Product classification
HS code for Precious metal scrap: 7112.99
Waste and scrap of precious metals, waste and scrap of precious metals including metal clad with precious metals, other than that of gold and platinum and excluding ash which contains precious metal or precious metal compounds.
Classification of precious metal scrap under HS 7112.99
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 7112.99
- Eastman Kodak (silver recovery)
- dental clinics
- electronics manufacturers
- chemical plants
- photographic processing labs
Codes often confused with 7112.99
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711299 (the code used for precious metal scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711299 (the code used for precious metal scrap) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% 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 711299, not only precious metal scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $3.1B 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $2.3B 21% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $972M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $11.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $3.9B 32% of world imports
- 2 Italy $2.2B 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $1.3B 11% of world imports
World total: $12.3B 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 precious metal scrap
Brazil classifies precious metal scrap under NCM 7112.99.00: HS 7112.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about precious metal scrap
What is the HS code for Precious metal scrap?
The HS code for Precious metal scrap is 711299 (Waste and scrap of precious metals; waste and scrap of precious metals including metal clad with precious metals, other than that of gold and platinum and excluding ash which contains precious metal or precious metal compounds). For scrap containing silver or other non-platinum/gold precious metals, the HS code is 7112.99.
How do I classify Precious metal scrap for customs?
Precious metal scrap is classified under HS code 711299 — Waste and scrap of precious metals; waste and scrap of precious metals including metal clad with precious metals, other than that of gold and platinum and excluding ash which contains precious metal or precious metal compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal scrap (HS 711299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711299 (the code used for precious metal scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.1B, 28% of world exports), Germany ($2.3B) and Belgium ($972M). World exports came to about $11.0B, 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 precious metal scrap (HS 711299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711299 (the code used for precious metal scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.9B, 32% of world imports), Italy ($2.2B) and South Korea ($1.3B). World imports came to about $12.3B, 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 Precious metal scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711299 for Precious metal 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 precious metal scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal scrap (HS 711299) is classified under NCM 7112.99.00.