HS Code 74.04 – Copper; waste and scrap

HS code 7404 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; waste and scrap. HS Code 7404 specifically covers "Copper; waste and scrap." This heading is crucial for the circular economy of copper, encompassing all forms of copper and copper alloy material that is no longer fit for its original purpose but can be recycled to recover the metal. This includes manufacturing residues (e.g., turnings, filings, stampings, trimmings) as well as end-of-life products (e.g., old pipes, cables, radiators, electrical components). The scope is broad, covering both pure copper scrap and various copper alloy scraps (brass, bronze, etc.). The classification is vital for managing waste streams, promoting recycling, and ensuring environmental compliance, as the trade of scrap metal is often subject to strict regulations. For trade compliance, accurate classification ensures proper customs duties (which can be zero or low for scrap to encourage recycling), adherence to import/export restrictions (e.g., China's 'National Sword' policy), and accurate reporting of secondary raw material trade. Historically, copper scrap has been a valuable commodity, driving secondary copper production and reducing reliance on primary mining. This heading is part of Chapter 74 (Copper and articles thereof) and Section XV (Base Metals), highlighting its role in supplying secondary raw materials for the copper industry.

Bare bright copper wire scrap, insulated copper wire scrap (chopped), copper tubing scrap, copper sheet scrap, mixed brass scrap, bronze scrap (bearings), copper turnings, copper filings, copper punchings, spent copper catalysts, end-of-life copper pipes, old copper radiators, electric motor copper windings (scrap), shredded copper from vehicles, copper cables (stripped), copper plumbing fittings scrap, printed circuit board (PCB) scrap (if copper-dominant), copper anode scrap (not for remelting into anodes, but for recycling), copper clad steel wire scrap, copper busbar scrap, copper mill scale, copper slug scrap, copper alloy swarf, copper foil scrap, copper vessel scrap.

Common misclassifications for 7404 include mistaking it for 7403 (Refined copper, unwrought) or sometimes even 7407 (Copper bars, rods and profiles). Traders might mistakenly classify certain forms of scrap as unwrought primary metal if they are relatively clean or processed, or classify functional copper articles as scrap. The key distinction is that 7404 refers to material that is truly 'waste or scrap,' meaning it's unfit for its original use and intended for reprocessing. Another error is misidentifying complex scrap (e.g., certain electronic waste) as simple copper scrap when it contains other valuable metals or hazardous components, which may fall under different, more restrictive classifications (e.g., Chapter 85 for e-waste).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7404 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.0B, 15% of world exports), Japan ($3.4B) and Germany ($2.7B). World exports came to about $40.9B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7404 in UN Comtrade data were China ($19.8B, 42% of world imports), Germany ($3.8B) and India ($3.0B). World imports came to about $47.2B, 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.

HS code 7404 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.