Product classification
HS code for Unwrought rhodium: 7110.31
Metals, rhodium, unwrought or in powder form.
Classification of unwrought rhodium under HS 7110.31
Unwrought rhodium is classified under HS code 7110.31. Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals, belonging to the platinum-group metals (PGMs) within Chapter 71. The classification follows the rules for precious metals where "unwrought" encompasses primary cast forms and powders. According to Chapter 71, Note 5, alloys of rhodium are classified as rhodium if they contain at least 2% rhodium by weight, unless they contain a higher percentage of another precious metal like platinum or gold. The 7110.31 code is specific to rhodium in its unworked state, such as sponge or powder, which are the most common industrial forms. Rhodium is primarily used as a catalyst in the automotive industry and for plating other metals. Accurate classification is critical due to the extremely high market value of the material and the specific regulatory requirements for precious metal transport.
- Covers
- Rhodium sponge
- Rhodium powder
- Rhodium ingots
- Rhodium grains
- Rhodium lumps
- Rhodium cast bars
- Also under 7110.31
- Anglo American Platinum rhodium powder
- Sibanye-Stillwater rhodium sponge
- Johnson Matthey rhodium ingots
- Heraeus rhodium buttons
Codes often confused with 7110.31
Common mistake. Rhodium is often misclassified with other PGMs such as iridium, osmium, or ruthenium, which fall under 7110.41. Because these metals are often traded together, careful chemical analysis is required for correct declaration. Another common error is using 7110.39, which is for semi-manufactured rhodium (e.g., rhodium wire or foil). Additionally, rhodium-plated items are often incorrectly classified under this code; however, plating does not change the classification of the underlying metal (e.g., rhodium-plated silver remains under 7106). Waste and scrap containing rhodium are classified under 7112.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711031 (the code used for unwrought rhodium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711031 (the code used for unwrought rhodium) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 711031, not only unwrought rhodium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $2.0B 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.5B 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.4B 17% of world exports
World total: $8.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.5B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 14% of world imports
- 3 Japan $1.2B 13% of world imports
World total: $9.4B 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 unwrought rhodium
Brazil classifies unwrought rhodium under NCM 7110.31.00: HS 7110.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unwrought rhodium
What is the HS code for Unwrought rhodium?
The HS code for Unwrought rhodium is 711031 (Metals; rhodium, unwrought or in powder form). The HS code for unwrought rhodium or rhodium in powder form is 7110.31.
How do I classify Unwrought rhodium for customs?
Unwrought rhodium is classified under HS code 711031 — Metals; rhodium, unwrought or in powder form. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is rhodium sponge?
Rhodium sponge is a porous, greyish-black powder form of the metal produced during the refining process; it is classified as unwrought rhodium under 7110.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought rhodium (HS 711031)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711031 (the code used for unwrought rhodium) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($2.0B, 25% of world exports), the United States ($1.5B) and the United Kingdom ($1.4B). World exports came to about $8.2B, 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 unwrought rhodium (HS 711031)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711031 (the code used for unwrought rhodium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Japan ($1.2B). World imports came to about $9.4B, 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 Unwrought rhodium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711031 for Unwrought rhodium 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 unwrought rhodium in Brazil?
In Brazil, unwrought rhodium (HS 711031) is classified under NCM 7110.31.00.