7408.21.00.00 - Of copper-zinc base alloys (brass)

This HTS category, 7408.21.00.00, specifically covers copper wire that is made from copper-zinc base alloys, commonly known as brass. Brass alloys are characterized by their composition, where zinc is the primary alloying element with copper, conferring specific properties such as malleability, strength, and corrosion resistance that distinguish them from other copper alloys. The wire form factor indicates that these materials are manufactured into strands or filaments, often for electrical conductivity, mechanical applications, or decorative purposes.

To properly classify wire under heading 7408, it is crucial to identify the specific base alloy composition. This category is distinct from its siblings, 7408.22, which pertains to wire made from copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver), and 7408.29, which encompasses other copper alloy wires not falling into the preceding categories. The presence and proportion of zinc are the defining criteria for inclusion in this specific subheading.

As a leaf node within the HTS, 7408.21.00.00 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code relies entirely on the accurate identification of the material as a copper-zinc base alloy (brass) and its form as wire. Importers and exporters should ensure that their documentation clearly specifies the alloy composition to avoid misclassification.