HS Code for Copper Cathodes LME Grade A (HS 7403.11)
Electrolytically refined 99.99% Cu cathodes to BS EN 1978:1998 (Cu-CATH-1) are the deliverable form for LME copper contracts. Chile (Codelco), Zambia and DRC dominate exports. Priced as LME 3-month cash + regional premium (Yangshan, CIF Rotterdam, MJP). CIF China premium is the single most-watched spot indicator.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 7403.11 | Refined copper, cathodes and sections of cathodes |
| 7403.13 | Refined copper, billets |
| 7403.19 | Refined copper, other unwrought |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| China | 0% Zero-rate to feed downstream mills. |
| European Union | 0% |
| United States | 0% |
| India (BCD) | 5% |
Numerical Example: 25 MT (1 x 20'GP) Codelco 'CCC' brand, FOB San Antonio USD 9,450/MT (LME + USD 80 prem), CIF Shanghai
25 MT (1 x 20'GP) Codelco 'CCC' brand, FOB San Antonio USD 9,450/MT (LME + USD 80 prem), CIF Shanghai. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · BS EN 1978:1998 (Cu-CATH-1) LME Good Delivery.
- · LME approved brand list (updated quarterly).
- · Basel Convention if scrap-derived - not applicable to primary cathode.
- · Chile
- · DR Congo
- · Zambia
- · Peru
- · Kazakhstan
Frequently asked questions
The Yangshan premium (bonded warehouse premium over LME) is the closest proxy for real-time Chinese import demand. Widening premium >USD 100/MT typically presages stockpiling and stronger LME; collapsing premium <USD 30/MT signals demand weakness.
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.