HS 740312 Wire-bars
Quick Answer: Wire-bars imported under HS 740312 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 1% (MFN), with preferential rates of Free for certain trading partners. This classification covers refined copper in the form of wire-bars, which are semi-finished products typically used as raw material for further manufacturing into copper wire. Importers should be aware of the varying preferential duty rates available in the US market, which can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403120000 | 1% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7403.12?
Imports of Wire-bars may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 740312 cover?
This subheading covers wire-bars of refined copper, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, refined copper wire-bars are typically produced by continuous casting or by casting and rolling, and are intended for further processing into wire. They are characterized by their specific cross-sectional shape, often circular or rectangular with rounded edges, and a high degree of purity, generally exceeding 99.8% copper content.
What falls outside HS 740312?
The following products are excluded from HS 740312: copper not refined (classified under HS 7402), copper alloys (classified under HS 740321 to 740329 depending on the alloying element), and finished copper wire (classified under HS 7408). Also excluded are copper bars, rods, and profiles that are not specifically wire-bars, such as those intended for machining or structural purposes, which would fall under other subheadings within HS 7403. Ingots and cakes of refined copper are also classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 740312?
A common error is misclassifying copper bars or rods that are not specifically shaped or intended for wire production as wire-bars. For instance, solid copper bars for machining or structural applications, even if made of refined copper, would not fall under HS 740312. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial. The specific cross-sectional shape and intended use are determinative.
How should importers classify products under HS 740312?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 740312 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed refined copper and that its shape and form align with the definition of a wire-bar, typically a continuous cast product with a specific cross-section for wire production. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing any explanatory notes or rulings is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 740312?
A shipment of 10,000 kilograms of refined copper wire-bars, declared at a customs value of $80,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $2,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($80,000 USD × 0.025 = $2,000). This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 740312.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 740312?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 740312, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 740312, specifically for 'wire-bars'?
For HS code 740312, which covers 'wire-bars' of refined copper, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 0.00%. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, under agreements with countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG), the rate can be Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods and the relevant trade agreement. For instance, the USITC tariff schedule should be consulted for imports into the United States, while the EU TARIC database is used for the European Union.
What specific criteria define 'wire-bars' under HS code 740312?
HS code 740312 specifically refers to 'wire-bars' of refined copper. These are typically semi-finished products of copper that have been cast into a shape suitable for subsequent processing into wire. They are generally characterized by their cross-sectional shape and dimensions, intended for drawing into wire. The key is that they are products of refined copper (99.8% or more copper by weight) and are in a form ready for wire production, distinguishing them from other copper shapes or unwrought copper. The WCO's Explanatory Notes provide further clarification on the characteristics of products classified under this heading.
What documentation is typically required for importing wire-bars under HS code 740312?
When importing wire-bars classified under HS code 740312, standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, value, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and a certificate of origin. If preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement, a specific preferential trade agreement certificate of origin (e.g., a EUR.1 certificate for certain EU agreements, or a specific declaration on the invoice for others) is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or assay reports to confirm the material composition (refined copper) if requested by customs authorities.
How are import duties calculated for HS 740312, and can you provide an example?
The calculation of import duties for HS code 740312 depends on the applicable duty rate. If the rate is ad valorem, the duty is a percentage of the customs value of the goods. If the rate is specific, it's a fixed amount per unit of quantity. For HS 740312, the MFN rate is often 0.00%, meaning no duty is levied. However, let's assume a hypothetical scenario where a specific country applies a 1% ad valorem duty rate. If a shipment of wire-bars has a customs value of $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 1% of $10,000 = $100. If there were also a specific duty, for example, $0.05 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 500 kg, the specific duty would be 500 kg * $0.05/kg = $25. The total duty would be the sum of any ad valorem and specific duties, plus any applicable taxes or fees.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 740312?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 740312. The specific rates and eligibility criteria vary by agreement. For instance, agreements between the US and countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), or Singapore (SG) may offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union has agreements with numerous countries (e.g., CL for Chile, MA for Morocco, PE for Peru) that can result in preferential rates, often listed as 'Free' or a reduced percentage in the EU TARIC database. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff details preferential rates under its Free Trade Agreements. Importers must verify the origin of their wire-bars and consult the relevant trade agreement documentation to determine eligibility and claim preferential treatment.