Product classification
HS code for Gold scrap: 7112.91
Waste and scrap of precious metals, of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals.
Classification of gold scrap under HS 7112.91
Gold scrap is classified under HS code 7112.91. This code is designated for waste and scrap of gold, including metal clad with gold, but specifically excludes sweepings containing other precious metals. The classification is intended for items that are no longer fit for their original purpose and are intended solely for the recovery of the precious metal content. This includes broken jewelry, industrial rejects, and spent components where the gold can be economically extracted. The Harmonized System places a high priority on the intended use (recovery) and the physical condition (waste) for this heading. It is important to note that for an item to be classified as scrap, it must be rendered unusable for its original function; otherwise, it may be classified as used goods under its original heading.
- Covers
- Broken or damaged gold jewelry intended for melting
- Industrial gold waste from manufacturing processes
- Discarded gold-plated electronic parts for metal recovery
- Gold-clad base metal scrap
- Old gold coins that are damaged and sold for bullion value
- Also under 7112.91
- Valcambi (refining)
- Argor-Heraeus (refining)
- old gold jewelry
- discarded computer components
- dental crowns
Codes often confused with 7112.91
Common mistake. Gold scrap is frequently misclassified under 7112.30, which is for ash and sweepings containing precious metals. Another common error involves electronic waste; while gold-bearing circuit boards might contain gold, they are often classified under 8549.21 as electrical and electronic waste unless they have been processed specifically into a metallic scrap form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711291 (the code used for gold scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711291 (the code used for gold scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 711291, not only gold scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.9B 22% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $2.0B 15% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $1.1B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $13.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $5.5B 29% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $3.3B 17% of world imports
- 3 Canada $2.3B 12% of world imports
World total: $19.3B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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.
Brazil NCM code for gold scrap
Brazil classifies gold scrap under NCM 7112.91.00: HS 7112.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gold scrap
What is the HS code for Gold scrap?
The HS code for Gold scrap is 711291 (Waste and scrap of precious metals; of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals). The standard HS code for gold waste and scrap is 7112.91.
How do I classify Gold scrap for customs?
Gold scrap is classified under HS code 711291 — Waste and scrap of precious metals; of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include gold-plated scrap?
Yes, 7112.91 includes waste and scrap of base metal clad with gold, provided it is being imported for metal recovery.
Which countries are the top exporters of gold scrap (HS 711291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711291 (the code used for gold scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 22% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($2.0B) and Singapore ($1.1B). World exports came to about $13.1B, 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 gold scrap (HS 711291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711291 (the code used for gold scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($5.5B, 29% of world imports), Hong Kong ($3.3B) and Canada ($2.3B). World imports came to about $19.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Gold scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711291 for Gold scrap is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for gold scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, gold scrap (HS 711291) is classified under NCM 7112.91.00.