| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7108131000 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7115903000 | Doc | 58.9% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7115900530 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9601908000 | Doc | 41.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9602004000 | Doc | 39.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9602005080 | Doc | 40.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3503001000 | Doc | 1.2¢/kg + 1.5%+37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3503005550 | Doc | 2.8¢/kg + 3.8%+37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold, typically used for gilding surfaces. It is one of the oldest forms of decoration, dating back to ancient Egypt.
Material
Gold leaf is made by pounding gold between layers of parchment or other materials, resulting in extremely thin sheets, often less than 0.1 millimeters thick. The purity of the gold varies; 22-karat gold is common for high-quality work, while 23-karat is used for the highest quality. Lower karat gold alloys are sometimes used for more economical applications.
Purpose
The primary purpose of gold leaf is decorative. It imparts a luxurious and radiant appearance to objects and surfaces. It does not function as a protective coating in the same way as paint or varnish, but rather relies on its aesthetic qualities.
Function
Gold leaf adheres to surfaces through a process called gilding. This typically involves applying a specialized adhesive (size) to the surface, allowing it to become tacky, and then carefully applying the gold leaf. The leaf is extremely fragile and is often applied with a gilder's brush or a specialized tool. Burnishing, a process of rubbing the gold leaf with a smooth tool (often agate), enhances its luster and creates a polished finish.
Usage Scenarios
- Art: Framing artwork, illuminated manuscripts, religious icons, and sculptures.
- Architecture: Gilding architectural details such as moldings, domes, and statues.
- Furniture: Decorative accents on furniture.
- Restoration: Restoring antique frames, furniture, and architectural elements.
- Crafts: Bookbinding, decorative boxes, and other artisanal projects.
- Culinary Arts: Edible gold leaf is used as a decorative element in food and beverages.
Common Types
- Genuine Gold Leaf: Made from pure gold (22-24 karat). Offers the highest quality and luster.
- Semi-Genuine Gold Leaf: An alloy of gold and silver. Less expensive than genuine gold leaf, but still provides a good appearance.
- Composition Gold Leaf (Imitation Gold Leaf): Made from brass alloys. The most affordable option, but lacks the luster and durability of genuine gold leaf. Often used for large-scale projects where cost is a major concern.
- Transfer Gold Leaf: Gold leaf adhered to a transfer sheet, making it easier to apply, especially for beginners.
Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold used for gilding, typically applied to surfaces to provide a decorative finish. It is commonly used in art, architecture, and crafts.
The following HS codes are relevant to gold leaf, based on the provided reference material:
- 7108.13.1000: This HS code falls under Chapter 71, which covers precious metals and stones. Specifically, it refers to gold (including gold plated with platinum) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form, and is designated as non-monetary. The subheading 7108.13.1000 specifically identifies “Other semimanufactured forms: Gold leaf”. The basic duty is 0.0%, with an additional surcharge of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
No other HS codes directly correspond to "gold leaf" within the provided reference material. Therefore, 7108.13.1000 is the most applicable code.