Product classification
HS code for Copper waste: 7404.00
Copper, waste and scrap.
Classification of copper waste under HS 7404.00
Copper waste and scrap are classified under HS code 740400. This classification is intended for copper products that are no longer fit for their original purpose. According to the Section XV and Chapter 74 notes, 'waste and scrap' refers to metal waste and scrap from the manufacture or mechanical working of metals, and metal goods definitely not usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. This code is essential for the recycling industry and covers both 'new' scrap (generated during production, like offcuts or turnings) and 'old' scrap (recovered from end-of-life products). The material must be in a state where it can only be used for the recovery of metal or for the manufacture of chemicals. If the copper can be repaired or used for its original function, it cannot be classified here. This heading is a 'single-dash' subheading that does not distinguish between refined copper and copper alloys; both are grouped under 740400. This simplifies the classification of mixed scrap loads, which are common in international trade. However, the scrap must be metallic; copper-bearing residues like ash or slag are classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Worn-out copper pipes and tubes
- Stripped copper wire scrap (not insulated)
- Copper manufacturing offcuts and shavings
- Broken copper castings and stampings
- Discarded copper busbars and plates
- 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. A frequent error is misclassifying insulated copper wire scrap under 740400. If the wire is insulated, it is often classified under 8548 or 8544 depending on the specific national tariff schedule and the degree of processing. Another misclassification occurs with copper ash and residues containing copper, which belong under 2620. Furthermore, if the copper has been melted down into ingots or similar unwrought forms, it must be classified under 7403 as refined copper or copper alloys, rather than waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740400 (the code used for copper waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740400 (the code used for copper waste) 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 waste.
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 waste
Brazil classifies copper waste 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 waste
What is the HS code for Copper waste?
The HS code for Copper waste is 740400 (Copper; waste and scrap). The HS code for copper waste and scrap is 740400.
How do I classify Copper waste for customs?
Copper waste is classified under HS code 740400 — Copper; waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include copper-zinc alloy (brass) scrap?
Yes, HS code 740400 covers waste and scrap of both refined copper and all copper alloys, including brass and bronze.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper waste (HS 740400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740400 (the code used for copper waste) 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 waste (HS 740400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740400 (the code used for copper waste) 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740400 for Copper waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper waste (HS 740400) is classified under NCM 7404.00.00.