7229.20.00.10 - Plated or coated with copper

This HTS category, 7229.20.00.10, specifically classifies wire made from silico-manganese steel that has been plated or coated with copper. To fall under this subheading, the wire must meet stringent criteria regarding its composition: it must contain less than 0.20 percent by weight of carbon, more than 0.9 percent of manganese, and more than 0.6 percent of silicon. Furthermore, it must be round, have a diameter of 1.6 mm or less, and be specifically manufactured for suitability in electric arc welding applications.

This classification is distinguished from its sibling category, 7229.20.00.15 ("Other"), by the explicit requirement for copper plating or coating. Subheading 7229.20.00.15 would encompass silico-manganese steel wire that does not possess this specific copper treatment, or any other silico-manganese steel wires that do not meet the precise compositional and dimensional specifications of this subheading, regardless of any coating.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification is definitive based on the material (silico-manganese steel), the finishing (plated or coated with copper), the exact chemical composition, the physical form (round wire), its diameter, and its intended application for electric arc welding. Importers and exporters must ensure all these specific criteria are met for accurate classification under this code.