Product classification
HS code for Copper cathodes: 7403.11
Copper, refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes.
Classification of copper cathodes under HS 7403.11
Copper cathodes are classified under HS code 7403.11. This code is reserved for refined copper in an unwrought form, specifically cathodes and sections of cathodes. Cathodes are the primary product of the electrolytic refining process and represent one of the purest forms of copper available in international trade. The classification is based on the "unwrought" nature of the material, meaning it has not been rolled, extruded, or drawn into a specific shape like wire or plate. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products that are the result of refining and are intended for melting down or further processing into semi-manufactures are placed in heading 7403. This specific subheading ensures that high-purity electrolytic copper is distinguished from copper alloys or secondary copper produced from scrap.
- Covers
- Electrolytic copper cathodes
- Cut sections of copper cathodes
- High-purity refined copper cathodes
- Cathode starters
- Full-plate copper cathodes
- Also under 7403.11
- LME Grade A copper cathodes
- COMEX copper cathodes
- Aurubis cathodes
- Codelco cathodes
Codes often confused with 7403.11
Common mistake. A common error is classifying cathodes under 7404.00, which is the code for copper waste and scrap. While cathodes are often melted down like scrap, they are a refined primary product, not a waste product. Another misclassification occurs with 7403.12 (wire-bars) or 7403.13 (billets). While these are also refined unwrought copper, they have been cast into specific shapes for the next stage of production, whereas cathodes are the direct result of electrolysis.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740311 (the code used for copper cathodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740311 (the code used for copper cathodes) in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% 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 740311, not only copper cathodes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$23.2B 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $17.5B 18% of world exports
- 3 China $8.0B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $96.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $33.3B 34% of world imports
- 2 United States $16.7B 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $4.7B 4.8% of world imports
World total: $98.3B 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. 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 cathodes
Brazil classifies copper cathodes under NCM 7403.11.00: HS 7403.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper cathodes
What is the HS code for Copper cathodes?
The HS code for Copper cathodes is 740311 (Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes). The HS code for refined copper cathodes and sections of cathodes is 7403.11.
How do I classify Copper cathodes for customs?
Copper cathodes is classified under HS code 740311 — Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are copper cathodes considered a finished product?
No, they are considered unwrought raw materials used as the primary input for manufacturing copper wire, tubes, and sheets.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper cathodes (HS 740311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740311 (the code used for copper cathodes) in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $23.2B, 24% of world exports), Chile ($17.5B) and China ($8.0B). World exports came to about $96.9B, 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 cathodes (HS 740311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740311 (the code used for copper cathodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($33.3B, 34% of world imports), the United States ($16.7B) and Germany ($4.7B). World imports came to about $98.3B, 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 cathodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740311 for Copper cathodes 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 cathodes in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper cathodes (HS 740311) is classified under NCM 7403.11.00.