Product classification
HS code for Silver 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 silver scrap under HS 7112.99
Silver scrap is classified under HS code 7112.99. This subheading is part of heading 7112, which covers waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, as well as other waste and scrap containing precious metal or precious metal compounds, of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal. Subheading 7112.99 specifically refers to waste and scrap of precious metals other than gold or platinum, which includes silver. This classification is used for items that are no longer fit for their original purpose due to breakage, cutting-up, wear, or other reasons, and are imported or exported primarily for the value of the silver they contain. It includes silver-plated scrap and silver alloys. However, it excludes ash containing precious metals, which is classified under 2620. The classification of scrap is often complex because it requires determining whether the item is truly waste or if it retains its character as a functional object. Under the Harmonized System, if an item is being traded for its metal content rather than its utility, it falls under Chapter 71. This ensures that the recovery and recycling of precious metals are monitored and taxed appropriately across international borders, supporting the circular economy in the precious metals industry.
- Covers
- Broken silver jewelry intended for melting
- Industrial silver waste from manufacturing
- Scrap silver-plated cutlery
- Spent silver catalysts (if for metal recovery)
- 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. Silver scrap is frequently misclassified under 2620.99, which covers ash and residues containing metals. However, if the scrap is metallic, it belongs in 7112. It is also sometimes incorrectly declared as 7106.10 (silver powder) if the scrap has been finely ground, but 7112.99 is more appropriate for waste material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711299 (the code used for silver scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711299 (the code used for silver 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 silver 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 silver scrap
Brazil classifies silver 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 silver scrap
What is the HS code for Silver scrap?
The HS code for Silver 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). The HS code for silver scrap is 7112.99, covering waste and scrap of precious metals excluding gold and platinum.
How do I classify Silver scrap for customs?
Silver 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 silver scrap include silver-plated items?
Yes, heading 7112 specifically includes waste and scrap of base metals clad with precious metal, which encompasses silver-plated scrap.
Which countries are the top exporters of silver scrap (HS 711299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711299 (the code used for silver 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 silver scrap (HS 711299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711299 (the code used for silver 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 Silver scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711299 for Silver 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 silver scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, silver scrap (HS 711299) is classified under NCM 7112.99.00.