HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7404.00 – Copper; waste and scrap
HS code 7404.00 is the 6-digit subheading for copper, waste and scrap. It is used for copper wire scrap, copper tubing scrap, brass scrap, bronze scrap and insulated copper wire scrap.
What HS 7404.00 covers
HS 740400 covers copper waste and scrap, a critical component of the global circular economy for copper. This category includes various forms of discarded or leftover copper and copper alloy materials, such as old wiring, tubing, industrial offcuts, and shredded components, all intended for remelting. The trade in copper scrap is immensely important for sustainability, reducing the need for primary mining and lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with copper production. Different grades of scrap exist, impacting their value and end-use. Major importers are typically countries with significant secondary refining and manufacturing capacities, seeking cost-effective raw materials, while exporters are often nations with mature industrial bases and robust collection infrastructure. The global scrap market is dynamic, influenced by commodity prices and environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Copper wire scrap
- Copper tubing scrap
- Brass scrap
- Bronze scrap
- Insulated copper wire scrap
- Copper turnings
- Shredded copper
- Examples
- ISRI grade 'Berry' (No. 1 bare bright copper wire)
- ISRI grade 'Birch' (No. 2 copper wire)
- ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) copper scrap
Codes often confused with 7404.00
Common mistake. This code is for copper waste and scrap intended for remelting; it should not be confused with unwrought copper (7403xx) which is a primary refined product, or copper ores (260300).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 740400, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 740400 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% 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 United States $6.0B 15% of world exports
- 2 Japan $3.4B 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.7B 6.6% of world exports
World total: $40.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $19.8B 42% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.8B 8.0% of world imports
- 3 India $3.0B 6.4% of world imports
World total: $47.2B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 7404.00
Brazil does not split HS 7404.00: its NCM code is 7404.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 74.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7404.00
What is HS code 740400?
HS code 740400 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; waste and scrap. HS 740400 covers copper waste and scrap, a critical component of the global circular economy for copper. This category includes various forms of discarded or leftover copper and copper alloy materials, such as old wiring, tubing, industrial offcuts, and shredded components, all intended for remelting. The trade in copper scrap is immensely important for sustainability, reducing the need for primary mining and lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with copper production. Different grades of scrap exist, impacting their value and end-use. Major importers are typically countries with significant secondary refining and manufacturing capacities, seeking cost-effective raw materials, while exporters are often nations with mature industrial bases and robust collection infrastructure. The global scrap market is dynamic, influenced by commodity prices and environmental regulations.
What products fall under HS code 740400?
Copper wire scrap, copper tubing scrap, brass scrap, bronze scrap, insulated copper wire scrap, copper turnings, shredded copper
What are common misclassifications for HS code 740400?
This code is for copper waste and scrap intended for remelting; it should not be confused with unwrought copper (7403xx) which is a primary refined product, or copper ores (260300).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 740400?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 740400 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 740400?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 740400 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.
How is HS code 740400 structured?
HS code 740400 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 740400?
In Brazil, HS code 740400 is NCM 7404.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.