Product classification
HS code for Copper flakes: 7406.20
Copper, powders of lamellar structure, flakes.
Classification of copper flakes under HS 7406.20
Copper flakes are classified under HS code 7406.20 because they represent copper powders that possess a distinct lamellar structure. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation and the Explanatory Notes for Chapter 74, heading 7406 covers copper powders and flakes. The classification is determined by the physical morphology of the particles. While 7406.10 is reserved for powders of non-lamellar structure (such as spherical or irregular grains), 7406.20 specifically identifies flakes, which are characterized by their plate-like or scale-like shape. These materials are typically produced through mechanical processes like ball milling with lubricants to achieve the flat, reflective surface required for industrial applications. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the flakes are made of refined copper or copper alloys, provided the copper content predominates by weight over any other single element.
- Covers
- Refined copper flakes with lamellar structure
- Copper-zinc alloy (brass) flakes
- Copper-tin alloy (bronze) flakes
- Metallic scales used in the manufacture of conductive inks
- Lamellar copper particles for metallic paint pigments
- Also under 7406.20
- ECKART copper flakes
- Schlenk Metallic Pigments copper flakes
- Toyo Aluminium K.K. copper flakes
- Metalor Technologies copper flakes
Codes often confused with 7406.20
Common mistake. Copper flakes are frequently misclassified under HS code 7406.10, which is strictly for powders of non-lamellar structure. The distinction lies in the aspect ratio and shape of the particles; spherical or atomized powders must stay in 7406.10. Another common error is attempting to classify copper flakes prepared as finished pigments in a liquid medium under heading 3212. If the flakes are dispersed in a non-aqueous medium and sold as a liquid or paste for paint manufacture, Chapter 32 may apply. Furthermore, very thin copper foil is sometimes confused with flakes, but foil is classified under 7410 based on its continuous sheet form rather than its particulate nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740620 (the code used for copper flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740620 (the code used for copper flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 60% 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 740620, not only copper flakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $263M 62% of world exports
- 2 Germany $33M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $18M 4.1% of world exports
World total: $425M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $144M 60% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$13M 5.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $12M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $241M 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 flakes
Brazil classifies copper flakes under NCM 7406.20.00: HS 7406.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper flakes
What is the HS code for Copper flakes?
The HS code for Copper flakes is 740620 (Copper; powders of lamellar structure, flakes). The primary HS code for copper flakes of a lamellar structure is 7406.20.
How do I classify Copper flakes for customs?
Copper flakes is classified under HS code 740620 — Copper; powders of lamellar structure, flakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are flakes distinguished from powders in the HS system?
In the context of heading 7406, flakes are distinguished by their lamellar (plate-like) structure, whereas powders in 7406.10 are generally granular, spherical, or atomized without a flattened scale-like appearance.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper flakes (HS 740620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740620 (the code used for copper flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($263M, 62% of world exports), Germany ($33M) and Singapore ($18M). World exports came to about $425M, 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 flakes (HS 740620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740620 (the code used for copper flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($144M, 60% of world imports), Taiwan (about $13M) and South Korea ($12M). World imports came to about $241M, 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 flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740620 for Copper flakes 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 flakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper flakes (HS 740620) is classified under NCM 7406.20.00.