Product classification
HS code for Copper matte: 7401.00
Copper mattes, cement copper (precipitated copper).
Classification of copper matte under HS 7401.00
Copper matte and cement copper (precipitated copper) are classified under HS code 7401.00. This heading covers intermediate products of the copper smelting process. Copper matte is obtained by the smelting of roasted sulfide ores of copper to separate the copper sulfide from the gangue and other metals. It is a crude mixture of copper and iron sulfides. Cement copper, also known as precipitated copper, is obtained by precipitating copper from aqueous solutions (usually from leaching ores) using iron. These products are not yet refined copper and contain significant impurities. The HS system places these in the beginning of Chapter 74 as they represent the first stage of copper production after the ore stage (Chapter 26) but before the unrefined or refined metal stage (7402 and 7403).
- Covers
- Smelted copper matte in various forms
- Cement copper (precipitated copper) in powder or granular form
- Impure copper precipitates from hydrometallurgical processes
- Intermediate sulfide concentrates from smelting
- Also under 7401.00
- Glencore copper matte
- Freeport-McMoRan precipitated copper
- Codelco intermediate copper products
Codes often confused with 7401.00
Common mistake. Copper matte is often confused with copper ores and concentrates, which are classified under HS code 2603.00. The distinction is that ores and concentrates are products of mineral dressing (crushing, flotation), while matte is a product of pyrometallurgy (smelting). Another common misclassification is with HS code 7402.00 (unrefined copper/anodes for electrolytic refining). 7402 is for copper that has been further processed (usually in a converter) to remove most of the iron and sulfur found in the matte. Finally, cement copper is sometimes mistaken for copper waste and scrap (7404), but cement copper is a primary production intermediate, not a secondary recycled material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740100 (the code used for copper matte), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740100 (the code used for copper matte) in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 38% 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 740100, not only copper matte.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Philippines $395M 25% of world exports
- 2 Canada $276M 17% of world exports
- 3 Finland $228M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $804M 38% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $409M 19% of world imports
- 3 China $333M 16% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 matte
Brazil classifies copper matte under NCM 7401.00.00: HS 7401.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper matte
What is the HS code for Copper matte?
The HS code for Copper matte is 740100 (Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper)). Copper matte and cement copper are both classified under HS code 7401.00.
How do I classify Copper matte for customs?
Copper matte is classified under HS code 740100 — Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is copper matte considered a finished metal?
No, copper matte is an intermediate metallurgical product that requires further processing in a converter and subsequent refining to become usable copper metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper matte (HS 740100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740100 (the code used for copper matte) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($395M, 25% of world exports), Canada ($276M) and Finland ($228M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of copper matte (HS 740100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740100 (the code used for copper matte) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($804M, 38% of world imports), South Korea ($409M) and China ($333M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 matte the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740100 for Copper matte 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 matte in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper matte (HS 740100) is classified under NCM 7401.00.00.