HS 7404Metals

HS Code for Copper Scrap (HS 7404)

Copper scrap trades under HS 7404 - waste and scrap of copper. ISRI-standard grades (Barley, Berry, Birch/Cliff, Candy, Dream, Dlusk, Elias) define chemistry and payable. EU Waste Shipment Regulation (2024 revision) restricts non-OECD exports of hazardous and mixed scrap.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules4 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
7404.00	Copper waste and scrap
8548.10	Waste and scrap of primary cells / batteries

Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0% Plus WSR notification / consent for shipments.
United States	0% But EPR / RCRA rules on electronic scrap; some export restrictions under review.
China	0% Solid Waste Import Ban since 2021 - now only 'high-grade copper materials' 7404 lines with strict specs; formal grade classification enforced.
India	2.5% Plus 18% GST.
Turkey	0% Major scrap import destination.

Worked landed-cost example

100 MT Birch/Cliff #1 copper scrap, FOB Baltimore USD 8,600/MT, CIF Izmir Turkey

FOB valueUSD 860,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 30,000

CIF valueUSD 890,000

Turkey dutyUSD 0

Payable calculation vs LME copperTypically 96-97% payable of contained Cu

Landed cost ≈ USD 890,000. Payable formula: LME cash × payable% × MT - deductions for moisture, chemistry - drives final settlement.

Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.

Regulatory checkpoints

· EU Waste Shipment Regulation (Regulation 2024/1157) - shipments to non-OECD countries progressively restricted; hazardous waste (mixed / contaminated) requires prior informed consent.
· Basel Convention - hazardous waste transboundary movement rules; scrap listed on Annex IX (green) is exempt if uncontaminated.
· China GB/T 38471-2019 - Chinese standard for imported copper materials replacing the outright ban.
· ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular - industry-standard grading (Barley, Birch, Cliff etc).
· US EPA export requirements for e-scrap (not always copper) - CRT Rule, R2/e-Stewards standards.

Top exporting countries

· USA
· Germany
· United Kingdom
· Japan
· Australia
· Netherlands

Frequently asked questions

Barley vs Birch/Cliff?

Barley = clean bare bright copper wire, unalloyed, no coatings; highest payable (98-99% of LME). Birch/Cliff = No.1 heavy copper (99% Cu minimum). Berry = No.2 (96% min). Candy = mixed heavy insulated wire. Each has a defined ISRI spec.

Can I still ship copper scrap to China?

Only material meeting GB/T 38471-2019 (Copper Raw Materials) with authorised importers; the pre-2021 open scrap trade to China is closed. Mixed / low-grade material now flows to Turkey, India, Southeast Asia.