7403 - Refined copper and copper alloys, unwrought (other than master alloys of heading 7405):

This HTS category, 7403, encompasses unwrought refined copper and unwrought copper alloys, excluding master alloys. Refined copper refers to copper that has undergone a purification process to achieve a high degree of purity, typically 99% or more. Copper alloys are mixtures of copper with one or more other elements, such as zinc (brass), tin (bronze), or nickel. The key characteristic for classification under this heading is that these metals are in an "unwrought" state, meaning they are in their primary, cast forms such as ingots, pigs, cathodes, or granules, prior to being further processed into finished articles or semi-finished products like bars, rods, or sheets.

Distinguishing 7403 from its sibling categories at the HTS database root level highlights its specific focus on a particular base metal. While sibling categories might cover live animals (Chapter 01) or other categories of goods, 7403 is situated within Section XV, "Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal," and specifically Chapter 74, dedicated to copper. This means that any goods falling outside the scope of base metals, such as live animals, would be classified in entirely different, unrelated sections of the HTS.

Within heading 7403, further subdivision is made to distinguish between refined copper and copper alloys. This distinction is crucial as the specific composition and properties of refined copper versus various copper alloys can influence their intended uses and market values. The subcategories allow for more precise classification based on whether the unwrought material is primarily pure copper or a mixture of copper with other alloying elements, facilitating accurate trade data collection and tariff application.