Copper Cathode (LME Grade A) - HS 7403 classification, duty and landed cost
Copper Cathode (LME Grade A) moves through customs under HS heading 7403. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 7403.11 | Refined copper, cathodes and sections |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| European Union | 0% - 6% CBAM applies to iron/steel/aluminium; safeguards on some HRC lines. |
| United States | 0% - 25% Section 232 duties on steel/aluminium; AD/CVD on select origins. |
| China | 0% - 10% Plus 13% VAT; export duties/quotas on some raw metals. |
| India | 5% - 15% BCD + AIDC + 18% GST; BIS steel quality control order. |
| UAE | 5% GCC CET; ESMA safety marking on construction steel. |
Worked landed-cost example
20 MT of Copper Cathode (LME Grade A) at FOB USD 8,500 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.
- · Mill Test Certificate (MTC) / EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 for structural and pressure grades.
- · Origin declaration for CBAM (EU) with embedded emissions data from 2026.
- · Kimberley Process for diamonds; OECD Due Diligence Guidance for tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt.
- · Chile
- · Peru
- · DRC
- · Zambia
- · Russia
Frequently asked questions
Copper Cathode (LME Grade A) is classified under HS 7403.11. Ores/concentrates live in Chapter 26, unwrought metals in Chapters 72-81.
From 2026 the EU CBAM applies to iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen and electricity. Embedded emissions data must be reported per consignment.
Against LME (base metals), Platts (iron ore, coal), Argus, or Fastmarkets assessments, with agreed premium/discount, TC/RC deductions for concentrates and quality penalties.
Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2), independent SGS/Alfred Knight assay for concentrates, moisture certificate, and origin declaration.
Some origins apply export duties (India on iron ore, Indonesia on ore concentrates, Zambia on copper) - always screen origin regulations before quoting.
Destination market toolkits
Country-specific duty, VAT/GST and Incoterms practice for the top destinations for metals & minerals.
Metals & Minerals landed-cost pages: every destination market
Jump straight to the metals & minerals import guide for any of the destination markets we cover.
Related commodity guides
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Sources & citations
- EU CBAM Regulation 2023/956European Commission
- London Metal Exchange (LME)LME
- WCO Harmonized System NomenclatureWorld Customs Organization
- WTO Integrated Database (tariff data)World Trade Organization