HS Code for Gold clad metal

HS code 7109.00 applies to base metals or silver that have been clad with gold but have not been worked beyond a semi-manufactured state. This code is critical for industrial suppliers and manufacturers who trade in raw materials intended for further processing. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), this classification excludes finished articles. Semi-manufactured forms include bars, rods, wires, sheets, strips, and tubes. The cladding process involves a mechanical bond between the gold and the substrate metal, ensuring a durable layer that is thicker than standard plating. This material is often used in the electronics industry for high-conductivity components or in the production of high-end optical frames and writing instruments before they are shaped into final products. The classification is strictly for the material itself; once the material is shaped into a specific part or finished item, it must be classified according to its final form, such as jewelry or decorative ware.

Products Included

• Gold-clad copper sheets
• Gold-clad silver bars
• Gold-clad brass wire
• Gold-clad steel strips
• Semi-manufactured gold-clad rods
• Gold-clad plates for industrial use

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 7108.12 or 7108.13, which cover unwrought or semi-manufactured gold that is not clad onto another metal. It is also frequently confused with 7114 or 7113. While 7109.00 covers the raw material, 7114 and 7113 cover finished decorative items and jewelry, respectively. Another point of confusion is 7107.00, which covers silver-clad base metals. It is essential to identify the core metal and the cladding metal accurately to distinguish between 7107, 7109, and 7111 (platinum-clad metals).

FAQ

What is the HS code for gold clad metal?

The HS code for base metals or silver clad with gold in semi-manufactured forms is 7109.00.

Does 7109.00 include gold-plated wire?

No, 7109.00 specifically refers to "clad" metal. Gold-plated wire, where the gold is applied via electrolysis, is typically classified under the heading for the base metal (e.g., copper wire in 7408) unless the plating is substantial enough to change the character of the product under specific chapter notes.