Mixed Precious Metal Sweeps
Mixed precious metal sweeps are floor sweepings and shop dust collected from jewelry workshops, containing trace amounts of gold, silver, and platinum alloys. These materials are imported for the recovery of precious metals through refining. Under Chapter 71 Note 5, alloys are classified by the predominant precious metal, and this waste falls under tariff item 7112.99.00 as other waste and scrap.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sweeps contain 2% or more gold and less than 2% platinum
Under Note 5, alloys with 2% or more gold are treated as gold alloys, falling under subheading 7112.91.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Analyze the sweeps to determine the predominant precious metal by weight, as this affects classification within heading 71.12
• Declare the material as waste for recovery, not as a precious metal article, to avoid higher duties
• Keep detailed records of the refining process and metal content for CBSA audits
Related Products under Tariff item 7112.99.00
Gold Alloy Casting Scrap
Gold alloy casting scrap consists of sprues, gates, and defective castings generated during the manufacture of gold jewelry. These materials are remeltable and are imported primarily for the recovery of gold through refining processes. As waste and scrap of precious metal, they are classified under tariff item 7112.99.00.
Gold Dental Scrap
Gold dental scrap comprises discarded dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges, that contain gold alloys. This material is imported for the recovery of gold through refining, as it is no longer suitable for its original dental use. It falls under tariff item 7112.99.00 as waste and scrap of precious metal.
Gold-Plated Connector Pins Scrap
Gold-plated connector pins scrap consists of base metal pins from decommissioned electronics that have been mechanically clad with a layer of gold. The gold cladding qualifies as metal clad with precious metal under Chapter 71 Note 7. Imported for gold recovery, this scrap falls under tariff item 7112.99.00 as other waste and scrap of precious metal.
Palladium Electronic Contact Scrap
Palladium electronic contact scrap consists of electrical contacts from switches and relays that are alloyed with palladium. These contacts are collected for the recovery of palladium through refining processes. As waste and scrap of precious metal, this material is classified under tariff item 7112.99.00.
Platinum Catalytic Converter Scrap
Platinum catalytic converter scrap comprises used catalytic converters from vehicles that contain platinum group metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These converters are collected for the recovery of precious metals through refining. The scrap falls under tariff item 7112.99.00 as other waste and scrap of precious metal.
Platinum Thermocouple Wire Scrap
Platinum thermocouple wire scrap consists of discarded platinum-rhodium thermocouple wires used in industrial sensors. These wires are imported for the reclamation of platinum and rhodium through refining. As waste and scrap of precious metal, they are classified under tariff item 7112.99.00.