HS 740321 Copper alloys
Quick Answer: Copper alloys imported under HS 740321 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 1% (MFN), with duty-free entry from several preferential trade partners. This classification covers unwrought or semi-manufactured copper alloys, specifically those where zinc is the principal alloying element (i.e., brass). Exporters and importers should be aware of the varying preferential rates available in the US market. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country of origin rules for duty-free eligibility.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7403210000 | 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 7403.21?
Imports of Copper alloys 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 740321 cover?
This subheading covers copper alloys, specifically those in which zinc is the principal alloying element, but not exceeding 40% by weight. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes unwrought copper-zinc alloys (brass) and semi-manufactured products of brass. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database provide detailed interpretations, generally defining brass as copper with zinc as the primary additive, distinct from other copper alloys like bronze or cupro-nickel.
What falls outside HS 740321?
The following products are excluded from HS 740321: pure copper (classified under 7403.11 to 7403.19), copper alloys where zinc is not the principal alloying element (e.g., bronze, classified under 7403.22, or cupro-nickel, classified under 7403.23), and finished articles made from brass, which are classified according to their specific nature in later chapters of the HS nomenclature. For instance, brass pipes or tubes would fall under chapter 74, but brass screws would be in chapter 76.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 740321?
A common error is misidentifying the principal alloying element. If copper is alloyed with tin (bronze) or nickel (cupro-nickel), it would not fall under 740321, even if zinc is present in smaller quantities. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must verify the exact composition of the alloy to ensure correct classification, especially when dealing with complex mixtures.
How should importers classify products under HS 740321?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 740321 involves a thorough examination of the product's material composition. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications or material safety data sheet to determine the exact percentage of copper and zinc, and identify any other significant alloying elements. Cross-referencing this information with the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 740321?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of brass rods (HS 740321) declared at a customs value of $10,000 USD would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($10,000 USD × 0.035 = $350.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and specific rates may vary based on country of origin and trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 740321?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 740321, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in duty-free entry for qualifying brass products originating from Canada or Mexico. The UK's Free Trade Agreement with the EU can also provide preferential rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK trade, demonstrating the goods meet the rules of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 740321, covering copper-zinc alloys (brass)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 740321 is typically 1% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For instance, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the rate is Free. Similarly, rates can be Free under agreements with countries like Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others listed. It is crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and the relevant customs authority (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK) for the definitive rate applicable to your country of origin.
How is HS code 740321 specifically defined, and what are the classification criteria for copper-zinc alloys (brass)?
HS code 740321 falls under Chapter 74 of the Harmonized System, which covers copper and articles thereof. Specifically, it is for 'Copper-zinc base alloys (brass)'. The classification hinges on the alloy composition. For an article to be classified under 740321, it must be primarily copper and contain zinc as the principal alloying element. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes provide further guidance, emphasizing that the alloy's properties and intended use are considered. Importers should ensure their product's technical specifications clearly demonstrate it meets the definition of a copper-zinc base alloy.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 740321?
Standard import documentation for HS 740321 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and export, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. For alloys, technical specifications or a manufacturer's declaration confirming the composition (e.g., percentage of copper and zinc) might be requested by customs authorities to verify classification. Compliance with any specific import regulations for metals in the destination country is also essential.
How are import duties calculated for HS 740321, and can you provide a numerical example?
Import duties for HS 740321 are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 1% and the declared customs value of a shipment of brass rods is $10,000 USD, the duty amount would be calculated as: Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty = $10,000 USD × 1% = $100 USD. If a specific duty is applicable (less common for this code but possible under certain trade regimes or for specific product forms), it would be calculated per unit of quantity (e.g., per kilogram or per ton).
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 740321, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often Free, for goods classified under HS 740321. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG). The EU has its Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and various Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that may offer reduced or zero duties. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. Consulting the official customs websites of the importing country (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and the text of the relevant trade agreement is crucial for accurate eligibility assessment.