HS Code 74.09 – Copper plates, sheets and strip; of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm

HS code 7409 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper plates, sheets and strip; of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm. HS heading 7409 covers "Copper plates, sheets and strip; of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm." This classification is essential for delineating flat-rolled copper products that are thicker than foil but generally not as thick as heavy plates used in specialized engineering. These products are typically produced by rolling and can be supplied in rectangular (including square) shapes, whether cut to size or in coils. The scope explicitly defines the lower thickness boundary (exceeding 0.15mm) and excludes copper foil (7410), which is thinner. Key sub-categories often relate to the specific copper alloy (e.g., brass, bronze if copper predominates), surface finish, temper (hard, soft, half-hard), and specific dimensions. Accurate classification under 7409 is critical for trade compliance, influencing customs duties, trade statistics, and adherence to technical specifications. These products are fundamental to numerous industries, including construction (roofing, cladding), electrical (busbars, connectors), automotive (gaskets, radiators), and heat exchange equipment. Historically, copper plates, sheets, and strip have been vital materials in shipbuilding, architecture, and coinage. Within Chapter 74, this heading represents a significant category of semi-finished copper, bridging the gap between raw forms and highly specialized or fabricated articles.

Copper roofing sheets, copper wall cladding panels, electrical busbar stock (sheet), copper plates for heat exchangers, deep drawing copper sheets, shipbuilding copper plates, architectural copper panels, copper strip for stamping, phosphor bronze sheet (if copper predominant), brass sheet (if copper predominant), copper sheets for printed circuit boards (base material), polished copper sheets, rolled copper strip for connectors, copper sheet for gaskets, copper plates for art and crafts, tellurium copper sheets, oxygen-free copper sheets, phosphorus deoxidized copper strip, beryllium copper strip, copper sheets for electrical contacts, copper sheets for transformers, copper strip for shims, copper plates for sculpture, copper sheets for engraving.

A common mistake is confusing 7409 with copper foil (7410), where the critical distinction is the thickness threshold: 7409 applies to products thicker than 0.15mm. Another error is classifying products with non-flat cross-sections, such as bars, rods, or profiles (7407), here. Additionally, products that have been cut to specific shapes (other than rectangular) or further worked into specific articles might fall under 7419 (other articles of copper), rather than raw sheets or strip. The key is the flat-rolled nature and the specific thickness range.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7409 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.5B, 22% of world exports), Japan ($1.5B) and China ($1.4B). World exports came to about $11.5B, 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 7409 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 10% of world imports), China ($1.1B) and Italy ($796M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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 7409 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.