HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7409.21 – Copper; strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass), in coils
HS code 7409.21 is the 6-digit subheading for copper, strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass), in coils. It is used for cartridge brass strip, yellow brass strip, red brass strip, naval brass strip and gilding metal strip.
What HS 7409.21 covers
This HS code covers brass strip (copper-zinc base alloys) with a thickness greater than 0.15mm, supplied in coiled form. Brass strips are highly valued in international trade for their excellent workability, corrosion resistance, attractive appearance, and good electrical conductivity, though less than pure copper. They are extensively used in a diverse range of industries including automotive (radiator fins, connectors), electrical (terminals, switches), plumbing (fittings), ammunition components, and decorative applications. Major importers are typically countries with robust manufacturing sectors that require these materials for component fabrication, such as the United States, Germany, and Mexico. Exporters often include nations with strong metallurgical industries and brass production capabilities, like China, Germany, and South Korea. Key trade considerations include the specific brass alloy (e.g., C26000 cartridge brass, C27000 yellow brass), temper, dimensions, and surface finish, all of which impact suitability for various manufacturing processes.
- Covers
- Cartridge brass strip
- Yellow brass strip
- Red brass strip
- Naval brass strip
- Gilding metal strip
- C26000 brass coil
- C27000 brass coil
- Examples
- Wieland Brass Strip
- KME Brass Coil
- Aurubis Brass Strip
- Olin Brass Coil
Codes often confused with 7409.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 740929 if the brass is in flat sheets rather than coils, or with 740911 if the material is refined copper instead of brass. The key is the alloy composition and the coiled form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 740921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 740921 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 South Korea $273M 14% of world exports
- 2 Germany $237M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $185M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $223M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $174M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $153M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 7409.21
Brazil does not split HS 7409.21: its NCM code is 7409.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 74.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7409.21
What is HS code 740921?
HS code 740921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass), in coils. This HS code covers brass strip (copper-zinc base alloys) with a thickness greater than 0.15mm, supplied in coiled form. Brass strips are highly valued in international trade for their excellent workability, corrosion resistance, attractive appearance, and good electrical conductivity, though less than pure copper. They are extensively used in a diverse range of industries including automotive (radiator fins, connectors), electrical (terminals, switches), plumbing (fittings), ammunition components, and decorative applications. Major importers are typically countries with robust manufacturing sectors that require these materials for component fabrication, such as the United States, Germany, and Mexico. Exporters often include nations with strong metallurgical industries and brass production capabilities, like China, Germany, and South Korea. Key trade considerations include the specific brass alloy (e.g., C26000 cartridge brass, C27000 yellow brass), temper, dimensions, and surface finish, all of which impact suitability for various manufacturing processes.
What products fall under HS code 740921?
Cartridge brass strip, Yellow brass strip, Red brass strip, Naval brass strip, Gilding metal strip, C26000 brass coil, C27000 brass coil
What are common misclassifications for HS code 740921?
This code can be confused with 740929 if the brass is in flat sheets rather than coils, or with 740911 if the material is refined copper instead of brass. The key is the alloy composition and the coiled form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 740921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 740921 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($273M, 14% of world exports), Germany ($237M) and China ($185M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 740921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 740921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($174M) and the United States ($153M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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.
How is HS code 740921 structured?
HS code 740921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) 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 740921?
In Brazil, HS code 740921 is NCM 7409.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.