Yes. Section 232 copper tariffs have been in effect since August 1, 2025, and as of October 2026 they apply to the full customs value of listed copper products at 50% or 25%. Enforcement has tightened: since July 30, 2026, importers of four insulated cable codes must report where the copper was smelted and cast. Refined copper cathode is still not tariffed under Section 232. Confirm the current rules before each entry.
Key Takeaways
- Copper tariffs are in effect as of October 2026.
- They apply at entry, on full customs value, at 50% or 25%.
- Four cable codes need smelt and cast countries since July 30, 2026.
- Misdeclaration brings penalties; drawback is narrow.
How You Know a Copper Tariff Applies to Your Shipment
The tariff is triggered at entry, not at purchase. It applies to goods entered for consumption on or after the effective date, so the date your goods clear customs matters, not the date they left the factory. Your broker files the product’s normal HTS code plus a Chapter 99 heading for the Section 232 duty. CBP publishes the operating guidance for each change on its trade remedies page.
What CBP Checks at Entry
| Requirement (October 2026) | What the importer provides |
|---|---|
| Correct HTS code | Classification of each line, which decides whether a copper list applies |
| Full customs value | Transaction value of the whole product, since April 6, 2026 |
| Smelt and cast countries | For HTS 8544.42.10, 8544.42.20, 8544.42.90 and 8544.49.10: primary country of smelt and country of cast; “OTH” if unknown |
| U.S.-copper claim | Proof that at least 85% of the metal by weight is U.S. smelted and cast, for the 10% rate |
| Foreign-trade zone status | Covered goods enter zones in privileged foreign status |
The smelt and cast reporting comes from CBP message CSMS 69252300, issued July 15, 2026 and effective July 30, 2026. Reporting “OTH” is allowed when the country is unknown, but suppliers should be asked for the data.
Penalties and Drawback
Proclamation 11021 directs CBP to address transshipment, undervaluation and other evasion. Misdeclaring origin, value or metal content can lead to penalties under 19 U.S.C. 1592, back duties and seizure. Drawback of Section 232 duties is narrow: it is limited to certain listed goods from specific partners that meet metal-origin conditions. Ask a licensed customs broker whether any of it applies to you.
What It Means for Charging Cable Imports
Code 8544.42.90 covers many insulated cables with connectors up to 1,000 V, which can include replacement charging cables and cable assemblies shipped on their own. A complete charger with an attached cable is normally classified as the charger. Before shipping cable stock, collect copper weight, smelt country and cast country from your supplier. See why charging cables differ and our NACS sourcing guide for spec questions.
EVDANCE makes chargers such as the EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger and can supply cable specifications and material data with each shipment. Rates and rules here are as of October 2026; confirm the current proclamation and HTS notes before you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did copper tariffs pause after the Supreme Court IEEPA ruling?
No. The February 2026 ruling concerned IEEPA tariffs. Section 232 copper tariffs continued.
Is refined copper tariffed now?
No. As of mid-October 2026, refined cathode, anodes, ores, concentrates and scrap are outside the Section 232 copper tariff.
What if my supplier does not know the smelt country?
CBP accepts “OTH” when the country is unknown. It is still better practice to request the data in your purchase terms.
Related Reading
- Are All EV Charging Cables the Same?
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- NACS Portable EV Charger Sourcing Guide for US Importers
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
