Product classification
HS code for Copper alloy plate: 7409.90
Copper, plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc base alloys, copper-tin base alloys, copper-nickel base alloys or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys).
Classification of copper alloy plate under HS 7409.90
The classification of copper alloy plates under HS code 7409.90 is strictly governed by the chemical composition of the material and its specific physical dimensions as defined in the Harmonized System. According to the legal notes of Chapter 74, plates, sheets, and strip are defined as flat-surfaced products, whether in coils or not, which have a solid rectangular cross-section. To be classified under heading 7409, the thickness of the product must exceed 0.15mm. If the thickness is 0.15mm or less, the product is instead classified as copper foil under heading 7410. The specific subheading 7409.90 is a residual category for "other" copper alloys. This means it excludes the most common copper alloys that have their own dedicated subheadings, such as copper-zinc base alloys (brass), copper-tin base alloys (bronze), copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel), or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel-silver). Consequently, 7409.90 is the appropriate classification for plates made from specialized alloys like aluminum bronze, beryllium copper, or silicon bronze, provided they do not meet the technical definition of bronze. These plates are typically manufactured through a process of hot-rolling followed by cold-rolling to achieve precise thickness and mechanical properties. They are widely utilized in industrial sectors that require high corrosion resistance or specific thermal and electrical properties that standard brass or pure copper cannot provide.
- Covers
- Aluminum bronze plates
- Beryllium copper sheets
- Silicon bronze plates (non-tin)
- Copper-chromium alloy strip
- Manganese copper plates
- Also under 7409.90
- Wieland copper alloy sheets
- Aurubis specialty copper plates
- KME copper alloy strips
- Lebronze Alloys plates
Codes often confused with 7409.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 7409.11 or 7409.19, which are reserved exclusively for refined copper. If the alloy contains significant zinc, it must be classified under 7409.21 (brass). Another common error is failing to check the thickness; if the material is 0.15mm or thinner, it must be moved to heading 7410.00 as copper foil.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy plate) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 740990, not only copper alloy plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $290M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $261M 26% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $90M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $158M 13% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$114M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $114M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 plate
Brazil classifies copper alloy plate under NCM 7409.90.00: HS 7409.90 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 plate
What is the HS code for Copper alloy plate?
The HS code for Copper alloy plate is 740990 (Copper; plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc base alloys, copper-tin base alloys, copper-nickel base alloys or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys)). The HS code for copper alloy plates (other than brass, bronze, or cupro-nickel) with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm is 7409.90.
How do I classify Copper alloy plate for customs?
Copper alloy plate is classified under HS code 740990 — Copper; plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper alloys (other than copper-zinc base alloys, copper-tin base alloys, copper-nickel base alloys or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a plate and a foil in HS classification?
In Chapter 74, any flat-rolled product with a thickness of 0.15mm or less is classified as foil (7410), while anything thicker is classified as a plate, sheet, or strip (7409).
Which countries are the top exporters of copper alloy plate (HS 740990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy plate) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($290M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($261M) and South Korea ($90M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 plate (HS 740990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($158M, 13% of world imports), Taiwan (about $114M) and Malaysia ($114M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740990 for Copper alloy plate 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 plate in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper alloy plate (HS 740990) is classified under NCM 7409.90.00.