HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7408.21 – Copper; wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass)
HS code 7408.21 is the 6-digit subheading for copper, wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass). It is used for brass welding wire, brass EDM wire, brass spring wire, brass mesh wire and brass rivet wire.
What HS 7408.21 covers
This HS code covers wire made from copper-zinc base alloys, commonly known as brass wire. Brass wire is highly valued for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and good electrical conductivity, making it suitable for a variety of specialized applications where refined copper might be too soft or where specific mechanical properties are required. It is widely used in the manufacturing of fasteners (screws, rivets), springs, mesh, decorative items, and particularly as electrode wire for electrical discharge machining (EDM). Countries with advanced manufacturing, automotive, and precision engineering industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA, are key players in the international trade of brass wire. The trade reflects the demand for a versatile alloy that offers a balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance for diverse industrial uses.
- Covers
- Brass welding wire
- Brass EDM wire
- Brass spring wire
- Brass mesh wire
- Brass rivet wire
- Brass musical instrument wire
- Examples
- Lincoln Electric brass welding wire
- Oerlikon Metco brass wire
- Bekaert brass wire
- KME Group brass wire
Codes often confused with 7408.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with other copper alloy wires (740822 or 740829) if the specific copper-zinc (brass) composition is not confirmed, leading to incorrect duties and trade compliance issues.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 740821, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 740821 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 Vietnam* ~$134M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $113M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $99M 15% of world exports
World total: $640M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $80M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $79M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $54M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $663M 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 7408.21
Brazil does not split HS 7408.21: its NCM code is 7408.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 74.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7408.21
What is HS code 740821?
HS code 740821 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass). This HS code covers wire made from copper-zinc base alloys, commonly known as brass wire. Brass wire is highly valued for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and good electrical conductivity, making it suitable for a variety of specialized applications where refined copper might be too soft or where specific mechanical properties are required. It is widely used in the manufacturing of fasteners (screws, rivets), springs, mesh, decorative items, and particularly as electrode wire for electrical discharge machining (EDM). Countries with advanced manufacturing, automotive, and precision engineering industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA, are key players in the international trade of brass wire. The trade reflects the demand for a versatile alloy that offers a balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance for diverse industrial uses.
What products fall under HS code 740821?
Brass welding wire, Brass EDM wire, Brass spring wire, Brass mesh wire, Brass rivet wire, Brass musical instrument wire
What are common misclassifications for HS code 740821?
Can be confused with other copper alloy wires (740822 or 740829) if the specific copper-zinc (brass) composition is not confirmed, leading to incorrect duties and trade compliance issues.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 740821?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 740821 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $134M, 21% of world exports), China ($113M) and Germany ($99M). World exports came to about $640M, 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 740821?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 740821 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($80M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($79M) and Italy ($54M). World imports came to about $663M, 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 740821 structured?
HS code 740821 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 740821?
In Brazil, HS code 740821 is NCM 7408.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.