Product classification
HS code for Cupronickel strip: 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 strip under HS 7409.40
Cupronickel strip is classified under HS code 7409.40 because it falls within the category of copper plates, sheets, and strip with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm. The classification is determined by the metallurgical composition of the alloy, specifically copper-nickel base alloys (cupro-nickel) or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys (nickel silver). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 74 notes, these products must be of a thickness that distinguishes them from copper foil. The material is typically produced through rolling processes and is used in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as marine hardware or electrical components. The 7409.40 subheading specifically isolates these alloys from refined copper or other copper-tin (bronze) and copper-zinc (brass) alloys, ensuring that the specific physical properties of the nickel-containing alloy are accounted for in trade statistics and tariff applications.
- Covers
- Cupronickel industrial strips
- Nickel silver sheets for musical instruments
- Copper-nickel alloy plates for heat exchangers
- Cold-rolled cupronickel coils exceeding 0.15mm thickness
- Nickel silver strips for decorative architectural trim
- 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 misclassifying these items under HS code 7410.12 or 7410.22. These codes are reserved for copper foil, which is defined as having a thickness not exceeding 0.15mm. If the cupronickel strip is thinner than this threshold, it must move to Chapter 7410. Additionally, if the nickel content by weight exceeds the copper content, the product may be misclassified under Chapter 75 (Nickel and articles thereof), specifically 7506.10 or 7506.20. It is also common to see confusion with HS code 7407.29, which covers bars and rods; however, strips are distinguished by their rectangular cross-section and flat-rolled nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel strip), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel strip) 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 strip.
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 strip
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 strip
What is the HS code for Cupronickel strip?
The HS code for Cupronickel strip 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 primary HS code for cupronickel strip with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm is 7409.40.
How do I classify Cupronickel strip for customs?
Cupronickel strip 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.
How is the thickness measured for classification?
Thickness is measured excluding any coating or cladding. If the thickness is 0.15mm or less, the product is classified as foil under HS code 7410 rather than strip under 7409.
Which countries are the top exporters of cupronickel strip (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel strip) 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 strip (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740940 (the code used for cupronickel strip) 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 strip the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740940 for Cupronickel strip 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 strip in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 740940 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cupronickel strip 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).