Product classification
HS code for Refined copper: 7403.11
Copper, refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes.
Classification of refined copper under HS 7403.11
Refined copper in the form of cathodes and sections of cathodes is classified under HS code 7403.11. This classification falls under Chapter 74, which covers copper and articles thereof. Heading 7403 specifically addresses unwrought refined copper and copper alloys. According to Note 1(a) to Chapter 74, "refined copper" must contain at least 99.85% by weight of copper, or at least 97.5% copper provided that no other single element exceeds specific limits (e.g., silver, magnesium). Cathodes are the primary product of electrolytic refining and are considered "unwrought" because they have not been worked beyond simple casting or electro-deposition. This code is strictly for the highest purity copper used as a raw material for further manufacturing into wires, tubes, or plates.
- Covers
- Electrolytic copper cathodes
- Sections of cathodes (cut or broken)
- Starter sheets for electrolytic copper production
- High-purity unwrought copper for melting
- Refined copper cathodes in standard commercial sizes
- Also under 7403.11
- LME Grade A copper cathodes
- COMEX copper cathodes
- Aurubis cathodes
- Codelco cathodes
Codes often confused with 7403.11
Common mistake. Refined copper cathodes are often confused with HS code 7403.19, which covers "other" unwrought refined copper shapes such as cakes or slabs. While both are refined, 7403.11 is specific to the cathode form. Another common misclassification is HS code 7404.00, which covers copper waste and scrap. If a cathode is damaged or off-grade, it might be traded as scrap, but if it meets the purity standards of refined copper, 7403.11 remains applicable. Additionally, copper alloys (like brass or bronze) are excluded from this code and must be classified under 7403.21 through 7403.29. Finally, if the copper has been rolled or extruded into a bar, it moves to 7407.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740311 (the code used for refined copper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740311 (the code used for refined copper) in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% 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 740311, not only refined copper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 DR Congo* ~$23.2B 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $17.5B 18% of world exports
- 3 China $8.0B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $96.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $33.3B 34% of world imports
- 2 United States $16.7B 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $4.7B 4.8% of world imports
World total: $98.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 refined copper
Brazil classifies refined copper under NCM 7403.11.00: HS 7403.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refined copper
What is the HS code for Refined copper?
The HS code for Refined copper is 740311 (Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes).
How do I classify Refined copper for customs?
Refined copper is classified under HS code 740311 — Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for refined copper cathodes?
The specific HS code for refined copper cathodes and sections of cathodes is 7403.11.
Does this code include copper wire?
No, copper wire is a manufactured product classified under heading 7408. HS code 7403.11 is only for unwrought, raw copper cathodes.
Which countries are the top exporters of refined copper (HS 740311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740311 (the code used for refined copper) in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $23.2B, 24% of world exports), Chile ($17.5B) and China ($8.0B). World exports came to about $96.9B, 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 refined copper (HS 740311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740311 (the code used for refined copper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($33.3B, 34% of world imports), the United States ($16.7B) and Germany ($4.7B). World imports came to about $98.3B, 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 Refined copper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740311 for Refined copper 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 refined copper in Brazil?
In Brazil, refined copper (HS 740311) is classified under NCM 7403.11.00.