01.30 covers goods plated or coated with zinc by any *other* method (e.g., hot-dip galvanizing, mechanical plating), and 7226.99.01.80 encompasses all remaining types of zinc plating or coating not otherwise specified.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification within 7226.99.01.10 hinges entirely on the presence of an electrolytic zinc coating on flat-rolled other alloy steel products with a width under 600 mm. Examples of goods that would fall here include electrolytically galvanized steel sheets or coils used in automotive parts, appliance manufacturing, or construction, where the electrolytic process provides corrosion resistance and a smooth finish.