Product classification
HS code for Copper alloy foil: 7410.12
Copper, foil, not backed, of a thickness not exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys.
Classification of copper alloy foil under HS 7410.12
Copper alloy foil is classified under HS code 7410.12. This classification is governed by the physical dimensions and the metallurgical composition of the material as defined in Chapter 74. Heading 7410 covers copper foil, which is defined as any flat-rolled product of a thickness not exceeding 0.15 mm (excluding any backing). The subheading 7410.12 specifically refers to foil made of copper alloys that is "not backed." To qualify as a copper alloy, the material must consist of copper as the predominant element, with other elements exceeding the specific thresholds defined in the Chapter 74 notes. The "not backed" distinction means the foil is presented as a standalone metallic sheet, not bonded to paper, plastics, or other reinforcing materials. The manufacturing process typically involves intensive rolling to achieve the required thinness. This material is widely used in the electronics industry for printed circuit boards, electromagnetic shielding, and in decorative applications where the specific color or corrosion resistance of an alloy (like bronze or cupro-nickel) is preferred over pure copper. Accurate classification is vital because the duty rates for foil often differ significantly from those for thicker sheets or strips classified under 74.09.
- Covers
- Bronze foil (thickness ≤ 0.15mm)
- Cupro-nickel foil for resistors
- Copper-tin alloy foil for shielding
- Unbacked brass foil (if categorized by alloy type)
- Thin alloy strips for heat exchangers
- Also under 7410.12
- KME Brass Foil
- Wieland Cupro-nickel Foil
- Olin Brass Alloy Foil
- Mitsubishi Materials Copper Alloy Foil
Codes often confused with 7410.12
Common mistake. Copper alloy foil is often confused with 7410.11, which is reserved for refined copper foil. If the metal is 99.85% pure copper, 7410.11 is used; otherwise, 7410.12 is required for alloys. Another common error involves 7410.22, which is for backed copper alloy foil. If the foil is laminated to a plastic film or paper, it must be classified under 7410.22. Finally, if the thickness exceeds 0.15 mm, the product is no longer considered foil and must be classified as a sheet or strip under 7409.21 or 7409.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 741012 (the code used for copper alloy foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 741012 (the code used for copper alloy foil) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 57% 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 741012, not only copper alloy foil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $389M 57% of world exports
- 2 China $90M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $37M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $681M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $291M 42% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $74M 11% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$51M 7.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $690M 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 code for copper alloy foil
Brazil classifies copper alloy foil under NCM 7410.12.00: HS 7410.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper alloy foil
What is the HS code for Copper alloy foil?
The HS code for Copper alloy foil is 741012 (Copper; foil, not backed, of a thickness not exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys). The HS code for unbacked copper alloy foil with a thickness not exceeding 0.15 mm is 7410.12.
How do I classify Copper alloy foil for customs?
Copper alloy foil is classified under HS code 741012 — Copper; foil, not backed, of a thickness not exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the foil is thicker than 0.15 mm?
If the thickness exceeds 0.15 mm, it is classified as copper alloy plates, sheets, or strips under heading 7409.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper alloy foil (HS 741012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 741012 (the code used for copper alloy foil) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($389M, 57% of world exports), China ($90M) and Germany ($37M). World exports came to about $681M, 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 copper alloy foil (HS 741012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 741012 (the code used for copper alloy foil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($291M, 42% of world imports), South Korea ($74M) and Taiwan (about $51M). World imports came to about $690M, 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 Copper alloy foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 741012 for Copper alloy 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 copper alloy foil in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper alloy foil (HS 741012) is classified under NCM 7410.12.00.