HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7403.11 – Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes
HS code 7403.11 is the 6-digit subheading for copper, refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes. It is used for copper cathodes, LME Grade A cathodes, electrolytic copper cathodes, cathode sections and refined copper plates.
What HS 7403.11 covers
HS 740311 covers refined, unwrought copper in the form of cathodes and sections of cathodes. Copper cathodes are the primary product of electrolytic refining, boasting a high purity level, typically 99.99% copper. These large, flat plates are a benchmark for global copper trade, often referred to as LME Grade A copper, and serve as the fundamental raw material for a vast array of downstream manufacturing processes. They are melted down and cast into various shapes like wire-bars, billets, or used directly in alloying. The trade in cathodes is a critical indicator of global industrial demand, with major producers supplying manufacturers of electrical wire, tubing, and other copper products worldwide. Importers are typically industrial nations with significant manufacturing sectors, while exporters are countries with large-scale refining operations.
- Covers
- Copper cathodes
- LME Grade A cathodes
- Electrolytic copper cathodes
- Cathode sections
- Refined copper plates
- Examples
- LME Grade A copper cathodes
- COMEX copper cathodes
- Aurubis cathodes
- Codelco cathodes
Codes often confused with 7403.11
Common mistake. While also refined unwrought copper, cathodes are distinct from wire-bars (740312) and billets (740313) due to their specific production method and typical flat plate shape.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 740311, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 740311 in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% 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* ~$23.2B 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $17.5B 18% of world exports
- 3 China $8.0B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $96.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $33.3B 34% of world imports
- 2 United States $16.7B 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $4.7B 4.8% of world imports
World total: $98.3B 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.
Brazil NCM code for 7403.11
Brazil does not split HS 7403.11: its NCM code is 7403.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 74.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7403.11
What is HS code 740311?
HS code 740311 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes. HS 740311 covers refined, unwrought copper in the form of cathodes and sections of cathodes. Copper cathodes are the primary product of electrolytic refining, boasting a high purity level, typically 99.99% copper. These large, flat plates are a benchmark for global copper trade, often referred to as LME Grade A copper, and serve as the fundamental raw material for a vast array of downstream manufacturing processes. They are melted down and cast into various shapes like wire-bars, billets, or used directly in alloying. The trade in cathodes is a critical indicator of global industrial demand, with major producers supplying manufacturers of electrical wire, tubing, and other copper products worldwide. Importers are typically industrial nations with significant manufacturing sectors, while exporters are countries with large-scale refining operations.
What products fall under HS code 740311?
Copper cathodes, LME Grade A cathodes, electrolytic copper cathodes, cathode sections, refined copper plates
What are common misclassifications for HS code 740311?
While also refined unwrought copper, cathodes are distinct from wire-bars (740312) and billets (740313) due to their specific production method and typical flat plate shape.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 740311?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 740311 in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $23.2B, 24% of world exports), Chile ($17.5B) and China ($8.0B). World exports came to about $96.9B, 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 740311?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 740311 in UN Comtrade data were China ($33.3B, 34% of world imports), the United States ($16.7B) and Germany ($4.7B). World imports came to about $98.3B, 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 740311 structured?
HS code 740311 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 740311?
In Brazil, HS code 740311 is NCM 7403.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.