Product classification
HS code for Backed copper foil: 7410.21
Copper, foil, backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing material, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper.
Classification of backed copper foil under HS 7410.21
HS code 741021 is specifically designated for copper foil that is backed with materials such as paper, paperboard, plastics, or similar backing materials. A critical criterion for classification under this code is that the thickness of the copper foil itself, excluding any backing, must not exceed 0.15mm. "Backed copper foil" perfectly aligns with this description, provided it meets the specified thickness and backing requirements. The presence of a backing material is a key characteristic that distinguishes this product from unbacked copper foil, which falls under a different classification. This code ensures precise categorization for copper products used in various industrial applications, such as printed circuit boards, electromagnetic shielding, and decorative laminates, where a backing provides structural support, insulation, or ease of handling.
- Covers
- Copper foil laminated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film for flexible circuits
- Refined copper foil with a paper backing, where the copper layer's thickness does not exceed 0.15mm
- Copper foil bonded to a polymer substrate for electrical applications requiring insulation
- Copper foil backed with non-woven fabric, specifically designed for specific industrial processes and meeting the thickness criteria
- Also under 7410.21
- 3M Copper Foil Tape
- Nitto Denko Copper Foil
- Rogers Corporation RT/duroid laminates
- Panasonic Copper Clad Laminates
Codes often confused with 7410.21
Common mistake. Confusion often arises with HS code 741011, which covers unbacked copper foil. The fundamental distinction is the presence or absence of a permanent backing material. Products classified under 741011 lack any integrated backing. Another common misclassification involves HS code 7409, which pertains to copper plates, sheets, and strip. The primary difference here is thickness; 7409 generally covers copper products with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, whereas 741021 is strictly for foil not exceeding 0.15mm (excluding backing). Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties and regulatory compliance issues.
Top exporters and importers of HS 741021 (the code used for backed copper foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 741021 (the code used for backed copper foil) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 741021, not only backed copper foil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$810M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $791M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $738M 20% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.6B 42% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $425M 11% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$378M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.7B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 codes for backed copper foil
Brazil splits HS 7410.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7410.21.10Copper foil on epoxy-glass for printed circuits
- 7410.21.20Copper foil on polyester or polyimide backing
- 7410.21.30Copper foil on phenolic paper for printed circuits
- 7410.21.90Other backed refined copper foil
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about backed copper foil
What is the HS code for Backed copper foil?
The HS code for Backed copper foil is 741021 (Copper; foil, backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing material, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper). The HS code for backed copper foil, meeting the specified thickness and backing material criteria (copper layer not exceeding 0.15mm), is 741021.
How do I classify Backed copper foil for customs?
Backed copper foil is classified under HS code 741021 — Copper; foil, backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing material, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the significance of the "0.15mm" thickness limit in HS code 741021?
The 0.15mm thickness limit (excluding any backing) is a crucial criterion for distinguishing copper foil from thicker copper sheets or strips. This specific measurement ensures that only thin, flexible copper products with backing are classified under 741021, differentiating them from other copper forms that fall under different headings based on their dimensions and intended applications. Exceeding this thickness would typically lead to classification under headings for sheets or strips.
Which countries are the top exporters of backed copper foil (HS 741021)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 741021 (the code used for backed copper foil) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $810M, 22% of world exports), China ($791M) and South Korea ($738M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 backed copper foil (HS 741021)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 741021 (the code used for backed copper foil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 42% of world imports), South Korea ($425M) and Taiwan (about $378M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Backed copper foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 741021 for Backed copper foil is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for backed copper foil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 741021 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for backed copper foil depends on the product's details: 7410.21.10 (Copper foil on epoxy-glass for printed circuits), 7410.21.20 (Copper foil on polyester or polyimide backing), 7410.21.30 (Copper foil on phenolic paper for printed circuits), 7410.21.90 (Other backed refined copper foil).