HS Code 74.13 – Copper; stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, not electrically insulated

HS code 7413 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Copper; stranded wire, cables, plaited bands and the like, not electrically insulated. Heading 7413 encompasses stranded wire, cables, plaited bands, and the like, made of copper, that are *not electrically insulated*. This crucial distinction sets it apart from insulated electrical conductors classified under Chapter 85. The scope includes constructions designed for mechanical strength, electrical grounding, lightning protection, or as components in electrical apparatus where insulation is added later or not required. Examples include bare copper grounding cables, uninsulated overhead power lines, flexible copper busbars, braided straps for earthing, and uninsulated copper wire ropes. The 'stranded' nature implies multiple individual copper wires twisted or woven together, providing flexibility and increased current-carrying capacity or mechanical resilience compared to single-strand solid wire (7408). Accurate classification under 7413 is vital for trade compliance, as the presence or absence of electrical insulation significantly alters tariff rates and regulatory requirements. It ensures that products intended for specific non-insulated applications are correctly identified by customs authorities, preventing misdeclaration and potential penalties. Historically, these uninsulated copper products have been indispensable for safety systems in buildings, electrical substations, and railways, leveraging copper's excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. This heading is a key component of Chapter 74, representing semi-finished or basic forms of copper used extensively in various industries before or without the addition of insulating materials.

Bare stranded copper wire, copper grounding cables, copper lightning protection conductors, uninsulated copper busbars (flexible), copper braided straps, copper earth straps, copper bonding jumpers, copper wire ropes (non-electric), copper litz wire (uninsulated), copper catenary wire, copper overhead power line conductors (uninsulated), copper flexible connectors (uninsulated), copper screen braids, copper mesh (flexible, uninsulated), copper battery cables (uninsulated terminals), copper marine bonding wire, copper earthing wire, copper tinned stranded wire (uninsulated), copper flexible braids for current carrying, copper wire for industrial brushes, copper shielding braid, copper skip rope wire.

The most common misclassification error for 7413 is confusing it with insulated electrical conductors of heading 8544. The key differentiator is the *absence* of electrical insulation for 7413. Another mistake is classifying single-strand copper wire under 7413; this heading is specifically for *stranded* constructions, while single-strand wire falls under 7408. Lastly, some might incorrectly classify these as general 'other articles of copper' (7419) instead of recognizing the specific provision for uninsulated stranded copper products.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7413 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($639M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($415M) and Germany ($381M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7413 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($270M, 9.7% of world imports), Italy ($265M) and Germany ($202M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 7413 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (74) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.