HS Code for Gold clad decorative items

HS code 7114.20 is designated for goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares made of base metal that has been clad with precious metal, specifically gold in this context. This classification is part of Chapter 71, which governs natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. The term "clad" refers to a process where a layer of precious metal is bonded to one or more surfaces of base metal by soldering, brazing, welding, hot-rolling, or similar mechanical means. This differs from electroplating, which is a chemical process. For an item to fall under 7114.20, it must be a finished article or an identifiable part of such an article, intended for decorative, religious, or household use, rather than personal adornment (which would be jewelry). The base metal provides the structural integrity, while the gold cladding provides the aesthetic and chemical properties of the precious metal. This classification ensures that items with a significant but non-solid gold content are tracked separately from pure precious metal wares.

Products Included

• Gold-clad copper statuettes
• Gold-clad brass vases
• Gold-clad religious icons
• Gold-clad trophies and awards
• Gold-clad table ornaments
• Gold-clad picture frames made of base metal

Common Misclassification

A frequent error is confusing 7114.20 with 7114.19. Code 7114.19 is reserved for items made entirely of precious metal (excluding silver), whereas 7114.20 requires a base metal core. Another common mistake is using 7113.20, which is for jewelry made of base metal clad with precious metal. The distinction lies in the use: 7113 is for personal adornment, while 7114 is for household or decorative objects. Additionally, items that are merely gold-plated (electroplated) rather than clad may sometimes fall under 7114.19 if the base is silver, or under the code for the base metal if the gold layer is negligible.

FAQ

What is the HS code for gold clad decorative items?

The HS code for gold clad decorative items made of base metal is 7114.20.

What is the difference between gold-clad and gold-plated?

Gold-clad items have a thick layer of gold mechanically bonded to the base metal, whereas gold-plated items have a thin layer applied through an electrochemical process. For HS classification, cladding is specifically defined in the Chapter 71 notes.