Product classification
HS code for Platinum catalysts: 7115.10
Metal, catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill, of platinum.
Classification of platinum catalysts under HS 7115.10
HS code 711510 is a very specific classification for platinum catalysts that are presented in the form of wire cloth or grill. Unlike chemical catalysts that might be powders or liquids (classified in Chapter 38), these are articles of precious metal. Chapter 71 covers precious metals and articles thereof. Heading 7115 is a "basket" heading for other articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. The subheading 711510 specifically identifies catalysts made of platinum, often alloyed with rhodium, woven into a fine mesh or grill. These are used in high-temperature industrial chemical reactions, such as the oxidation of ammonia to produce nitric acid. The classification is determined by both the material (platinum) and the specific physical form (wire cloth/grill). If the catalyst were on a ceramic substrate or in a different physical form, it would likely be classified elsewhere, making the physical structure the primary determinant for 711510. This code reflects the high value of the precious metal content and the specialized industrial application of the mesh. It is critical for customs purposes to distinguish these from semi-manufactured platinum wire, as the intended use as a catalyst and the specific "cloth or grill" construction are the defining features for this subheading.
- Covers
- Platinum-rhodium catalyst gauze
- Platinum wire cloth for ammonia oxidation
- Platinum-palladium alloy grills for chemical reactors
- Woven platinum mesh for catalytic converters (industrial)
- Knitted platinum wire catalysts
- Also under 7115.10
- Heraeus Platinum Catalysts
- Johnson Matthey Platinum Gauze
- BASF O&P Catalysts
- Umicore Platinum Catalysts
Codes often confused with 7115.10
Common mistake. Platinum catalysts are often misclassified under HS code 3815, which covers "Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations." However, 3815 is for chemical mixtures or catalysts on a support (like platinum on carbon). When the catalyst is purely a precious metal in the form of wire cloth or grill, Chapter 71 takes precedence. Another error is using 7110, which covers platinum in unwrought or semi-manufactured forms (like simple wire), but 711510 is more specific for the finished catalyst article.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711510 (the code used for platinum catalysts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711510 (the code used for platinum catalysts) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 711510, not only platinum catalysts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $464M 48% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $164M 17% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $132M 14% of world exports
World total: $977M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $131M 29% of world imports
- 2 Australia $55M 12% of world imports
- 3 Poland $34M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $452M 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 platinum catalysts
Brazil classifies platinum catalysts under NCM 7115.10.00: HS 7115.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about platinum catalysts
What is the HS code for Platinum catalysts?
The HS code for Platinum catalysts is 711510 (Metal; catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill, of platinum). The HS code for platinum catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill is 711510.
How do I classify Platinum catalysts for customs?
Platinum catalysts is classified under HS code 711510 — Metal; catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill, of platinum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are all platinum catalysts under this code?
No, only those in the form of wire cloth or grill. Platinum catalysts on a support or in other chemical forms are classified under HS code 3815.
Which countries are the top exporters of platinum catalysts (HS 711510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711510 (the code used for platinum catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($464M, 48% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($164M) and Brazil ($132M). World exports came to about $977M, 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 platinum catalysts (HS 711510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711510 (the code used for platinum catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($131M, 29% of world imports), Australia ($55M) and Poland ($34M). World imports came to about $452M, 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 Platinum catalysts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711510 for Platinum catalysts 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 platinum catalysts in Brazil?
In Brazil, platinum catalysts (HS 711510) is classified under NCM 7115.10.00.