Product classification
HS code for Precious metal semi-finished goods: 7115.90
Metal, precious or metal clad with precious metal, other than that of item no. 7115.10.
Classification of precious metal semi-finished goods under HS 7115.90
The classification of precious metal semi-finished goods under HS code 7115.90 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific legal notes of Chapter 71. This chapter encompasses natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7115 is a residual heading for articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal that are not specified or included elsewhere in the nomenclature. Subheading 7115.90 specifically covers other articles, meaning those that do not fall under 7115.10, which is reserved for catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill. To be classified here, the goods must have reached a stage of manufacture that goes beyond unwrought forms like ingots or powders, which fall under 7106 to 7110, but have not yet become finished jewelry (7113) or goldsmiths' wares (7114). These items are often industrial or technical in nature, where the intrinsic properties of the precious metal—such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, or catalytic activity—are utilized in a specific semi-finished shape. The classification requires that the precious metal content is the defining characteristic of the article, and it must not be a product specifically excluded by the legal notes of Chapter 71, such as medical instruments or toys. Furthermore, the distinction between semi-finished and finished is crucial; 7115.90 often includes items that require further assembly or integration into larger machines but already possess the essential character of a precious metal article.
- Covers
- Platinum crucibles and laboratory equipment
- Silver wire for industrial electrical applications
- Gold leaf for technical or decorative industrial use
- Palladium catalysts in specific non-cloth forms
- Rhodium-plated industrial components
- Anodes and cathodes made of precious metals
- Also under 7115.90
Engelhard Gold Contacts, Tanaka Precious Metals Labware, Deringer Precious Metal Alloys, Technic Inc. Plating Solutions
Codes often confused with 7115.90
Common mistake. These goods are frequently confused with HS code 7113, which covers articles of jewelry. The primary difference is the intended use; 7113 is for personal adornment, while 7115.90 is for technical or industrial articles. Another common error is using codes 7106 through 7110, which are strictly for unwrought metals or simple primary forms like bars and rods. If the metal has been shaped into a specific article, even if semi-finished, 7115.90 is more appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711590 (the code used for precious metal semi-finished goods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711590 (the code used for precious metal semi-finished goods) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 94% 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 711590, not only precious metal semi-finished goods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $21.5B 83% of world exports
- 2 Canada $787M 3.0% of world exports
- 3 China $483M 1.9% of world exports
World total: $26.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77.6B 94% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$952M 1.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $922M 1.1% of world imports
World total: $83.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 semi-finished goods
Brazil classifies precious metal semi-finished goods under NCM 7115.90.00: HS 7115.90 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 semi-finished goods
What is the HS code for Precious metal semi-finished goods?
The HS code for Precious metal semi-finished goods is 711590 (Metal; precious or metal clad with precious metal, other than that of item no. 7115.10). The HS code is 7115.90, which covers other articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
How do I classify Precious metal semi-finished goods for customs?
Precious metal semi-finished goods is classified under HS code 711590 — Metal; precious or metal clad with precious metal, other than that of item no. 7115.10. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 7115.10 and 7115.90?
HS code 7115.10 is specifically for catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill made of platinum, whereas 7115.90 covers all other technical and industrial articles of precious metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal semi-finished goods (HS 711590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711590 (the code used for precious metal semi-finished goods) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($21.5B, 83% of world exports), Canada ($787M) and China ($483M). World exports came to about $26.0B, 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 semi-finished goods (HS 711590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711590 (the code used for precious metal semi-finished goods) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77.6B, 94% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $952M) and Canada ($922M). World imports came to about $83.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Precious metal semi-finished goods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711590 for Precious metal semi-finished goods 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 semi-finished goods in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal semi-finished goods (HS 711590) is classified under NCM 7115.90.00.