Product classification
HS code for Gold waste: 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 waste under HS 7112.91
Gold waste is classified under HS code 7112.91 because it falls within the category of waste and scrap of precious metals. Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Within this chapter, heading 7112 specifically addresses waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. The subheading 7112.91 is reserved for gold, including metal clad with gold, but explicitly excludes sweepings containing other precious metals, which are categorized elsewhere. This classification is determined by the primary material value and the intended use of the item, which is typically for the recovery of the precious metal content through refining processes. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the gold is in the form of discarded jewelry, industrial residues, or obsolete electronic components, provided the gold content is the defining characteristic for its recovery value. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter Note 4 to Chapter 71 defines \"precious metal\" to include gold. Furthermore, the waste must be fit only for the recovery of metal or for use in the manufacture of chemicals. If the item is still usable for its original purpose, it cannot be classified as waste. The distinction between waste and scrap is also important; scrap generally refers to worn-out or broken articles, while waste refers to residues from manufacturing. Both are covered under this code if they consist of gold or gold-clad materials.
- Covers
- Old or broken jewelry made of gold
- Industrial gold scrap from manufacturing
- Gold-plated electronic scrap intended for metal recovery
- Gold filings and dust from jewelry workshops
- Discarded gold-clad base metal parts
- 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 waste is frequently confused with HS code 7112.30, which covers ash containing precious metal or sweepings. While both involve gold recovery, 7112.30 is specifically for the fine residues collected from floors or filters. Another common error is using 2616.90, which is for precious metal ores and concentrates; however, 2616.90 applies to naturally occurring minerals rather than man-made waste or scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711291 (the code used for gold waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711291 (the code used for gold waste) 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 waste.
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 waste
Brazil classifies gold waste 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 waste
What is the HS code for Gold waste?
The HS code for Gold waste is 711291 (Waste and scrap of precious metals; of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious metals). The primary HS code for gold waste and scrap, including metal clad with gold, is 7112.91.
How do I classify Gold waste for customs?
Gold waste 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 circuit boards?
Yes, if the circuit boards are being imported specifically for the recovery of the gold content and are no longer functional as electronics, they are classified under 7112.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of gold waste (HS 711291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711291 (the code used for gold waste) 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 waste (HS 711291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711291 (the code used for gold waste) 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711291 for Gold waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, gold waste (HS 711291) is classified under NCM 7112.91.00.