HS Code 71.07 – Base metals clad with silver; not further worked than semi-manufactured

HS code 7107 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Base metals clad with silver; not further worked than semi-manufactured. HS Code 7107 specifically covers base metals clad with silver, provided they are not further worked than semi-manufactured. This heading is distinct because it addresses composite materials where a base metal forms the core, and silver is permanently bonded to its surface. The crucial condition 'not further worked than semi-manufactured' means that the material exists in forms like sheets, strips, wire, or rods, but has not yet been transformed into a finished article. This classification is vital for materials used in applications where the properties of silver (e.g., conductivity, corrosion resistance, appearance) are desired, but the cost or structural requirements necessitate a base metal core. Common uses include electrical contacts, coinage blanks, jewelry blanks, and specialized industrial components. For trade compliance, 7107 is critical for differentiating these clad materials from solid silver (7106), from finished silver articles (7113, 7114), and from unclad base metals (various chapters in Section XV). Accurate classification ensures correct duty assessment, as clad materials often have different tariff rates than solid precious metals or raw base metals. It also aids in proper statistical tracking of these intermediate products, which are essential inputs for numerous manufacturing industries. As part of Section XIV, which addresses precious metals and metals clad with precious metal, 7107 highlights the economic importance of combining materials to achieve specific functional and cost-effective solutions in global trade.

Silver-clad copper wire, silver-clad brass sheet, silver-clad nickel strips, silver-clad steel rods, silver-clad copper blanks (unminted), silver-clad aluminum foil, silver-clad stainless steel plates, bimetallic strips (silver on base metal), silver-clad bronze bar, silver-clad lead wire, silver-clad iron sheet, silver-clad electrical contacts (unmounted, semi-manufactured), silver-clad zinc wire, silver-clad palladium alloys (as a base metal for silver cladding), silver-clad titanium wire, silver-clad phosphor bronze strips, silver-clad beryllium copper wire, silver-clad molybdenum sheets, silver-clad tungsten rods, silver-clad invar strips, silver-clad kovar wire, silver-clad hastelloy, silver-clad monel, silver-clad inconel.

A primary misclassification risk is confusing silver-clad base metals with solid silver (7106). The crucial distinction for 7107 is the presence of a base metal core, not just pure silver. Another common error is classifying finished articles made from silver-clad materials under 7107. If the material is already formed into a piece of jewelry (e.g., a ring shank or earring hoop), it would typically fall under 7113 (Articles of jewelry). Similarly, if the silver cladding is very thin or considered negligible, traders might attempt to classify it under the relevant base metal heading (e.g., 7409 for copper sheets). However, 7107 specifically covers the clad material, emphasizing the precious metal component even if it's a coating.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7107 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($98M, 45% of world exports), the United States ($29M) and China ($27M). World exports came to about $216M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7107 in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 14% of world imports), Malaysia ($17M) and Italy ($13M). World imports came to about $147M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 7107 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (71) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.