Copper Smelt and Cast Reporting Starts July 30

Starting July 30, 2026, importers will be required to provide CBP with the countries of smelt and cast for certain products subject to Section 232 Copper. This requirement was published in Proclamation 11021, “Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States.”

Details

Effective Date

July 30, 2026

What Changed?

Imports of certain copper articles from all countries of origin (except the U.S.) shall report the primary country of smelt and country of cast, and may report the secondary country of smelt on their customs entry summary line.

HTS Flagged

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification numbers flagged for country of smelt and cast reporting are Other electric conductors, for voltage not exceeding 1,000V:

Fitted with connectors:

• 8544.42.10
• 8544.42.20
• 8544.42.90

For a voltage not exceeding 80V used for telecommunications:

• 8544.49.10

FAQ

What if the country of smelt and cast is unknown?

If the primary country of smelt, secondary country of smelt, and/or country of cast are not known, importers may report “OTH” (other) for those fields.

If Unknown is declared, is the Section 232 duty rate higher?

No. At the time of publication of this requirement, there is no mention of a higher duty rate associated with an ‘unknown’ country of smelt and cast.

Additional Information

CSMS # 69252300 – GUIDANCE: Section 232 Copper Smelt and Cast Reporting Requirements

CSMS # 68253075 – GUIDANCE: Section 232 Duties on Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper

Questions?

We’re Here to Help – Reach Out to Your NNR Representative