Product classification
HS code for Nickel silver sheet: 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 nickel silver sheet under HS 7409.40
Nickel silver sheets are classified under HS code 7409.40. This classification is determined by the metallurgical composition of the alloy and the physical dimensions of the product. Nickel silver is defined in the HS Explanatory Notes as an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. Since copper is the predominant element by weight, the product is categorized under Chapter 74. Heading 7409 applies to copper plates, sheets, and strip with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm. Subheading 7409.40 is the specific designation for copper-nickel base alloys or copper-nickel-zinc base alloys. To be classified here, the product must be flat-rolled, not in coils (unless it meets the definition of strip), and must maintain a uniform thickness throughout its length.
- Covers
- Nickel silver plates for industrial nameplates
- Cold-rolled nickel silver sheets for jewelry making
- Nickel silver strips for electrical spring contacts
- Polished nickel silver sheets for architectural cladding
- Hard-tempered nickel silver sheets for musical instrument keys
- 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. Importers often confuse this code with 7506.20, which covers nickel alloy plates and sheets. The distinction lies in the base metal; if copper exceeds nickel by weight, 7409.40 must be used. Additionally, if the material is 0.15mm or thinner, it must be classified as foil under heading 7410 (specifically 7410.22) rather than sheet or plate under 7409.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740940 (the code used for nickel silver sheet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740940 (the code used for nickel silver sheet) 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 nickel silver sheet.
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 nickel silver sheet
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 nickel silver sheet
What is the HS code for Nickel silver sheet?
The HS code for Nickel silver sheet 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 nickel silver sheet with a thickness exceeding 0.15mm is 7409.40.
How do I classify Nickel silver sheet for customs?
Nickel silver sheet 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.
Is nickel silver sheet considered a precious metal?
No, nickel silver is a base metal alloy. It is not classified under Chapter 71 (Precious Metals) because it does not contain silver, gold, or platinum group metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel silver sheet (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740940 (the code used for nickel silver sheet) 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 nickel silver sheet (HS 740940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740940 (the code used for nickel silver sheet) 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 Nickel silver sheet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740940 for Nickel silver sheet 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 nickel silver sheet in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 740940 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for nickel silver sheet 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).