Gold (including gold plated) waste and scrap
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π Gold (Including Gold Plated) Waste and Scrap
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Precious Metals
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Gold Waste and Scrap"?
"Gold waste and scrap" refers to discarded goods containing gold, whether in pure form or as a plating. In international trade, precise classification depends on the form and content of the gold:
1. Pure Gold Waste/Scrap (Unworked):
Refers to gold residues, dross, sludge, or broken pieces from jewelry, electronics, or industrial processes that have not been refined into bullion. These are often categorized under 7112 (Waste and scrap of precious metal) or 7108 (Gold, unworked), depending on purity and form.
2. Gold-Plated Waste/Scrap:
Refers to items (jewelry, electronic components, coins) with a thin layer of gold over a base metal (copper, silver, etc.).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the item is waste/scrap (discarded, not for direct use as jewelry), it generally falls under HS 7112.20 (Waste and scrap of gold).
- If the item is usable gold-plated jewelry (not scrap), it may fall under HS 7113 (Articles of jewelry).
- Critical Note: Customs authorities strictly monitor 7112 to prevent gold laundering and ensure proper valuation based on gold content, not just item appearance.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Gold Content/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
7112.20.00.00 |
Waste and scrap of gold (including gold-plated waste) | Electronic scrap, jewelry scraps, gold sludge, dross | β High (Valued by gold content) |
7108.12.00.00 |
Gold, unwrought, but not powdered | Refined gold bars, ingots (if not classified as waste) | β Pure Gold |
7113.11.00.00 |
Jewelry of gold (not gold-plated) | Usable gold jewelry, not scrap | β Pure Gold |
7113.19.00.00 |
Jewelry of gold or of other precious metal (gold-plated) | Usable gold-plated jewelry, not scrap | β οΈ Plated |
7112.99.00.00 |
Waste and scrap of precious metals or metals clad with precious metal (other than gold) | Silver, platinum scrap | β Not Gold |
π Key Reminder:
- "Gold-plated waste" is explicitly included in7112.20.00.00. The value is determined by the gold content, not the base metal.
- If the item is not waste but usable gold-plated jewelry, it must be declared under7113.19.00.00. Misdeclaring usable jewelry as "scrap" to avoid higher tariffs or regulations is a major red flag for customs.
- Electronic scrap containing gold (e.g., circuit boards) may be classified under7112.20.00.00if the gold value is significant, or under8548.10.00.00(Waste of electrical/electronic appliances) if the gold content is negligible. However, high-value gold recovery scrap is almost always7112.20.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 7112.20.00.00 ββ Waste and Scrap of Gold (Including Gold-Plated)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Most Favored Nation) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | 0% (Gold waste is generally exempt from Section 301 tariffs due to its nature as raw material/ scrap, but verify with latest USITC rulings) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0% (No specific IEEPA tariff for gold waste/scrap under current lists) |
| Total Tariff | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | Based on CIF Value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Gold waste is subject to strict valuation and anti-dumping/anti-circumvention scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7112.20.00.00 β USITC Footnotes for 7112 β CBP Valuation Guidelines for Precious Metals |
π Explanation:
- Gold waste and scrap are typically duty-free because they are considered raw materials for refiners, not finished consumer goods.
- However, customs valuation is critical. The declared value must reflect the actual gold content (LBM - London Bullion Market price) and refining costs.
- Risk: Misdeclaring the gold content or under-valuing the scrap to avoid taxes or reporting requirements can lead to severe penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify gold content (%) and weight of gold (not just total weight) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Waste and Scrap of Gold," "Gold-Plated Waste," or "Gold Sludge" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail gross/net weight, number of packages |
| β Declaration of Origin | βοΈ | Specify country of origin; some countries require proof that scrap is not from prohibited sources |
| β Refinery/Recycler License | βοΈ | If applicable, show buyer is a licensed precious metal recycler |
| β Photo of Goods | βοΈ | Show items are indeed waste/scrap (e.g., broken pieces, not new jewelry) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Declare Gold Content, Not Just Weight; Scrape It, Don't Jewelry It!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Gold-plated e-waste | 7112.20.00.00 - "Waste and Scrap of Gold" |
Declare as "Electronic Waste" (8548.10.00.00) β Undervaluation Risk |
| Broken gold jewelry | 7112.20.00.00 - "Waste and Scrap of Gold" |
Declare as "Used Jewelry" (7113.19.00.00) β Higher Duty if Applicable |
| Pure gold dust/slush | 7112.20.00.00 - "Waste and Scrap of Gold" |
Declare as "Powdered Gold" (7108.13.00.00) β Different Classification |
| New gold-plated watches | 7113.19.00.00 - "Jewelry of Gold" |
Declare as "Scrap" β Smuggling Risk |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High-Value Electronic Scrap | Provide assay report from a third-party lab proving gold content. Customs may require pre-shipment inspection. |
| Gold-Plated vs. Solid Gold | Clearly state "Gold-Plated" on invoice. Do not misrepresent plated items as solid gold waste to avoid scrutiny. |
| Mixed Metal Scrap | If gold is present in minor amounts, ensure the gold value is separately declared. Customs may audit for hidden gold. |
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) | Banks may require KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation for large transactions involving gold scrap. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7112.20.00.00 |
0% | COA + AML Compliance | Strict valuation rules |
| π¨π³ China | 7112.20.00.00 |
0% | CCC (if recycled products) | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7112.20.00.00 |
0% | CE (if recycled) | Strict AML regulations |
| π¬π§ UK | 7112.20.00.00 |
0% | FCA Registration | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| πΈπ¬ Singapore | 7112.20.00.00 |
0% | None | Major gold hub |
π Conclusion:
- Gold waste and scrap are generally duty-free globally, but compliance is key.
- USA, EU, and China have strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and valuation rules.
- Misclassification is the biggest risk. Always declare gold content explicitly.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Gold-Plated Waste" as "Electronic Waste" (8548.10.00.00)
π Consequence: Under-valuation β Seizure + Fines + Criminal Charges
β Mistake 2: Not providing a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify value β Delay + Penalty + Referral to FBI/Customs
β Mistake 3: Mixing "Usable Jewelry" with "Scrap"
π Consequence: Smuggling suspicion β Confiscation + Legal Action
β Mistake 4: Ignoring AML Requirements
π Consequence: Bank accounts frozen β Transaction Blocked
β Correct Practice:
"Gold Plated Waste and Scrap, 10kg, Gold Content: 2%, Assay Report Attached, Intended for Refining, HS Code 7112.20.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Precious Metals, Precision in Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Gold Waste is Duty-Free, But Valuation is Key!"
πΉ "Declare Gold Content, Not Just Weight!"
πΉ "Scrap is Scrap, Not Jewelry!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting high-value gold scrap to the US, consider applying for a Binding Ruling from CBP to confirm classification and valuation methods. This provides legal certainty and avoids post-import audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed precious metals recycler + Provide Assay Report + Ensure AML Compliance
π Let your gold waste, clear smoothly, legally, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Gram of Gold is Accounted For!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.