HS Code 74.10 – Copper foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm

HS code 7410 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm. HS heading 7410 specifically covers "Copper foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm." This classification is critical for extremely thin, flat-rolled copper products, distinguishing them by their minimal thickness and the allowance for backing materials. The scope includes pure copper foil and copper alloy foil where copper predominates, provided the thickness (excluding any backing) does not exceed 0.15mm. The inclusion of backing materials like paper, plastics, or adhesives is explicitly permitted, as long as the copper remains the essential character. Key sub-categories often relate to the manufacturing process (e.g., electrolytic, rolled annealed), purity, surface treatment, and the type of backing. Accurate classification under 7410 is paramount for trade compliance, as these products are high-value inputs for advanced industries, impacting customs duties, import/export regulations, and market competitiveness. Copper foil is indispensable in electronics (printed circuit boards, flexible circuits), batteries (anode material), EMI shielding, and decorative applications. Historically, the demand for copper foil has surged with the miniaturization of electronics and the growth of electric vehicles. As a highly processed form within Chapter 74, this heading represents copper at a critical stage of transformation for high-tech applications.

Electrolytic copper foil for PCBs, rolled annealed copper foil, battery anode copper foil, flexible circuit board copper foil, shielded cable copper foil, decorative copper foil, adhesive-backed copper foil for EMI shielding, copper foil for art/crafts (thin), copper foil for stained glass, ultra-thin copper foil, copper foil for capacitors, tinned copper foil, nickel-plated copper foil (if copper predominant), copper foil laminated with polyimide, copper foil for supercapacitors, copper foil for heat dissipation, copper foil for RF shielding, copper foil for solar cells, copper foil for gaskets, copper foil for electrical contacts, copper foil for FPC, copper foil for lithium-ion batteries, copper foil for medical devices, copper foil for conductive tape, copper foil for sensors.

A common mistake is confusing 7410 with thicker copper plates, sheets, and strip (7409), where the critical distinction is the thickness threshold of 0.15mm. Another error involves products where the backing material, such as plastic, gives the product its essential character (e.g., certain plastic films coated with copper), which might fall under Chapter 39 (plastics). Additionally, if the foil is already an insulated electrical conductor (e.g., a copper foil trace already embedded in an insulating substrate and ready for use as a conductor), it might fall under 8544. The key is the copper's essential character and its thickness (excluding backing).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7410 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $2.1B, 23% of world exports), Japan ($2.1B) and China ($1.6B). World exports came to about $9.3B, 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 7410 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.2B, 36% of world imports), South Korea ($983M) and Taiwan (about $683M). World imports came to about $9.0B, 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.

HS code 7410 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.