Product classification
HS code for Cement copper: 7401.00
Copper mattes, cement copper (precipitated copper).
Classification of cement copper under HS 7401.00
Cement copper, also known as precipitated copper, is classified under HS code 7401.00. This heading covers copper mattes and cement copper. Cement copper is a finely divided, impure powder obtained through a hydrometallurgical process where copper is precipitated from an aqueous solution of copper salts (usually by adding iron scrap to a copper sulfate solution). According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 74, cement copper is distinct from refined copper powders because it contains significant levels of impurities, such as iron and oxides, and is generally used as a raw material in copper smelting or refining rather than as a finished industrial powder. The classification is based on GRI 1, as the heading specifically names "cement copper (precipitated copper)." It represents an intermediate stage in the production of copper, sitting between the ore/concentrate stage and the refined metal stage. The chemical nature of the precipitation process is what defines this product under heading 7401 rather than as a metal powder or a refined ingot.
- Covers
- Precipitated copper powder from leaching processes
- Impure copper sludge used for smelting
- Cement copper obtained from mine water treatment
- Copper precipitates intended for further electrolytic refining
- Also under 7401.00
- Glencore copper matte
- Freeport-McMoRan precipitated copper
- Codelco intermediate copper products
Codes often confused with 7401.00
Common mistake. Cement copper is frequently misclassified as copper powder under HS code 7406. However, 7406 is reserved for manufactured powders and flakes used in paints, metallurgy, or chemical processes. Another error is 7403, which covers refined copper and copper alloys in unwrought forms like ingots or cathodes. Cement copper is also distinct from copper ores and concentrates (2603), as it has undergone a chemical precipitation process that concentrates the metal beyond the level of mechanical ore dressing. Confusing cement copper with refined powder can lead to incorrect regulatory compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740100 (the code used for cement copper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740100 (the code used for cement copper) in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 38% 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 740100, not only cement copper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Philippines $395M 25% of world exports
- 2 Canada $276M 17% of world exports
- 3 Finland $228M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $804M 38% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $409M 19% of world imports
- 3 China $333M 16% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 cement copper
Brazil classifies cement copper under NCM 7401.00.00: HS 7401.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cement copper
What is the HS code for Cement copper?
The HS code for Cement copper is 740100 (Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper)). The HS code for cement copper, also referred to as precipitated copper, is 7401.00.
How do I classify Cement copper for customs?
Cement copper is classified under HS code 740100 — Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cement copper the same as refined copper powder?
No, cement copper is an impure intermediate product classified under 7401.00. Refined copper powders, which are manufactured for specific industrial applications, are classified under HS code 7406.10 or 7406.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of cement copper (HS 740100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740100 (the code used for cement copper) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($395M, 25% of world exports), Canada ($276M) and Finland ($228M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 cement copper (HS 740100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740100 (the code used for cement copper) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($804M, 38% of world imports), South Korea ($409M) and China ($333M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Cement copper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740100 for Cement copper 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 cement copper in Brazil?
In Brazil, cement copper (HS 740100) is classified under NCM 7401.00.00.