HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7403.12 – Copper; refined, unwrought, wire-bars
HS code 7403.12 is the 6-digit subheading for copper, refined, unwrought, wire-bars. It is used for copper wire-bars, electrolytic copper wire-bars, continuous cast wire-bars, oxygen-free copper wire-bars and high-conductivity copper wire-bars.
What HS 7403.12 covers
HS 740312 pertains to refined, unwrought copper in the specific form of wire-bars. These are elongated, typically rectangular or round-cornered rectangular cross-section bars, produced by continuous casting or conventional casting of refined copper. Wire-bars are primarily designed as feedstock for drawing into copper wire, which is essential for the electrical, telecommunications, and construction industries. Their shape and metallurgical properties are optimized for efficient wire production, minimizing waste and maximizing ductility. The global trade in copper wire-bars reflects the demand for electrical infrastructure and consumer electronics, with major wire manufacturers being key importers. Exporters are typically large copper refiners who process cathodes into these more specialized shapes for industrial clients.
- Covers
- Copper wire-bars
- Electrolytic copper wire-bars
- Continuous cast wire-bars
- Oxygen-free copper wire-bars
- High-conductivity copper wire-bars
- Examples
- Southwire copper wire-bars
- Prysmian Group wire-bars (as input)
- Nexans wire-bars (as input)
Codes often confused with 7403.12
Common mistake. Distinct from cathodes (740311) and billets (740313) due to its elongated shape optimized for wire drawing, though all are refined unwrought copper.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 740312, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 740312 in UN Comtrade data was Mongolia, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 Mongolia* ~$12M 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $12M 23% of world exports
- 3 Italy $6.5M 13% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $15M 31% of world imports
- 2 Italy $12M 24% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $7.1M 15% of world imports
World total: $49M 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 7403.12
Brazil does not split HS 7403.12: its NCM code is 7403.12.00.
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 7403.12
What is HS code 740312?
HS code 740312 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; refined, unwrought, wire-bars. HS 740312 pertains to refined, unwrought copper in the specific form of wire-bars. These are elongated, typically rectangular or round-cornered rectangular cross-section bars, produced by continuous casting or conventional casting of refined copper. Wire-bars are primarily designed as feedstock for drawing into copper wire, which is essential for the electrical, telecommunications, and construction industries. Their shape and metallurgical properties are optimized for efficient wire production, minimizing waste and maximizing ductility. The global trade in copper wire-bars reflects the demand for electrical infrastructure and consumer electronics, with major wire manufacturers being key importers. Exporters are typically large copper refiners who process cathodes into these more specialized shapes for industrial clients.
What products fall under HS code 740312?
Copper wire-bars, electrolytic copper wire-bars, continuous cast wire-bars, oxygen-free copper wire-bars, high-conductivity copper wire-bars
What are common misclassifications for HS code 740312?
Distinct from cathodes (740311) and billets (740313) due to its elongated shape optimized for wire drawing, though all are refined unwrought copper.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 740312?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 740312 in UN Comtrade data were Mongolia (about $12M, 24% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($12M) and Italy ($6.5M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 740312?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 740312 in UN Comtrade data were China ($15M, 31% of world imports), Italy ($12M) and Saudi Arabia ($7.1M). World imports came to about $49M, 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 740312 structured?
HS code 740312 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 740312?
In Brazil, HS code 740312 is NCM 7403.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.