Product classification
HS code for Copper alloy strip: 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 strip under HS 7409.90
Copper alloy strip is classified under HS code 7409.90, a category that encompasses plates, sheets, and strip of copper alloys with a thickness greater than 0.15mm. This specific subheading is used for alloys that do not fall under the more common classifications of brass (copper-zinc), bronze (copper-tin), or cupro-nickel. The classification is determined by the metallurgical content and the geometric form of the product. Strip is generally defined as a flat-rolled product, usually in coils, with a narrower width than sheets, though the HS code does not distinguish between sheet and strip at the six-digit level. The primary requirement for 7409.90 is that the copper content by weight must be the predominant metal, but the alloying elements must not meet the specific definitions of the other subheadings in 7409.
- Covers
- High-conductivity copper alloy strips for electrical connectors
- Copper-iron alloy strips
- Copper-beryllium strips for spring applications
- Copper-magnesium alloy strips
- Specialty copper alloy strips for lead frames
- 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. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7409.40, which covers copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver). If the strip contains significant nickel, it must be moved to 7409.40. Furthermore, if the strip is intended for use as an electrical conductor and has been further worked into a specific component, it might be misclassified under 8544, though raw strip remains in 7409.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy strip) 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 strip.
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 strip
Brazil classifies copper alloy strip 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 strip
What is the HS code for Copper alloy strip?
The HS code for Copper alloy strip 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)). Copper alloy strip, provided it is not brass, bronze, or cupro-nickel and exceeds 0.15mm in thickness, is classified under HS code 7409.90.
How do I classify Copper alloy strip for customs?
Copper alloy strip 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.
Does the width of the strip affect the HS code?
No, the HS code 7409.90 covers plates, sheets, and strip regardless of width, provided the thickness exceeds 0.15mm and the alloy composition is correct.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper alloy strip (HS 740990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy strip) 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 strip (HS 740990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740990 (the code used for copper alloy strip) 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740990 for Copper alloy strip 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 strip in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper alloy strip (HS 740990) is classified under NCM 7409.90.00.