HS Code for Precious metal scrap

HS code 7112.99 is designated for the classification of waste and scrap of precious metals, excluding gold and platinum, and excluding ash. This classification is essential for the recycling and refining industry. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), products are classified here if they consist of precious metal waste or scrap resulting from the manufacture or working of precious metals, or from articles of precious metal that are no longer fit for their original purpose. This specific subheading covers metals such as silver, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. It is important to note that for a product to fall under 7112.99, it must be primarily intended for the recovery of the precious metal. If the scrap contains multiple precious metals, the classification follows the hierarchy established in Chapter 71, provided it is not gold or platinum scrap, which have their own specific subheadings. The material must be in a state that is only fit for the recovery of metal or for use as a basis for the manufacture of chemicals. This code facilitates the global trade of recyclable materials while ensuring high-value metals are tracked separately from general industrial waste.

Products Included

• Silver waste and scrap from industrial processes or photography
• Palladium scrap from spent industrial components or catalysts
• Rhodium scrap from chemical processing and laboratory equipment
• Mixed precious metal sweepings (excluding ash) from workshops
• Broken jewelry made of silver intended for melting and recovery
• Scrap of metal clad with precious metal other than gold or platinum

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 7112.30, which is specifically for ash containing precious metal. Additionally, gold scrap must be classified under 7112.91 and platinum scrap under 7112.92. Importers also confuse this with 8549, which covers electrical and electronic waste; however, if the waste is specifically precious metal scrap for recovery, 7112 remains the primary heading. It is also distinct from 7112.99 in that it excludes any waste containing gold or platinum as the primary value component.

FAQ

What is the HS code for precious metal scrap?

For scrap containing silver or other non-platinum/gold precious metals, the HS code is 7112.99.

Does this code include electronic waste?

Generally, electronic waste is classified under 8549, but if the material is purely precious metal scrap stripped from electronics for refining, 7112.99 may apply.