About HS Code 7607
HS Code 7607 covers aluminium foil, whether or not printed or backed with materials like paper, paperboard, plastics, or similar backing, provided its thickness (excluding any backing) does not exceed 0.2mm. This heading is crucial for understanding the trade of a versatile material used across countless industries. It encompasses everything from the thin household foil found in kitchens worldwide to specialized industrial foils used in sophisticated applications. The scope is defined primarily by its thickness and material composition (aluminium), with the inclusion of various backing materials broadening its utility without altering its fundamental classification as foil. Key sub-categories often differentiate between unbacked foil, foil backed with paper or plastic, and printed or embossed foils. This classification is vital for trade compliance as thickness is a critical determinant; exceeding 0.2mm would typically push the product into heading 7606 (aluminium plates, sheets, and strip). Historically, aluminium foil has been a cornerstone of flexible packaging since the early 20th century, offering excellent barrier properties against moisture, light, and oxygen, making it indispensable for food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Its lightweight yet durable nature ensures its continued trade significance. Within Section XV, which covers base metals and articles thereof, Chapter 76 specifically deals with aluminium. Heading 7607 represents a highly processed, semi-finished aluminium product, distinct from raw aluminium or more basic forms like ingots (7601) or bars and rods (7604), highlighting its value-added nature in the supply chain.
Products Under This Code
Household aluminium foil, food packaging foil, pharmaceutical blister foil, confectionery wrappers, thermal insulation foil, capacitor foil, cable wrapping foil, decorative foil, hair salon foil, laboratory sample foil, catering roll foil, laminated foil for aseptic packaging, cigarette inner liners, bottle cap liners, automotive heat shields, HVAC duct insulation foil, medical device packaging foil, flexible conduit foil, art and craft foil, printed aluminium foil, embossed aluminium foil, pharmaceutical strip packaging foil, foil for battery electrodes, foil for heat exchangers
Real World Examples
A Chinese manufacturer exports large jumbo rolls of plain, unbacked aluminium foil to a packaging converter in Germany, which then processes it into consumer-sized food wrapping. A US company imports printed aluminium foil backed with a thin plastic film from Italy, specifically designed for use as confectionery wrappers for chocolate bars. A Japanese pharmaceutical firm sources high-purity, unbacked aluminium foil from South Korea, which is then thermoformed into blister packaging for prescription medications. An Indian distributor imports retail-packed household aluminium foil rolls from the UAE for distribution to supermarkets and hypermarkets across the subcontinent. A Mexican HVAC company purchases rolls of aluminium foil backed with paper from the USA for insulating ventilation ducts in commercial buildings.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for aluminium foil often involve its thickness and level of processing. Traders sometimes confuse it with 'Aluminium plates, sheets, and strip' under HS 7606 if the thickness exceeds 0.2mm, which is the defining boundary for foil. Another mistake is classifying formed aluminium containers, such as trays or take-out boxes, under 7607 when they should fall under 7612 (Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material, of a capacity not exceeding 300 l). Lastly, very thin aluminium film used for electrical applications, if not foil in the traditional sense, might be confused with other aluminium articles under 7616. The key differentiator is the thickness and the specific form factor of the product.
Subheadings 3
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.
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
China is a dominant force in the production and export of aluminium foil globally, followed by countries like Germany, India, and the USA. Major importers include the USA, Germany, Japan, and other industrialized nations with significant packaging and manufacturing sectors. Trade agreements like USMCA, EU-ASEAN, and others often provide preferential tariffs for aluminium foil, but importers must be wary of anti-dumping duties, which have historically been applied to certain origins, particularly China, in markets like the EU and USA. Compliance with origin rules is critical to leverage trade agreement benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 7607?
HS code 7607 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium foil (whether or not printed or backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2mm. HS Code 7607 covers aluminium foil, whether or not printed or backed with materials like paper, paperboard, plastics, or similar backing, provided its thickness (excluding any backing) does not exceed 0.2mm. This heading is crucial for understanding the trade of a versatile material used across countless industries. It encompasses everything from the thin household foil found in kitchens worldwide to specialized industrial foils used in sophisticated applications. The scope is defined primarily by its thickness and material composition (aluminium), with the inclusion of various backing materials broadening its utility without altering its fundamental classification as foil. Key sub-categories often differentiate between unbacked foil, foil backed with paper or plastic, and printed or embossed foils. This classification is vital for trade compliance as thickness is a critical determinant; exceeding 0.2mm would typically push the product into heading 7606 (aluminium plates, sheets, and strip). Historically, aluminium foil has been a cornerstone of flexible packaging since the early 20th century, offering excellent barrier properties against moisture, light, and oxygen, making it indispensable for food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Its lightweight yet durable nature ensures its continued trade significance. Within Section XV, which covers base metals and articles thereof, Chapter 76 specifically deals with aluminium. Heading 7607 represents a highly processed, semi-finished aluminium product, distinct from raw aluminium or more basic forms like ingots (7601) or bars and rods (7604), highlighting its value-added nature in the supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 7607?
Household aluminium foil, food packaging foil, pharmaceutical blister foil, confectionery wrappers, thermal insulation foil, capacitor foil, cable wrapping foil, decorative foil, hair salon foil, laboratory sample foil, catering roll foil, laminated foil for aseptic packaging, cigarette inner liners, bottle cap liners, automotive heat shields, HVAC duct insulation foil, medical device packaging foil, flexible conduit foil, art and craft foil, printed aluminium foil, embossed aluminium foil, pharmaceutical strip packaging foil, foil for battery electrodes, foil for heat exchangers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7607?
Common misclassifications for aluminium foil often involve its thickness and level of processing. Traders sometimes confuse it with 'Aluminium plates, sheets, and strip' under HS 7606 if the thickness exceeds 0.2mm, which is the defining boundary for foil. Another mistake is classifying formed aluminium containers, such as trays or take-out boxes, under 7607 when they should fall under 7612 (Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material, of a capacity not exceeding 300 l). Lastly, very thin aluminium film used for electrical applications, if not foil in the traditional sense, might be confused with other aluminium articles under 7616. The key differentiator is the thickness and the specific form factor of the product.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 7607?
China is a dominant force in the production and export of aluminium foil globally, followed by countries like Germany, India, and the USA. Major importers include the USA, Germany, Japan, and other industrialized nations with significant packaging and manufacturing sectors. Trade agreements like USMCA, EU-ASEAN, and others often provide preferential tariffs for aluminium foil, but importers must be wary of anti-dumping duties, which have historically been applied to certain origins, particularly China, in markets like the EU and USA. Compliance with origin rules is critical to leverage trade agreement benefits.
How is HS code 7607 structured?
HS code 7607 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 76 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (76) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.