Product classification
HS code for Brass wire: 7408.21
Copper, wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass).
Classification of brass wire under HS 7408.21
Brass wire is classified under HS code 7408.21, which specifically covers wire made of copper-zinc base alloys (brass). According to the Section XV notes and Chapter 74 definitions of the Harmonized System, wire is defined as rolled, extruded, or drawn products, in coils, which have a uniform solid cross-section along their whole length in the shape of circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, equilateral triangles, or regular convex polygons. For a product to be classified as brass wire under this code, the alloy must consist of copper and zinc as the main elements, where the zinc content exceeds that of any other single alloying element. The classification is determined by the material composition and the physical form, specifically requiring the material to be in coils. This distinguishes it from rods, which are straight. The manufacturing process typically involves drawing the metal through a series of dies to achieve a specific gauge, and the resulting product is used in various industrial applications ranging from fastener production to musical instrument components.
- Covers
- Solid brass wire with a circular cross-section in coils
- Rectangular or square cross-section brass wire in coils
- Brass wire used for the manufacture of pins and screws
- Coiled brass wire for jewelry making
- Industrial brass wire for spring manufacturing
- Also under 7408.21
- Lincoln Electric brass welding wire
- Oerlikon Metco brass wire
- Bekaert brass wire
- KME Group brass wire
Codes often confused with 7408.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between brass wire (7408.21) and brass rods (7407.21). The distinction is based on the form of presentation: wire must be in coils, while rods are presented in straight lengths. Additionally, brass wire is often confused with refined copper wire (7408.11 or 7408.19), which contains no significant alloying elements. If the wire is coated with precious metals like gold or silver, it must be classified under Chapter 71 rather than Chapter 74.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740821 (the code used for brass wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740821 (the code used for brass wire) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 21% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 740821, not only brass wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$134M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $113M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $99M 15% of world exports
World total: $640M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $80M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $79M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $54M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $663M 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.
Brazil NCM code for brass wire
Brazil classifies brass wire under NCM 7408.21.00: HS 7408.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brass wire
What is the HS code for Brass wire?
The HS code for Brass wire is 740821 (Copper; wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass)). The HS code for wire made of copper-zinc base alloys (brass) is 7408.21.
How do I classify Brass wire for customs?
Brass wire is classified under HS code 740821 — Copper; wire, of copper-zinc base alloys (brass). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the diameter of the wire change the HS code?
No, for brass wire under 7408.21, the diameter does not change the four-digit or six-digit classification, provided the material remains in coils and meets the alloy definition.
Which countries are the top exporters of brass wire (HS 740821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740821 (the code used for brass wire) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $134M, 21% of world exports), China ($113M) and Germany ($99M). World exports came to about $640M, 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 brass wire (HS 740821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740821 (the code used for brass wire) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($80M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($79M) and Italy ($54M). World imports came to about $663M, 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 Brass wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740821 for Brass wire 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 brass wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, brass wire (HS 740821) is classified under NCM 7408.21.00.