Product classification
HS code for Unrefined copper: 7402.00
Copper, unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining.
Classification of unrefined copper under HS 7402.00
Unrefined copper is classified under HS code 7402.00 because it represents an intermediate stage in the metallurgical process of copper production. This heading specifically covers copper that has undergone smelting but still contains a significant percentage of impurities, such as iron, sulfur, arsenic, or precious metals like gold and silver. The classification includes blister copper, which is characterized by a blistered surface caused by the escape of gases during solidification, and black copper, which is obtained from smelting copper scrap or impure ores. Furthermore, this code encompasses copper anodes specifically cast for electrolytic refining. These anodes are typically shaped as thick plates with lugs for suspension in an electrolytic tank. The classification is determined by the fact that the material is not yet 'refined copper' (which must meet the 99.85% purity threshold defined in Chapter 74) but has progressed beyond the stage of copper ores and concentrates found in Chapter 26. The technical requirement for 7402.00 is that the copper must be intended for further refining to remove impurities or to recover precious metals.
- Covers
- Blister copper
- Black copper
- Copper anodes for electrolytic refining
- Impure copper cakes
- Copper blocks intended for fire-refining
- Also under 7402.00
- Aurubis copper anodes
- Sumitomo Metal Mining blister copper
- KGHM unrefined copper
Codes often confused with 7402.00
Common mistake. Unrefined copper is frequently confused with refined copper, which falls under HS code 7403. The distinction lies in the purity level; refined copper must contain at least 99.85% copper by weight. Another common error is classifying these materials as copper ores or concentrates under HS code 2603. However, 2603 is reserved for raw minerals that have only undergone mechanical processing like grinding or flotation, whereas 7402.00 requires a chemical transformation through smelting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740200 (the code used for unrefined copper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740200 (the code used for unrefined copper) in UN Comtrade data was Zambia, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 740200, not only unrefined copper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Zambia* ~$5.0B 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $3.4B 20% of world exports
- 3 Chile $2.2B 13% of world exports
World total: $17.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $7.5B 43% of world imports
- 2 India $2.7B 15% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $2.1B 12% of world imports
World total: $17.6B 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 unrefined copper
Brazil classifies unrefined copper under NCM 7402.00.00: HS 7402.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unrefined copper
What is the HS code for Unrefined copper?
The HS code for Unrefined copper is 740200 (Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining). The HS code for unrefined copper and copper anodes for electrolytic refining is 7402.00.
How do I classify Unrefined copper for customs?
Unrefined copper is classified under HS code 740200 — Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does blister copper differ from refined copper in classification?
Blister copper is classified under 7402.00 because it contains impurities and requires further processing, while refined copper (purity >99.85%) is classified under 7403.
Which countries are the top exporters of unrefined copper (HS 740200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740200 (the code used for unrefined copper) in UN Comtrade data were Zambia (about $5.0B, 29% of world exports), Sweden ($3.4B) and Chile ($2.2B). World exports came to about $17.2B, 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 unrefined copper (HS 740200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740200 (the code used for unrefined copper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.5B, 43% of world imports), India ($2.7B) and Belgium ($2.1B). World imports came to about $17.6B, 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 Unrefined copper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740200 for Unrefined 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 unrefined copper in Brazil?
In Brazil, unrefined copper (HS 740200) is classified under NCM 7402.00.00.