Export Guide: Shipping Copper Busbars to the US and EU

Introduction

Exporting copper busbars to the US and EU requires more than good manufacturing — it demands compliance with international standards, proper documentation, and logistics planning.

This guide explains everything from customs classification (HS codes) and tariff duties to certifications like RoHS, REACH, and UL, helping suppliers like Wellgo Battery ship efficiently while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Understand the Product: What Counts as a Copper Busbar

Copper busbars are conductive strips or bars used for power distribution in EV battery systems, energy storage, and industrial equipment.

●  Under the Harmonized System (HS), most busbars fall under:HS Code: 7407.21 — Bars, rods, and profiles of refined copper.

● Alternate: 8538.90 — Parts suitable for electrical apparatus or battery connectors.

Wellgo Battery exports custom copper-nickel busbars optimized for EV batteries and ESS modules, aligning with each destination’s import classification to reduce customs risks.

Reference: Harmonized Tariff Schedule | EU TARIC Database

Check Export Tariffs and Import Duties

The tariff rate varies by region and trade policy:

Destination	HS Code	Base Tariff	Notes
United States	7407.21	0–2.5%	Copper busbars under “industrial use” are often duty-free under USITC
European Union	7407.21	0%	Under EU customs union; import VAT applies (19–23%)
UK (Post-Brexit)	7407.21	0–1.5%	Separate customs declaration required

Wellgo Battery maintains tariff documentation to ensure transparent pricing for global clients and leverages preferential trade agreements to reduce costs where applicable.

 

Ensure Compliance with RoHS and REACH Regulations

The EU and US both enforce strict rules on hazardous substances and material traceability:

● RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) — limits lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic materials in electrical components.

● REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) — ensures safe chemical use and traceability in copper and plating materials.

Wellgo Battery guarantees that all nickel-plated copper busbars and tinned copper components meet RoHS and REACH compliance, verified through third-party material testing.

📙 Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

 

Certification and Standards for Export

Buyers in the US and EU often require proof of safety and quality certifications before customs clearance:

Certification	Description	Required For
ISO 9001	Quality management system	All manufacturing exports
UL 1973	Safety for stationary batteries	US energy storage systems
CE Marking	EU conformity for low-voltage electrical components	All EU-bound shipments
RoHS / REACH	Chemical and material safety	Both regions

Wellgo Battery’s copper busbars are certified under ISO 9001, RoHS, and REACH, ensuring they meet import inspection standards in both the United States and Europe.

 

Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Proper packaging ensures your copper busbars arrive safely and meet customs rules:

Best Practices:

● Use anti-oxidation film or vacuum sealing to prevent copper tarnishing.

● Include HS code labels, country of origin (China), and gross weight.

● Palletize for international freight compliance (ISPM 15 wood regulation).

Wellgo Battery packages every custom busbar using moisture-proof, export-grade materials, ensuring the product remains clean, corrosion-free, and compliant upon delivery.

 

Logistics & Incoterms Selection

Choosing the right Incoterm affects responsibility, cost, and customs clearance.

Common options for exporting copper busbars:

Term	Definition	Ideal For
EXW (Ex Works)	Buyer handles export & freight	Large-volume industrial clients
FOB (Free on Board)	Seller loads goods at port	Balanced risk-sharing
DAP (Delivered at Place)	Seller delivers to destination	Preferred for turnkey projects

Wellgo Battery typically ships under FOB Shenzhen or DAP Hamburg terms, offering flexible delivery support through verified freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Reference: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020

 

Documentation Checklist for US & EU Shipments

Before export, verify that the following documents are prepared:

● Commercial Invoice (including HS code and material composition)

● Packing List

● Certificate of Origin (COO)

● RoHS/REACH Declaration

● Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

● UL or CE Compliance Certificate

Wellgo Battery’s export team provides all documentation digitally for seamless customs processing and buyer verification.

 

Customs and Importer Responsibility

In both the US and EU, importers must file entry documentation and pay applicable VAT or customs duties.

● In the US, filings go through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using Form 3461.

● In the EU, entries are managed via EORI number under the EU Customs Code (UCC).

Wellgo Battery supports OEM clients with import data sheets, ensuring smooth compliance with each region’s customs requirements.

Reference: Basic Importing and Exporting | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 

Shipping Time and Freight Considerations

Route	Typical Transit Time	Preferred Method
China → US West Coast	15–20 days	Ocean freight (FOB or CIF)
China → EU (Hamburg/Rotterdam)	25–30 days	Ocean freight
China → EU/US by Air	5–8 days	Small-batch or urgent shipments

Wellgo Battery partners with global logistics providers (DHL, Maersk, and COSCO) to ensure timely delivery and real-time tracking of busbar exports.

 

Summary Table

Step	Description	Key Considerations
1	Product classification	HS code 7407.21 or 8538.90
2	Tariffs & duties	0–2.5% typical
3	RoHS/REACH compliance	Required for EU & US
4	Certification	ISO 9001, UL, CE
5	Packaging	Anti-oxidation, export pallet
6	Incoterms	FOB / DAP recommended
7	Documentation	Invoice, COO, Declaration
8	Customs	CBP & EORI filing
9	Freight	15–30 days via sea

 

Call to Action

Looking to export copper busbars to the US or EU with full compliance and cost transparency?

Customized Copper Nickel Busbars for Lithium Battery Solutions – Wellgo Battery — engineered for performance, certified for export, and trusted by global OEMs.