HS Code 71.10 – Platinum; unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form

HS code 7110 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Platinum; unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form. Heading 7110 is dedicated to platinum group metals (PGMs), specifically platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium, when they are in unwrought, semi-manufactured, or powder forms. This classification is vital for the global trade of these highly valuable and strategically important metals. 'Unwrought' refers to the metal in its rawest forms, such as ingots, bars, grains, or sponges, directly from refining processes. 'Semi-manufactured' encompasses intermediate forms like sheets, strips, wire, rods, tubes, and profiles, which are not yet finished articles but have undergone some processing. 'Powder form' is self-explanatory. This heading explicitly covers the pure PGMs themselves, or alloys where a PGM predominates, distinguishing them from base metals clad with PGMs (7111) or finished articles (7114). Due to their scarcity and critical industrial applications (e.g., catalytic converters, electronics, jewelry, medical devices, chemical catalysts), precise classification under 7110 is essential for accurate valuation, duty assessment, and compliance with potential export controls or international sanctions. This heading represents the foundational material state of PGMs within Chapter 71, which governs precious metals and articles thereof, underpinning the supply chain for numerous high-tech and luxury industries worldwide.

Platinum ingots, Palladium powder, Rhodium sponge, Iridium wire, Osmium granules, Ruthenium rods, Platinum sheets, Palladium strips, Rhodium foil, Iridium electrodes (unprocessed material), Osmium pellets, Ruthenium powder, Platinum bars, Palladium crucibles (unwrought material), Rhodium-plated wire (as PGM material, not finished article), Iridium anodes (unprocessed material), Platinum flakes, Palladium shot, Rhodium powder for catalysts, Ruthenium targets for sputtering, Platinum-rhodium alloy wire (semi-manufactured, where PGM predominates), Palladium tubes, Iridium sheets, Ruthenium granules, Osmium wire, Rhodium bars

Common misclassification errors for 7110 include confusing it with other precious metals like gold (7108) or silver (7106); the key is to correctly identify the specific precious metal as belonging to the platinum group. Another frequent mistake is classifying base metals or silver clad with platinum group metals under 7110; however, these composite materials belong to 7111. Furthermore, chemical compounds of platinum group metals (e.g., platinum chloride) or colloidal forms are classified under 2843, not 7110, which is reserved for the metal itself in its various physical forms. The distinction hinges on the *type* of precious metal, whether it's *pure* PGM or *clad*, and its *chemical form* versus its metallic state.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7110 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($11.9B, 21% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($8.8B) and the United States ($6.4B). World exports came to about $56.4B, 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 7110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.3B, 17% of world imports), China ($7.1B) and the United Kingdom ($6.2B). World imports came to about $59.2B, 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 7110 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (71) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.