7901 - Unwrought zinc:

This category, HTS Code 7901, encompasses unwrought zinc, which refers to zinc in its primary, unmanufactured state before it has been further processed into shapes like ingots, blocks, or cathodes. Unwrought zinc is essentially the raw material derived from the smelting or refining of zinc ores, intended for subsequent use in manufacturing various zinc-containing products. This classification is crucial for identifying and accounting for zinc in its most basic form upon import or export.

When classifying goods under HTS Code 7901, it is important to distinguish it from other base metal categories at the same level. For instance, it is distinct from categories covering precious metals, ferrous and non-ferrous base metals in other forms (such as powders or bars), and articles made from these metals. The "unwrought" characteristic is key, differentiating it from fabricated products or processed forms of zinc and other base metals.

Within the unwrought zinc category, further distinctions are made based on whether the zinc is alloyed or not. Subcategory 7901.10 covers zinc that is not alloyed, meaning it consists of at least 99.97% zinc by weight. The subcategory 7901.20.00.00 specifically addresses zinc alloys, which are mixtures of zinc with other elements to enhance its properties for specific applications. This subdivision allows for precise classification based on the composition and purity of the unwrought zinc.