When exporting or importing custom sheet metal parts, one of the first questions buyers ask is: what is the HS code? For parts made of brass, the answer is not a single number. The Harmonized System classifies goods by what they are made of, how they were made, and what they are used for. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, so its parts sit in a different chapter from steel parts. Understanding this logic helps you avoid duty misclassification, delayed clearance, and customs penalties.
This guide explains how brass sheet metal parts are classified, the most commonly used codes, and when a more specific code applies. It is written for sourcing professionals, engineers, and importers who work with stamped and fabricated brass components.
Why the HS code matters
The HS code is a numeric identifier used by customs authorities to determine import duties, taxes, and trade restrictions. It is also used for export statistics and trade compliance. Using the correct code speeds up clearance and keeps your paperwork accurate. A wrong code can lead to underpaid or overpaid duty, customs holds, and even fines. Because codes are harmonized across most countries, the first six digits are usually the same everywhere, while the last two to four digits vary by country.
Chapter 74: the home of brass
Brass is a copper-zinc base alloy. Under the Harmonized System, articles made of copper and its alloys are classified in Chapter 74. This is the key difference from steel sheet metal parts, which fall under Chapter 73. So the very first step is to confirm the material: if your part is brass, you should be looking at Chapter 74 rather than Chapter 73.
Within Chapter 74, the correct heading depends on the form of the product. A raw brass sheet, strip, or plate is classified in heading 7409. Unwrought brass in ingots or billets belongs in heading 7403. But once the material has been cut, bent, drawn, or stamped into a finished part, it moves to the heading for brass articles.
Common HS codes for brass sheet metal parts
For most fabricated brass components, manufacturers and importers use the following headings. The table below summarizes the most relevant options.
| HS heading | Description | Typical brass parts |
|---|---|---|
| 7419 | Other articles of copper (and copper alloys) | General stamped, bent, and fabricated brass parts, housings, brackets, panels |
| 7415 | Nails, tacks, screws, bolts, nuts, washers of copper | Brass fasteners, threaded parts, washers |
| 7412 | Tube or pipe fittings of copper | Brass couplings, elbows, sleeves, unions |
| 7409 | Plates, sheets, and strip of copper alloys | Raw brass sheet used as raw material, not yet a finished part |
Heading 7419 is the general catch-all for brass articles that are not covered by a more specific heading. A plain stamped or formed brass sheet metal part, such as a bracket, cover, or housing, is most commonly classified here. In the United States, this heading is broken into subheadings such as 7419.80, and parts of copper alloys are often entered under codes like 7419.80.30.
When function changes the code
The material and form are not the whole story. If the part has a specific function, a more specific heading may override the general brass heading. For example, a brass fastener is not classified as a general brass article; it belongs in heading 7415. A brass tube fitting belongs in heading 7412. Likewise, a brass component that is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle may be classified in Chapter 87 rather than Chapter 74, depending on the country and the specific part. This is why your bill of materials and drawings matter: they tell the customs officer what the part actually is.
Steel sheet metal parts for comparison
If you also source custom sheet metal parts in steel or stainless steel, the logic is the same but the chapter is different. Stamped and fabricated steel parts that are not covered by a more specific heading fall under heading 7326, Other articles of iron or steel. Common subheadings include 7326.90. Automotive-specific stamped steel parts are often classified under heading 8708. So the same shape in steel and in brass can end up in different chapters, which is exactly why the HS code must always be checked part by part.
How to confirm the right code
Because the last digits of an HS code vary by country, you should always confirm the exact code with the customs authority of the destination country. The first six digits are usually harmonized, but the full code may differ between the United States, the European ｕｎｉｏｎ, and other markets. A customs broker or a licensed trade consultant can verify the code against your specific drawings and confirm the duty rate. It is also worth keeping the classification in writing for future shipments, since the same part will normally keep the same code.
Working with a qualified sheet metal parts manufacturer
Classification is easier when your supplier provides clear material grades, drawings, and part descriptions. A manufacturer that handles both brass and steel can help you provide the documentation customs needs. DIAN STAMPING, a China-based sheet metal parts supplier, produces custom stamped and fabricated parts for automotive and industrial customers, including brass and steel components. With a modern facility, in-house tooling, and document support, the company helps buyers move from drawing to delivered part with the paperwork required for smooth international trade.
For your next brass sheet metal part, start by confirming the material, then look to Chapter 74, and verify the final code with the destination customs authority. Getting the HS code right the first time saves time, money, and customs headaches.