Product classification
HS code for Copper scrap: 7404.00
Copper, waste and scrap.
Classification of copper scrap under HS 7404.00
Copper scrap is classified under HS code 7404.00. This heading is specifically designated for copper waste and scrap. According to the Section XV Legal Notes of the Harmonized System, waste and scrap are defined as metallic products resulting from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metallic articles definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. This code is a "single-dash" heading in many tariffs, meaning it does not have further 6-digit sub-divisions for different types of scrap in the standard international nomenclature. The classification applies to both unalloyed copper scrap and copper alloy scrap (such as brass, bronze, or cupro-nickel). The material must be fit only for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemicals to qualify. This classification is critical for the global recycling industry and environmental regulation compliance during the transboundary movement of waste.
- Covers
- Used copper wire (insulation removed)
- Copper turnings and shavings
- Discarded copper piping and tubing
- Spent copper anodes
- Brass scrap and turnings
- Bronze scrap
- Copper-nickel alloy scrap
- Also under 7404.00
- ISRI grade 'Berry' (No. 1 bare bright copper wire)
- ISRI grade 'Birch' (No. 2 copper wire)
- ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) copper scrap
Codes often confused with 7404.00
Common mistake. Copper scrap is sometimes misclassified as refined copper under HS code 7403. However, 7403 is for unwrought refined copper (like ingots or cathodes) that has been processed for use. Another error is classifying copper ores or concentrates under 7404.00; these belong in Heading 2603. Ash and residues containing copper are also distinct and fall under Heading 2620.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740400 (the code used for copper scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740400 (the code used for copper scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% 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 740400, not only copper scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $6.0B 15% of world exports
- 2 Japan $3.4B 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.7B 6.6% of world exports
World total: $40.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $19.8B 42% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.8B 8.0% of world imports
- 3 India $3.0B 6.4% of world imports
World total: $47.2B 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 scrap
Brazil classifies copper scrap under NCM 7404.00.00: HS 7404.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper scrap
What is the HS code for Copper scrap?
The HS code for Copper scrap is 740400 (Copper; waste and scrap). The international HS code for copper waste and scrap is 7404.00.
How do I classify Copper scrap for customs?
Copper scrap is classified under HS code 740400 — Copper; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include insulated copper wire?
No, insulated copper wire is generally classified under Heading 8544. However, once the insulation is removed, the remaining copper is classified as scrap under 7404.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper scrap (HS 740400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740400 (the code used for copper scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.0B, 15% of world exports), Japan ($3.4B) and Germany ($2.7B). World exports came to about $40.9B, 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 scrap (HS 740400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740400 (the code used for copper scrap) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19.8B, 42% of world imports), Germany ($3.8B) and India ($3.0B). World imports came to about $47.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Copper scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740400 for Copper scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper scrap (HS 740400) is classified under NCM 7404.00.00.