Product classification
HS code for Semi-finished ruthenium: 7110.49
Metals, iridium, osmium, ruthenium, semi-manufactured.
Classification of semi-finished ruthenium under HS 7110.49
Semi-finished ruthenium is classified under HS code 7110.49. Ruthenium is a rare transition metal belonging to the platinum group, frequently used in electronics and chemical catalysts. The classification logic follows the structure of Chapter 71, which organizes precious metals by their type and degree of manufacture. Heading 7110 covers platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. The subheading 7110.49 is specifically designated for iridium, osmium, and ruthenium that have been processed into semi-manufactured forms. This means the metal is no longer in a raw powder or ingot state (unwrought) but has been shaped into intermediate forms like plates, sheets, or wire. These forms are intended for further industrial processing or integration into more complex assemblies, such as electrical contacts or high-temperature alloys.
- Covers
- Ruthenium sheets and plates
- Ruthenium wire for electrical applications
- Ruthenium rods and profiles
- Semi-manufactured ruthenium strips
- Ruthenium tubes and hollow bars
- Also under 7110.49
- Johnson Matthey iridium wire
- Heraeus ruthenium sheet
- Umicore iridium crucibles
- Tanaka Kikinzoku ruthenium contacts
Codes often confused with 7110.49
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for ruthenium occurs between HS code 7110.49 and 7110.41. Code 7110.41 is strictly for ruthenium in unwrought forms or in powder. Importers often fail to distinguish between a cast ingot (unwrought) and a rolled bar (semi-manufactured). Additionally, ruthenium catalysts on a support are sometimes incorrectly placed here; however, chemical catalysts are generally classified under heading 3815. It is also important not to confuse ruthenium with palladium (7110.21/29) or platinum (7110.11/19), as each metal in the platinum group has its own specific subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711049 (the code used for semi-finished ruthenium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711049 (the code used for semi-finished ruthenium) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 34% 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 711049, not only semi-finished ruthenium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $319M 36% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $212M 24% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$82M 9.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $876M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $164M 34% of world imports
- 2 China $114M 24% of world imports
- 3 United States $57M 12% of world imports
World total: $475M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 semi-finished ruthenium
Brazil classifies semi-finished ruthenium under NCM 7110.49.00: HS 7110.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about semi-finished ruthenium
What is the HS code for Semi-finished ruthenium?
The HS code for Semi-finished ruthenium is 711049 (Metals; iridium, osmium, ruthenium, semi-manufactured). The HS code for ruthenium in semi-manufactured forms, such as wire or sheets, is 7110.49.
How do I classify Semi-finished ruthenium for customs?
Semi-finished ruthenium is classified under HS code 711049 — Metals; iridium, osmium, ruthenium, semi-manufactured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ruthenium powder classified under this code?
No, ruthenium powder is classified under HS code 7110.41, as it is considered an unwrought form of the metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of semi-finished ruthenium (HS 711049)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711049 (the code used for semi-finished ruthenium) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($319M, 36% of world exports), South Africa ($212M) and Taiwan (about $82M). World exports came to about $876M, 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 semi-finished ruthenium (HS 711049)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711049 (the code used for semi-finished ruthenium) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($164M, 34% of world imports), China ($114M) and the United States ($57M). World imports came to about $475M, 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 Semi-finished ruthenium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711049 for Semi-finished ruthenium 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 semi-finished ruthenium in Brazil?
In Brazil, semi-finished ruthenium (HS 711049) is classified under NCM 7110.49.00.