Product classification
HS code for Cupronickel plate: 7409.40
Copper, plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver).
Classification of cupronickel plate under HS 7409.40
Cupronickel plates are classified under HS code 7409.40. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific legal notes of Chapter 74, which covers copper and articles thereof. Heading 7409 is dedicated to copper plates, sheets, and strip with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm. The classification further narrows down to subheading 7409.40, which specifically identifies alloys of copper-nickel (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc (nickel silver). To be classified here, the copper content must predominate by weight over each of the other elements. If the nickel content were to exceed the copper content, the product would shift to Chapter 75. These plates are typically manufactured through rolling processes and are defined by their flat, non-coiled shape. The material is highly sought after in industrial applications due to its exceptional resistance to biofouling and corrosion, particularly in seawater, making it a standard material for marine engineering and desalination plants. The thickness must be uniform and exceed 0.15mm to distinguish it from foil.
- Covers
- Cupronickel industrial plates
- Nickel silver sheets
- Marine-grade cupro-nickel strips
- Copper-nickel-zinc alloy plates
- Corrosion-resistant copper alloy sheets
- Also under 7409.40
- Wieland Cupro-Nickel Sheets
- KME Nickel Silver Strip
- Aurubis Cupro-Nickel Plates
- Lebronze Alloys Nickel Silver
Codes often confused with 7409.40
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 7409.40 with 7410.12. The primary distinction is thickness; products 0.15mm or thinner are classified as copper foil under heading 7410. Additionally, if the alloy contains more nickel than copper by weight, it must be classified under heading 7506 as nickel plates or sheets. Another common mistake is using 7409.11, which is reserved for refined copper rather than copper alloys.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel plate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel plate) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 740940, not only cupronickel plate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $327M 35% of world exports
- 2 Japan $184M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $940M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $190M 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $104M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $97M 11% of world imports
World total: $869M 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 codes for cupronickel plate
Brazil splits HS 7409.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7409.40.11Galvanised copper-nickel-silicon strip, in coils
- 7409.40.19Other cupro-nickel/nickel silver strip, in coils
- 7409.40.90Cupro-nickel or nickel silver sheet, not in coils
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cupronickel plate
What is the HS code for Cupronickel plate?
The HS code for Cupronickel plate is 740940 (Copper; plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver)). The HS code for cupronickel plate is 7409.40, which covers plates, sheets, and strip of copper-nickel base alloys with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm.
How do I classify Cupronickel plate for customs?
Cupronickel plate is classified under HS code 740940 — Copper; plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, of copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a plate and a foil in HS classification?
In Chapter 74, the distinction is based on thickness. Plates and sheets (7409) must have a thickness exceeding 0.15mm, while foils (7410) are 0.15mm or thinner.
Which countries are the top exporters of cupronickel plate (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel plate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($327M, 35% of world exports), Japan ($184M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $940M, 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 cupronickel plate (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel plate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($190M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($104M) and Germany ($97M). World imports came to about $869M, 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 Cupronickel plate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740940 for Cupronickel plate 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 cupronickel plate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 740940 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cupronickel plate depends on the product's details: 7409.40.11 (Galvanised copper-nickel-silicon strip, in coils), 7409.40.19 (Other cupro-nickel/nickel silver strip, in coils), 7409.40.90 (Cupro-nickel or nickel silver sheet, not in coils).