Product classification
HS code for Refined copper wire bars: 7403.12
Copper, refined, unwrought, wire-bars.
Classification of refined copper wire bars under HS 7403.12
Refined copper wire bars are classified under HS code 7403.12 as they are defined as unwrought forms of refined copper. Heading 74.03 encompasses refined copper and copper alloys in unwrought forms, which include products like ingots, billets, and wire bars. According to the Explanatory Notes, wire bars are products intended for drawing into wire or rolling into rods, typically having a square or rectangular cross-section and often featuring tapered ends to facilitate their entry into a rolling mill. The classification as 'unwrought' is essential; it means the product has been obtained by casting or sintering and has not been further worked (e.g., by rolling, drawing, or extruding). Subheading 7403.12 specifically identifies these wire bars when made of refined copper. The purity of the copper must align with the definition of 'refined copper' in the Chapter 74 notes, which requires a minimum copper content of 99.85% by weight or a minimum of 97.5% with restricted levels of other elements. This classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, focusing on the material state and the specific nomenclature of the subheading. Wire bars are a primary form of copper used in the manufacturing of electrical conductors and are distinct from semi-finished wrought products.
- Covers
- Cast refined copper wire bars
- Electrolytic copper wire bars for drawing
- Unwrought copper bars with tapered ends
- Refined copper ingots specifically shaped for wire mills
- Also under 7403.12
- Southwire copper wire-bars
- Prysmian Group wire-bars (as input)
- Nexans wire-bars (as input)
Codes often confused with 7403.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for refined copper wire bars (7403.12) is with wrought copper bars and rods under heading 74.07. The distinction is based on the manufacturing process: 74.03 covers unwrought (cast) products, while 74.07 covers wrought (worked) products. If a wire bar has been rolled or extruded, it becomes a rod and must be moved to 74.07. Another potential error is confusing wire bars with cathodes under 7403.11. While both are unwrought refined copper, cathodes are flat plates produced by electrolysis, whereas wire bars are cast into specific shapes for further processing. Additionally, if the wire bar is made of a copper alloy rather than refined copper, it would be classified under subheadings 7403.21 to 7403.29 depending on the alloying elements like zinc or tin.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740312 (the code used for refined copper wire bars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740312 (the code used for refined copper wire bars) in UN Comtrade data was Mongolia, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 740312, not only refined copper wire bars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mongolia* ~$12M 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $12M 23% of world exports
- 3 Italy $6.5M 13% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $15M 31% of world imports
- 2 Italy $12M 24% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $7.1M 15% of world imports
World total: $49M 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 wire bars
Brazil classifies refined copper wire bars under NCM 7403.12.00: HS 7403.12 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 wire bars
What is the HS code for Refined copper wire bars?
The HS code for Refined copper wire bars is 740312 (Copper; refined, unwrought, wire-bars). Refined copper wire bars in their unwrought, cast form are classified under HS code 7403.12.
How do I classify Refined copper wire bars for customs?
Refined copper wire bars is classified under HS code 740312 — Copper; refined, unwrought, wire-bars. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7403.12 and 7407.10?
7403.12 is for unwrought (cast) wire bars, while 7407.10 is for wrought (rolled or extruded) bars and rods of refined copper.
Which countries are the top exporters of refined copper wire bars (HS 740312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740312 (the code used for refined copper wire bars) in UN Comtrade data were Mongolia (about $12M, 24% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($12M) and Italy ($6.5M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 wire bars (HS 740312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740312 (the code used for refined copper wire bars) in UN Comtrade data were China ($15M, 31% of world imports), Italy ($12M) and Saudi Arabia ($7.1M). World imports came to about $49M, 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 wire bars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740312 for Refined copper wire bars 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 wire bars in Brazil?
In Brazil, refined copper wire bars (HS 740312) is classified under NCM 7403.12.00.