HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 76.01 – Aluminium; unwrought
What HS 76.01 covers
Heading 7601 of the Harmonized System specifically covers unwrought aluminium, encompassing both primary (newly smelted) and secondary (recycled) aluminium in its raw, unprocessed forms. This classification is fundamental for international trade in the base material before it undergoes significant fabrication. 'Unwrought' refers to aluminium that has not been worked beyond casting or smelting, typically appearing as ingots, billets, slabs, wire bars, or similar forms, ready for subsequent rolling, extruding, or drawing. It includes both pure aluminium and aluminium alloys, provided aluminium predominates by weight over each of the other elements. The scope is strictly limited to these primary forms, distinguishing it from waste and scrap (7602), powders and flakes (7603), or semi-finished products like bars and rods (7604). Accurate classification under 7601 is critical for trade compliance, as it determines specific import duties, quotas, and regulatory controls, including anti-dumping measures that are often applied to primary aluminium. Historically, aluminium's lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance have made it a cornerstone material for industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to construction and packaging. This heading serves as the entry point for aluminium within Chapter 76, which covers aluminium and articles thereof, setting the stage for all downstream aluminium products.
- Covers
- Primary aluminium ingots
- Aluminium alloy billets for extrusion
- Aluminium slabs for rolling
- Remelt aluminium ingots
- Aluminium wire bars
- High-purity aluminium ingots
- Aluminium casting alloys in ingot form
- Secondary aluminium ingots from recycling
- Aluminium alloy foundry ingots
- Aluminium deoxidizer ingots
- Aluminium granules for alloying
- Continuous cast aluminium billets
- Aluminium alloy primary ingots
- Aluminium anode ingots
- Aluminium rolling ingots
- Aluminium extrusion billets
- Aluminium conductor ingots
- Aluminium scrap-based ingots
- Aluminium alloy forging ingots
- Aluminium shot for steelmaking
- Aluminium pellets for deoxidation
- Aluminium powder for sintering (if agglomerated into unwrought form)
- Aluminium alloy master ingots
- Aluminium alloy die-casting ingots
- Aluminium for electrical applications (unwrought)
- Examples
A major automotive manufacturer in Germany imports large quantities of aluminium alloy billets (7601) from Norway for chassis and engine component production. These high-strength, lightweight billets are critical for vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, typically transported by ocean vessel across the North Sea. In another scenario, a US-based beverage company imports primary aluminium ingots (7601) from Canada to be rolled into sheet for manufacturing beverage cans. The close proximity and established trade routes across the US-Canada border facilitate efficient rail and truck transport. Additionally, a Chinese construction firm sources aluminium slabs (7601) from Australia for architectural cladding and structural elements. These bulk shipments are typically carried by large ocean freighters across the Pacific.
Subheadings under 76.01 2
Codes often confused with 76.01
Common mistake. Common misclassifications under Heading 7601 often involve confusing unwrought aluminium with aluminium waste and scrap (7602). While both are raw materials, 7601 refers to new or remelted forms suitable for direct processing, whereas 7602 covers discarded, broken, or unusable aluminium intended for recovery. Another error is classifying aluminium powders or flakes (7603) under 7601; these are distinct forms. Furthermore, semi-finished products like aluminium bars, rods, or profiles (7604) that have undergone initial shaping beyond simple casting are sometimes mistakenly placed here. The key distinction for 7601 is that the aluminium has not been worked beyond the smelting or casting process, retaining its primary, unworked character.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7601, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7601 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 13% 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 Russia* ~$10.0B 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$7.6B 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $7.4B 9.4% of world exports
World total: $79.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.9B 12% of world imports
- 2 China $9.0B 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $6.3B 7.7% of world imports
World total: $80.8B 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.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 76.01
What is HS code 7601?
HS code 7601 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium; unwrought. Heading 7601 of the Harmonized System specifically covers unwrought aluminium, encompassing both primary (newly smelted) and secondary (recycled) aluminium in its raw, unprocessed forms. This classification is fundamental for international trade in the base material before it undergoes significant fabrication. 'Unwrought' refers to aluminium that has not been worked beyond casting or smelting, typically appearing as ingots, billets, slabs, wire bars, or similar forms, ready for subsequent rolling, extruding, or drawing. It includes both pure aluminium and aluminium alloys, provided aluminium predominates by weight over each of the other elements. The scope is strictly limited to these primary forms, distinguishing it from waste and scrap (7602), powders and flakes (7603), or semi-finished products like bars and rods (7604). Accurate classification under 7601 is critical for trade compliance, as it determines specific import duties, quotas, and regulatory controls, including anti-dumping measures that are often applied to primary aluminium. Historically, aluminium's lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance have made it a cornerstone material for industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to construction and packaging. This heading serves as the entry point for aluminium within Chapter 76, which covers aluminium and articles thereof, setting the stage for all downstream aluminium products.
What products fall under HS code 7601?
Primary aluminium ingots, Aluminium alloy billets for extrusion, Aluminium slabs for rolling, Remelt aluminium ingots, Aluminium wire bars, High-purity aluminium ingots, Aluminium casting alloys in ingot form, Secondary aluminium ingots from recycling, Aluminium alloy foundry ingots, Aluminium deoxidizer ingots, Aluminium granules for alloying, Continuous cast aluminium billets, Aluminium alloy primary ingots, Aluminium anode ingots, Aluminium rolling ingots, Aluminium extrusion billets, Aluminium conductor ingots, Aluminium scrap-based ingots, Aluminium alloy forging ingots, Aluminium shot for steelmaking, Aluminium pellets for deoxidation, Aluminium powder for sintering (if agglomerated into unwrought form), Aluminium alloy master ingots, Aluminium alloy die-casting ingots, Aluminium for electrical applications (unwrought)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7601?
Common misclassifications under Heading 7601 often involve confusing unwrought aluminium with aluminium waste and scrap (7602). While both are raw materials, 7601 refers to new or remelted forms suitable for direct processing, whereas 7602 covers discarded, broken, or unusable aluminium intended for recovery. Another error is classifying aluminium powders or flakes (7603) under 7601; these are distinct forms. Furthermore, semi-finished products like aluminium bars, rods, or profiles (7604) that have undergone initial shaping beyond simple casting are sometimes mistakenly placed here. The key distinction for 7601 is that the aluminium has not been worked beyond the smelting or casting process, retaining its primary, unworked character.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7601?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7601 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $10.0B, 13% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $7.6B) and Canada ($7.4B). World exports came to about $79.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 7601?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7601 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.9B, 12% of world imports), China ($9.0B) and Germany ($6.3B). World imports came to about $80.8B, 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.
How is HS code 7601 structured?
HS code 7601 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 76 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (76) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.