Gold Unwrought or Powder
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AI Analysis
π₯ Gold, Unwrought or in Powder Form (Raw Gold)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Grade Strategy for Precious Metals
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Unwrought Gold"?
Gold, the universal store of value and industrial precious metal, is traded globally in various forms. In international trade, "Unwrought Gold" refers to gold that has been refined but not yet fabricated into bars, coins, jewelry, or industrial components. It also includes gold powder, which is used in electronics, dentistry, and catalysis.
In customs classification, the key distinction is made between: - Bullion Bars (Unwrought): Standardized bars of high purity (typically 99.5%+), intended for investment or industrial melting. - Gold Powder: Fine particulate gold, often used in specialized manufacturing. - Semi-manufactured Forms: Wires, sheets, or foil are NOT unwrought; they fall under different codes.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the gold is in ingot, bar, or powder form and not further worked β Classify under Chapter 71 (Precious Metals).
- If the gold is in foil, sheet, wire, or powder used in paints/coatings β May fall under Chapter 32 or Chapter 79 depending on application.
- Crucial: Gold jewelry, coins (non-numismatic), or castings are NOT unwrought.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Purity/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
7108.12.00.00 |
Gold (unwrought) or semi-manufactured, non-monetary | Investment bars, raw bullion, standard ingots | β Unwrought |
7108.13.00.00 |
Gold (unwrought) or semi-manufactured, monetary (coinage) | Commemorative coins, legal tender gold coins | β Monetary (rare) |
7108.20.00.00 |
Gold powder | Used in electronics, dental, paints, catalysts | β Powder |
3206.11.00.00 |
Pigments containing gold (e.g., gold leaf in paint) | Decorative paints, coatings | β Not unwrought gold |
7903.90.00.00 |
Zinc powder (misclassification risk) | Industrial zinc (not gold) | β Wrong metal |
π Important Reminder:
- All "unwrought gold" (bars, ingots, rods) must be classified under 7108.12.00.00.
- Gold powder is separately classified under 7108.20.00.00.
- Do NOT misclassify gold powder as "pigment" (3206.11) if it is pure gold powder for industrial use.
- Monetary gold (7108.13) is rare in commercial trade; most shipments are non-monetary (7108.12).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 7108.12.00.00 ββ Gold, Unwrought (Non-Monetary)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | 0% (Precious metals are generally exempt from Section 301 tariffs) |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0% (Precious metals are exempt from IEEPA surcharges) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High-value items always require full declaration) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7108.12.00.00 β Exempt from USITC 301 β Exempt from IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Gold is exempt from both Section 301 (USITC) and IEEPA surcharges.
- This is a critical advantage for traders importing raw gold into the US.
- The 0% tariff applies to unwrought gold (bars, ingots).
- However, other costs (insurance, logistics, banking fees, AML compliance) are significant.
π― 2. 7108.20.00.00 ββ Gold Powder
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | 0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7108.20.00.00 β Exempt from USITC 301 β Exempt from IEEPA |
π Note:
- Gold powder is also exempt from surcharges.
- However, gold powder may be subject to stricter inspections due to potential dual-use applications (e.g., electronics, military).
- Ensure proper documentation to prove industrial/commercial use, not illicit purposes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Missing)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Must specify purity (e.g., 99.99%) and form (bar/powder) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Gold, Unwrought, Non-Monetary" and CIF value |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, number of bars/packs, and container/seal numbers |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | Some countries require precious metal import licenses |
| β AML/KYC Documentation | βοΈ | Proof of buyer/seller identity to prevent money laundering |
| β Insurance Certificate | βοΈ | High-value items must be insured during transit |
| β Bond (for US imports) | βοΈ | Customs bond required for high-value goods |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Purity matters, form defines code, 0% tax, but AML is king!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Gold bars (99.99%) | 7108.12.00.00 β "Gold, unwrought, non-monetary" |
Misclassify as "jewelry" β Higher duties |
| Gold powder (industrial) | 7108.20.00.00 β "Gold powder" |
Misclassify as "pigment" β Compliance risk |
| Gold coins (investment) | 7118.90.00.00 (if numismatic) or 7112.39 (if monetary) |
Misclassify as "unwrought" β Wrong code |
| Gold-plated items | 7113.19 or 8306.29 |
Misclassify as "unwrought gold" β Severe penalty |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High-Purity Gold (99.99%) | Provide LBMA Good Delivery certificate if applicable |
| Gold Powder for Electronics | Provide MSDS and end-use declaration |
| Mixed Gold/Powder Shipments | Declare separately; do not combine |
| Transshipment via Third Countries | Ensure certificate of origin is clear; avoid "transshipment fraud" flags |
| Small Quantities (< $2,500) | Still requires full declaration; de minimis does NOT apply |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 7108.12.00.00 / 7108.20.00.00 |
0% | AML/KYC, CoA | Exempt from all surcharges |
| π¨π³ China | 7108.12.00.00 |
0% | Customs Registration | No import duty on raw gold |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 7108.12.00.00 |
0% | AML, REACH | VAT may apply (19-27%) |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 7108.12.00.00 |
0% | AML, UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| πΈπ¬ Singapore | 7108.12.00.00 |
0% | MAS Compliance | Major gold hub, low barriers |
π Conclusion:
- Gold is tariff-free in most major markets, including the US, China, EU, and Singapore.
- The main barriers are not tariffs, but compliance: AML, KYC, certification, and licensing.
- US and EU have strict anti-money laundering rules for precious metals.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Misclassifying gold bars as "jewelry" (7113.19)
π Consequence: Wrong HS code, potential fines, shipment delay.
β Error 2: Ignoring AML/KYC requirements
π Consequence: Shipment seized, bank account frozen, legal action.
β Error 3: Declaring gold powder as "pigment" (3206.11)
π Consequence: Misclassification, audits, penalties.
β Error 4: Not providing Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify purity β Delayed release or seizure.
β Correct Practice:
"Gold Bars, Unwrought, Non-Monetary, 99.99% Purity, 1kg Each, Total 10kg, LBMA Good Delivery, AML Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Gold is 0% tariff, but AML is 100% mandatory!"
πΉ "Purity defines value, form defines code, compliance ensures clearance!"
π Pro Tip:
If your gold is sourced from LBMA-approved refiners, it will clear customs faster.
Always use secured logistics (Brinks, Malca-Amit) and insure the full value.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Engage a licensed precious metals broker + Obtain CoA + Complete AML/KYC
π Ensure your gold, clearly declared, fully compliant, zero duty!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every gram of gold countsβboth in value and compliance!
Customer Reviews
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.