HS Code 74.06 – Copper; powders and flakes

HS code 7406 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; powders and flakes. Harmonized System (HS) heading 7406 specifically covers "Copper; powders and flakes." This classification is crucial for international trade as it delineates the rawest, particulate forms of copper, distinguishing them from unwrought ingots, semi-finished products, or fabricated articles. The scope of this heading includes copper in the form of fine particles, such as dust, atomized powder, electrolytic powder, and various types of flakes, regardless of their purity or manufacturing method, provided copper is the predominant metallic element. These forms are typically used as raw materials in a myriad of industrial processes. Key sub-categories often relate to particle size, shape (e.g., dendritic, spherical, irregular), and specific manufacturing processes (e.g., atomized, electrolytic). This classification is vital for trade compliance, as accurate categorization impacts customs duties, import/export regulations, and statistical data collection. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, or incorrect trade policy application. Historically, copper powders and flakes have been essential in metallurgy, powder metallurgy for creating complex parts, chemical applications (catalysts), conductive inks, pigments, and increasingly, in additive manufacturing (3D printing). As a foundational heading within Chapter 74, which covers 'Copper and articles thereof,' 7406 represents the initial processed state of copper, directly following the unwrought forms, making it a critical entry point for many value-added copper products.

Electrolytic copper powder, atomized copper powder, dendritic copper powder, spherical copper powder, irregular copper powder, copper dust, micronized copper powder, copper flakes for pigments, conductive copper powder for inks, copper powder for brazing, additive manufacturing copper powder, copper powder for electrical contacts, anti-fouling copper flakes, decorative copper flakes, copper powder for sintered parts, ultrafine copper powder, copper powder for chemical reactions, copper powder for friction materials, copper powder for metallurgical applications, copper powder for EMI shielding, tinned copper powder, bronze powder (if copper predominant), brass powder (if copper predominant), copper powder for cold casting, copper powder for explosives.

Common misclassification errors for HS 7406 include confusing it with unwrought copper (7403), which covers ingots, billets, and other bulk forms, not particulate. Another frequent mistake is classifying copper oxides (2825) or other chemical compounds of copper here; 7406 is for metallic copper. Sometimes, master alloys of copper (7405), which are specific alloys used to introduce an element into molten non-ferrous metals, are incorrectly grouped with pure copper powders, leading to incorrect duty rates and regulatory compliance issues. The key distinction lies in the metallic, elemental nature of the powder/flakes versus compounds or bulk unwrought forms.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7406 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($269M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($135M) and Japan ($72M). World exports came to about $941M, 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 7406 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($149M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($78M) and China ($60M). World imports came to about $731M, 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 7406 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.