Product classification
HS code for Precious metal waste: 7112.30
Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds.
Classification of precious metal waste under HS 7112.30
HS code 7112.30 is designated for waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, specifically in the form of ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds. This classification is critical for the global recycling and refining industry. Under the Harmonized System, waste and scrap are generally classified based on their material composition and their intended use for the recovery of metal. Heading 7112 is exclusive to precious metals. Subheading 7112.30 is unique because it focuses on ash, which is the residue remaining after the incineration of materials that contain precious metals. This often includes industrial residues, spent catalysts, or even electronic waste that has been processed through thermal treatment to concentrate the metallic content. The classification logic follows the principle that these materials are no longer fit for their original purpose and are being traded solely for the value of the precious metals they contain. It is important to distinguish these from metallurgical slags of Chapter 26, which are classified based on different criteria. The presence of gold, silver, or platinum group metals in significant quantities within the ash necessitates the use of 7112.30 to ensure proper regulatory and duty application. The Explanatory Notes to heading 7112 clarify that this heading includes waste and scrap in the form of worn-out or damaged articles, but 7112.30 is specifically reserved for the products of combustion. This distinction is vital for customs authorities to track the flow of hazardous or valuable industrial by-products and ensure they are not mislabeled as standard mineral waste.
- Covers
- Incinerated circuit board ash
- Metallurgical slag containing gold or silver
- Silver-bearing ash from photographic film processing
- Spent catalysts containing platinum group metals in ash form
- Residues from the refining of precious metals
- Also under 7112.30
- Johnson Matthey (catalysts)
- Umicore (recycling)
- Heraeus (precious metals)
- dental labs
- electronics recyclers
Codes often confused with 7112.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2620, which covers slag, ash, and residues containing metals but is generally intended for base metals. If the ash contains precious metals, 7112.30 takes precedence. Additionally, 7112.91 is often used incorrectly; that code is for waste and scrap of gold in forms other than ash, such as broken jewelry or industrial scrap.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711230 (the code used for precious metal waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711230 (the code used for precious metal waste) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 45% 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 711230, not only precious metal waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $384M 25% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $280M 18% of world exports
- 3 France $220M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $858M 45% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $487M 26% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $231M 12% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 codes for precious metal waste
Brazil splits HS 7112.30 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7112.30.10Ash with gold but no other precious metals
- 7112.30.20Ash with platinum but no other precious metals
- 7112.30.90Other ash containing precious metals or compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about precious metal waste
What is the HS code for Precious metal waste?
The HS code for Precious metal waste is 711230 (Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds). The specific HS code for precious metal waste in the form of ash is 7112.30.
How do I classify Precious metal waste for customs?
Precious metal waste is classified under HS code 711230 — Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include electronic scrap?
Only if the electronic scrap has been reduced to ash or is specifically waste of precious metal; whole circuit boards or electronic components are typically classified under 8549.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal waste (HS 711230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711230 (the code used for precious metal waste) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($384M, 25% of world exports), Czechia ($280M) and France ($220M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 waste (HS 711230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711230 (the code used for precious metal waste) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($858M, 45% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($487M) and Czechia ($231M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711230 for Precious metal 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 precious metal waste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 711230 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for precious metal waste depends on the product's details: 7112.30.10 (Ash with gold but no other precious metals), 7112.30.20 (Ash with platinum but no other precious metals), 7112.30.90 (Other ash containing precious metals or compounds).