Product classification
HS code for Copper anodes: 7402.00
Copper, unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining.
Classification of copper anodes under HS 7402.00
Copper anodes intended for electrolytic refining are classified under HS code 7402.00. This classification is specific to unrefined copper that has been cast into the shape of anodes to be used in an electrolysis tank to produce refined copper. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 7402 covers unrefined copper in various forms, but specifically mentions anodes for electrolytic refining. These products are generally characterized by a rough surface and a shape designed to be suspended in a refining bath. They are intermediate products in the metallurgical process, sitting between blister copper and the final refined cathode. If the copper were already refined to a high degree of purity (typically 99.9% or higher) and cast into shapes, it would move to heading 7403.
- Covers
- Blister copper cast into anode shapes
- Unrefined copper anodes for electro-refining
- Rough-cast copper slabs with suspension lugs
- Impure copper anodes for the production of cathodes
- Also under 7402.00
- Aurubis copper anodes
- Sumitomo Metal Mining blister copper
- KGHM unrefined copper
Codes often confused with 7402.00
Common mistake. Copper anodes are often misclassified under HS code 7403.11 (refined copper cathodes) or 7403.19 (other refined copper). The distinction lies in the purity and the purpose; 7402.00 is for unrefined material destined for a refinery. Another error is classifying them under 8544 if they are mistaken for electrical components, or 7419 if they are mistaken for finished copper articles. However, the metallurgical intent for refining is the deciding factor for 7402.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740200 (the code used for copper anodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740200 (the code used for copper anodes) in UN Comtrade data was Zambia, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 740200, not only copper anodes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Zambia* ~$5.0B 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $3.4B 20% of world exports
- 3 Chile $2.2B 13% of world exports
World total: $17.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $7.5B 43% of world imports
- 2 India $2.7B 15% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $2.1B 12% of world imports
World total: $17.6B 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 copper anodes
Brazil classifies copper anodes under NCM 7402.00.00: HS 7402.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper anodes
What is the HS code for Copper anodes?
The HS code for Copper anodes is 740200 (Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining). The HS code for unrefined copper anodes specifically used for electrolytic refining is 7402.00.
How do I classify Copper anodes for customs?
Copper anodes is classified under HS code 740200 — Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can refined copper be classified under 7402.00?
No, refined copper is classified under heading 7403. Heading 7402.00 is strictly for unrefined copper and anodes used in the refining process.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper anodes (HS 740200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740200 (the code used for copper anodes) in UN Comtrade data were Zambia (about $5.0B, 29% of world exports), Sweden ($3.4B) and Chile ($2.2B). World exports came to about $17.2B, 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 anodes (HS 740200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740200 (the code used for copper anodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.5B, 43% of world imports), India ($2.7B) and Belgium ($2.1B). World imports came to about $17.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Copper anodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740200 for Copper anodes 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 anodes in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper anodes (HS 740200) is classified under NCM 7402.00.00.