Product classification
HS code for Unwrought brass: 7403.21
Copper, copper-zinc base alloys (brass) unwrought.
Classification of unwrought brass under HS 7403.21
Unwrought brass is classified under HS code 7403.21, which specifically identifies copper-zinc base alloys. In the context of the Harmonized System, brass is defined as an alloy of copper and zinc, with or without other elements. When other elements are present, zinc must predominate by weight over each of those other elements. The term "unwrought" refers to primary forms such as ingots, billets, slabs, and wire-bars that are intended for further processing. These forms are usually produced by casting or sintering. This classification is part of heading 7403, which encompasses refined copper and copper alloys in unwrought forms. Accurate classification is dependent on the chemical analysis of the alloy to ensure it meets the specific definition of brass provided in the Chapter 74 legal notes. If the alloy contains more than 10% by weight of nickel, for example, it might be classified as cupro-nickel rather than brass, highlighting the importance of precise metallurgical data. This code is used by foundries and manufacturers who import raw brass to create semi-finished products like pipes, fittings, or decorative hardware.
- Covers
- Brass ingots
- Brass billets and slabs
- Brass cakes and wire-bars
- Unwrought copper-zinc alloys
- Cast brass blocks for remelting
- Also under 7403.21
- Wieland brass ingots
- KME Group brass billets
- Mueller Industries brass alloys
Codes often confused with 7403.21
Common mistake. Unwrought brass is frequently confused with refined copper (7403.11 to 7403.19) or other copper alloys like bronze (7403.22). Another common error is classifying brass scrap under this code; scrap should be under 7404.00. Finally, if the brass has been worked into bars or rods, it must be classified under 7407.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 740321 (the code used for unwrought brass), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 740321 (the code used for unwrought brass) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 740321, not only unwrought brass.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $204M 12% of world exports
- 2 Canada $135M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $120M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $996M 65% of world imports
- 2 United States $136M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $56M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for unwrought brass
Brazil classifies unwrought brass under NCM 7403.21.00: HS 7403.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unwrought brass
What is the HS code for Unwrought brass?
The HS code for Unwrought brass is 740321 (Copper; copper-zinc base alloys (brass) unwrought). Unwrought brass, specifically copper-zinc base alloys, is classified under HS code 7403.21.
How do I classify Unwrought brass for customs?
Unwrought brass is classified under HS code 740321 — Copper; copper-zinc base alloys (brass) unwrought. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines "unwrought" for brass?
Unwrought forms are primary shapes like ingots, billets, or slabs produced by casting or sintering, which have not been rolled, extruded, or forged.
Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought brass (HS 740321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 740321 (the code used for unwrought brass) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($204M, 12% of world exports), Canada ($135M) and South Korea ($120M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 unwrought brass (HS 740321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 740321 (the code used for unwrought brass) in UN Comtrade data were China ($996M, 65% of world imports), the United States ($136M) and Italy ($56M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Unwrought brass the same in all countries?
The base HS code 740321 for Unwrought brass 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 unwrought brass in Brazil?
In Brazil, unwrought brass (HS 740321) is classified under NCM 7403.21.00.