HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 71.15 – Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal
What HS 71.15 covers
Heading 7115 serves as a crucial residual classification for articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal that are not specifically covered by other more precise headings within Chapter 71. This includes items that are not jewelry (7113), goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares (7114), articles of pearls or stones (7116), or coins (7118). Its primary scope encompasses a diverse range of functional, industrial, technical, or other specialized articles where the precious metal content is essential for their performance or purpose, rather than primarily for aesthetic or decorative value. This could include scientific instruments, laboratory apparatus components, industrial catalysts, electrical contacts, medical devices, or specific parts for manufacturing. Understanding the boundaries of 7115 is vital for trade compliance. Misclassifying an industrial platinum electrode as a decorative piece, for example, could lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and delays. This heading is particularly relevant for sectors requiring high-performance materials due to precious metals' unique properties like conductivity, corrosion resistance, and catalytic activity. While not as historically rooted in luxury as 7114, the trade in these specialized precious metal articles is significant for advanced manufacturing and technology. It ensures that functional applications of precious metals, not covered elsewhere, receive appropriate customs treatment within the broader framework of Chapter 71's focus on precious materials.
- Covers
- Platinum laboratory crucibles
- Gold electrical contacts
- Silver sputtering targets
- Palladium catalytic converters
- Platinum thermocouple wires
- Iridium anodes for electroplating
- Gold dental alloys
- Silver brazing alloys
- Platinum medical probes
- Rhodium-plated reflectors
- Gold-plated pen nibs
- Precious metal wire mesh filters
- Silver-plated wave guides
- Gold evaporation boats
- Platinum resistance thermometers
- Palladium fuel cell components
- Silver-cadmium oxide contact points
- Platinum-rhodium gauze for ammonia oxidation
- Gold-iridium spark plug electrodes
- Silver-indium-cadmium control rods
- Platinum heating elements
- Gold bonding wire
- Silver powder for conductive pastes
- Platinum-coated surgical instruments
- Palladium-coated optical mirrors
- Examples
A pharmaceutical company in Germany imports specialized platinum laboratory crucibles from a manufacturer in the United Kingdom, classified under 7115, for high-purity chemical analysis. An electronics firm in Japan sources high-performance gold electrical contacts from a supplier in South Korea for use in advanced circuit boards, typically shipped via air freight. A US-based automotive parts manufacturer imports palladium-containing catalytic converter substrates from South Africa for final assembly into vehicle exhaust systems, reflecting a critical industrial application of precious metals.
Subheadings under 71.15 2
Codes often confused with 71.15
Common mistake. A common error is confusing 7115 with 7114 (Goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares) or 7113 (Jewellery). The key distinction is the primary purpose: 7115 is for functional, industrial, or technical articles, while 7113/7114 are for decorative or personal adornment. Another mistake is classifying precious metal in raw or semi-finished forms (e.g., sheets, wire) under 7115 instead of 7108 (Gold), 7110 (Platinum metals), or other relevant headings. Also, if a precious metal component is integral to a larger machine or apparatus, the entire item might fall under a different chapter (e.g., Chapter 85 for electrical machinery), rather than classifying the component separately under 7115.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7115, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7115 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 93% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $21.5B 80% of world exports
- 2 Germany $881M 3.3% of world exports
- 3 Canada $788M 2.9% of world exports
World total: $26.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77.6B 93% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$952M 1.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $928M 1.1% of world imports
World total: $83.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 71.15
What is HS code 7115?
HS code 7115 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. Heading 7115 serves as a crucial residual classification for articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal that are not specifically covered by other more precise headings within Chapter 71. This includes items that are not jewelry (7113), goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares (7114), articles of pearls or stones (7116), or coins (7118). Its primary scope encompasses a diverse range of functional, industrial, technical, or other specialized articles where the precious metal content is essential for their performance or purpose, rather than primarily for aesthetic or decorative value. This could include scientific instruments, laboratory apparatus components, industrial catalysts, electrical contacts, medical devices, or specific parts for manufacturing. Understanding the boundaries of 7115 is vital for trade compliance. Misclassifying an industrial platinum electrode as a decorative piece, for example, could lead to incorrect duties, penalties, and delays. This heading is particularly relevant for sectors requiring high-performance materials due to precious metals' unique properties like conductivity, corrosion resistance, and catalytic activity. While not as historically rooted in luxury as 7114, the trade in these specialized precious metal articles is significant for advanced manufacturing and technology. It ensures that functional applications of precious metals, not covered elsewhere, receive appropriate customs treatment within the broader framework of Chapter 71's focus on precious materials.
What products fall under HS code 7115?
Platinum laboratory crucibles, Gold electrical contacts, Silver sputtering targets, Palladium catalytic converters, Platinum thermocouple wires, Iridium anodes for electroplating, Gold dental alloys, Silver brazing alloys, Platinum medical probes, Rhodium-plated reflectors, Gold-plated pen nibs, Precious metal wire mesh filters, Silver-plated wave guides, Gold evaporation boats, Platinum resistance thermometers, Palladium fuel cell components, Silver-cadmium oxide contact points, Platinum-rhodium gauze for ammonia oxidation, Gold-iridium spark plug electrodes, Silver-indium-cadmium control rods, Platinum heating elements, Gold bonding wire, Silver powder for conductive pastes, Platinum-coated surgical instruments, Palladium-coated optical mirrors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7115?
A common error is confusing 7115 with 7114 (Goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares) or 7113 (Jewellery). The key distinction is the primary purpose: 7115 is for functional, industrial, or technical articles, while 7113/7114 are for decorative or personal adornment. Another mistake is classifying precious metal in raw or semi-finished forms (e.g., sheets, wire) under 7115 instead of 7108 (Gold), 7110 (Platinum metals), or other relevant headings. Also, if a precious metal component is integral to a larger machine or apparatus, the entire item might fall under a different chapter (e.g., Chapter 85 for electrical machinery), rather than classifying the component separately under 7115.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7115?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7115 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($21.5B, 80% of world exports), Germany ($881M) and Canada ($788M). World exports came to about $26.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 7115?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7115 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77.6B, 93% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $952M) and Canada ($928M). World imports came to about $83.4B, 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.
How is HS code 7115 structured?
HS code 7115 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (71) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.