HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 74 – Copper and articles thereof
What HS 74 covers
Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to 'Copper and articles thereof,' forming a crucial part of Section XV (Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals). This comprehensive chapter encompasses copper in all its forms, from raw materials to sophisticated finished products, along with its various alloys like brass and bronze. The scope includes unwrought copper (refined and unrefined), copper waste and scrap, master alloys, and semi-manufactures such as bars, rods, wire, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes, pipes, and fittings. It also covers a wide array of finished articles, ranging from household items like kitchenware and sanitary ware to industrial components like fasteners, springs, and chains, provided they are not specifically covered in other chapters (e.g., electrical machinery in Chapter 85). Accurate classification under Chapter 74 is paramount for international trade compliance. It directly impacts applicable tariffs, eligibility for preferential duties under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), compliance with import/export regulations, and potential exposure to anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Given copper's status as a vital industrial metal, its trade significance is immense. Historically, copper has been essential for human civilization, from ancient tools to modern electrical grids, prized for its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability. It serves as a key indicator of global industrial health, with demand driven by construction, electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Key sub-categories within this chapter include unwrought copper (headings 7401-7403), copper waste and scrap (7404), master alloys (7405), powders and flakes (7406), semi-manufactures (7407-7414), and diverse articles of copper (7415-7419). Understanding these distinctions is critical for traders to ensure correct customs declarations, optimize supply chain costs, and avoid costly penalties, making Chapter 74 a cornerstone for global commerce in base metals.
- Covers
- Refined copper cathodes
- Brass ingots
- Bronze statues
- Copper wire rods
- Copper plumbing pipes
- Copper pipe fittings (elbows, tees)
- Copper sheets for roofing
- Copper foil for printed circuit boards
- Copper nails
- Copper screws
- Copper cooking pots
- Copper heat exchangers
- Copper busbars
- Copper welding wire
- Copper decorative vases
- Copper door handles
- Copper-nickel condenser tubes
- Phosphor bronze springs
- Shredded copper waste and scrap
- Beryllium copper connectors
- Copper washers
- Copper rivets
- Copper powder
- Copper anodes for electroplating
- Copper-clad laminates (non-electrical)
- Examples
A Chilean mining company exports several shiploads of refined copper cathodes (HS 7403) to a large smelter in China, where they are further processed into wire rods. This trade route, typically from ports like Valparaíso to Shanghai or Ningbo, often benefits from the China-Chile Free Trade Agreement, reducing import duties for the Chinese buyer. An Italian manufacturer specializes in high-quality copper and brass plumbing pipes (HS 7411) and fittings (HS 7412). They regularly export these products to construction projects in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with shipments typically routed via ocean freight from Genoa to Jebel Ali or Jeddah. Compliance with regional building codes and material standards is crucial for these transactions. A US-based electronics recycling firm collects significant quantities of copper waste and scrap (HS 7404) from discarded electrical equipment. After initial processing, this scrap is exported in containerized shipments from West Coast ports (e.g., Los Angeles) to South Korea, where it is used by a major metals recycler to produce new copper alloys, supporting a circular economy model. A German automotive supplier imports specialized brass bars and profiles (HS 7407) from a mill in Austria for precision machining into automotive components like electrical connectors and valve parts. This intra-EU trade simplifies customs procedures and eliminates tariffs, relying on efficient road transport within the European single market.
Headings in chapter 74 16
Codes often confused with 74
Common mistake. Common misclassification issues for Chapter 74 often arise from confusion with other base metals or finished products. A frequent mistake is classifying bare copper wire or semi-manufactures in Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) if they are intended for electrical applications but are not yet insulated or part of a complete electrical apparatus. For instance, bare copper wire (7408) is distinct from insulated electrical cables (8544). Another pitfall involves articles made of copper alloys where the essential character is mistakenly attributed to a minor component or a surface plating, potentially leading to classification in Chapter 73 (Iron and Steel) or even Chapter 71 (Precious metals) if a precious metal plating is significant. Traders must carefully apply General Rules of Interpretation, especially for composite goods or articles of mixed materials, ensuring the predominant metal by weight or the material providing the essential character dictates the classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 74, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 74 in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 9.7% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$24.8B 9.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $20.4B 8.0% of world exports
- 3 China $18.9B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $257.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $74.6B 28% of world imports
- 2 United States $25.1B 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $14.8B 5.6% of world imports
World total: $265.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 74
What is HS code 74?
HS code 74 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper and articles thereof. Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to 'Copper and articles thereof,' forming a crucial part of Section XV (Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals). This comprehensive chapter encompasses copper in all its forms, from raw materials to sophisticated finished products, along with its various alloys like brass and bronze. The scope includes unwrought copper (refined and unrefined), copper waste and scrap, master alloys, and semi-manufactures such as bars, rods, wire, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes, pipes, and fittings. It also covers a wide array of finished articles, ranging from household items like kitchenware and sanitary ware to industrial components like fasteners, springs, and chains, provided they are not specifically covered in other chapters (e.g., electrical machinery in Chapter 85). Accurate classification under Chapter 74 is paramount for international trade compliance. It directly impacts applicable tariffs, eligibility for preferential duties under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), compliance with import/export regulations, and potential exposure to anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Given copper's status as a vital industrial metal, its trade significance is immense. Historically, copper has been essential for human civilization, from ancient tools to modern electrical grids, prized for its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability. It serves as a key indicator of global industrial health, with demand driven by construction, electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Key sub-categories within this chapter include unwrought copper (headings 7401-7403), copper waste and scrap (7404), master alloys (7405), powders and flakes (7406), semi-manufactures (7407-7414), and diverse articles of copper (7415-7419). Understanding these distinctions is critical for traders to ensure correct customs declarations, optimize supply chain costs, and avoid costly penalties, making Chapter 74 a cornerstone for global commerce in base metals.
What products fall under HS code 74?
Refined copper cathodes, brass ingots, bronze statues, copper wire rods, copper plumbing pipes, copper pipe fittings (elbows, tees), copper sheets for roofing, copper foil for printed circuit boards, copper nails, copper screws, copper cooking pots, copper heat exchangers, copper busbars, copper welding wire, copper decorative vases, copper door handles, copper-nickel condenser tubes, phosphor bronze springs, shredded copper waste and scrap, beryllium copper connectors, copper washers, copper rivets, copper powder, copper anodes for electroplating, copper-clad laminates (non-electrical)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 74?
Common misclassification issues for Chapter 74 often arise from confusion with other base metals or finished products. A frequent mistake is classifying bare copper wire or semi-manufactures in Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) if they are intended for electrical applications but are not yet insulated or part of a complete electrical apparatus. For instance, bare copper wire (7408) is distinct from insulated electrical cables (8544). Another pitfall involves articles made of copper alloys where the essential character is mistakenly attributed to a minor component or a surface plating, potentially leading to classification in Chapter 73 (Iron and Steel) or even Chapter 71 (Precious metals) if a precious metal plating is significant. Traders must carefully apply General Rules of Interpretation, especially for composite goods or articles of mixed materials, ensuring the predominant metal by weight or the material providing the essential character dictates the classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 74?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 74 in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $24.8B, 9.7% of world exports), Chile ($20.4B) and China ($18.9B). World exports came to about $257.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 74?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 74 in UN Comtrade data were China ($74.6B, 28% of world imports), the United States ($25.1B) and Germany ($14.8B). World imports came to about $265.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 74 structured?
HS code 74 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.