Brass Plumbing Scrap from China

Waste brass material recovered from discarded plumbing fixtures like valves, fittings, and pipes, containing less than 94% copper by weight as a copper-zinc alloy. Classified under HTS 7404.00.30.90 because it is scrap of copper alloys (brass per subheading note (a)) with copper content below 94%. This low-grade scrap is typically melted down for recycling into new brass products.

Duty Rate — China → United States

25%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Obtain certified copper content assay from accredited lab showing <94% Cu to qualify under this subheading; misclassification risks penalties

Provide documentation proving origin as scrap (not prime metal) and alloy composition matching brass definition in chapter notes

Verify no hazardous contaminants (lead, etc.) exceed EPA limits; common pitfall is incomplete cleaning leading to rejection