HS Code for Copper Cathodes (HS 7403.11)
Refined copper cathodes are HS 7403.11 - the LME Grade A deliverable per BS EN 1978:1998, minimum 99.9935% Cu. Priced as LME cash + regional premium (Rotterdam, Shanghai, Yangshan bonded, US Midwest). Cathodes are the standardised feed for wire-rod and flat-product mills.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 7403.11 | Refined copper, cathodes and sections of cathodes |
| 7403.13 | Refined copper, billets |
| 7403.19 | Other refined copper, unwrought |
| 7404.00 | Copper waste and scrap (see separate guide) |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| European Union | 0% MFN 0%. |
| United States | 0% Under Section 232 investigation 2024-25; possible ad valorem duty imminent. |
| China | 0% Plus 13% VAT; largest importer. |
| India | 5% Plus 18% GST. |
| South Korea | 3% |
Numerical Example: 500 MT LME Grade A cathodes, FOB Antofagasta USD 9,400/MT, CIF Shanghai
500 MT LME Grade A cathodes, FOB Antofagasta USD 9,400/MT, CIF Shanghai. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · LME approved brand list - only listed brands can be delivered into an LME warrant.
- · BS EN 1978:1998 - minimum 99.9935% Cu, tight limits on Bi, Se, Te, S, Pb, As, Sb.
- · SHFE (Shanghai) - separate approved brand list for Chinese physical settlement.
- · COMEX (US) - HG copper contract, chiefly financial reference for US premium calc.
- · US Section 232 investigation on copper announced 2024 - watch for possible ad valorem duty.
- · Chile (Codelco, Antofagasta)
- · Peru
- · DRC (Katanga)
- · China (converter)
- · Zambia
- · Kazakhstan (KAZ)
Frequently asked questions
The Shanghai bonded warehouse premium - USD/MT paid over LME cash for delivery in Shanghai bonded zone. Reflects Chinese physical-market tightness and import arbitrage. Reported daily by Fastmarkets / SMM.
Blister (7402) is fire-refined ~98.5% Cu. Anode (7402) is the smelter output ~99.5% Cu. Cathode (7403.11) is electrolytically refined >=99.99% Cu. Only cathodes are LME-deliverable.
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to metals (HS 7403.11) in each market we cover. Rates are indicative at the 6-digit line | confirm the national 8/10-digit code with your broker.
| Market | Duty | Consumption tax | Tax base | Tax as % of CIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 5% | IGST 18% | Assessable value + duty | 24.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | 3% | VAT 5% | CIF + duty | 8.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | 3% | VAT 15% | CIF + duty | 18.4% |
| Singapore | 3% | GST 9% | CIF + duty | 12.3% |
| China | 3% | VAT 13% | CIF + duty | 16.4% |
| United States | 1% | Federal VAT 0% | CIF | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | 3% | VAT 20% | CIF + duty | 23.6% |
| Germany | 3% | USt 19% | CIF + duty | 22.6% |
| Netherlands | 3% | BTW 21% | CIF + duty | 24.6% |
| Vietnam | 3% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 13.3% |
| Türkiye | 3% | KDV 20% | CIF + duty | 23.6% |
| Japan | 3% | JCT 10% | CIF + duty | 13.3% |
| South Korea | 3% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 13.3% |
| Brazil | 3% | IPI+PIS/COFINS+ICMS 32% | CIF + duty | 36.0% |
| Indonesia | 3% | PPN 11% | CIF + duty | 16.8% |
| Mexico | 3% | IVA 16% | CIF + duty | 20.4% |
| Egypt | 3% | VAT 14% | CIF + duty | 17.4% |
| Nigeria | 3% | VAT 7.5% | CIF + duty | 12.3% |
| South Africa | 3% | VAT 15% | Assessable value + duty | 20.3% |
| Australia | 3% | GST 10% | CIF + duty | 13.3% |
Run your own numbers with the landed cost calculator or check documentation requirements in the LC document checklist.