Gold (including gold plated with platinum), unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form

Heading 7108 covers gold (including gold plated with platinum), unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form. This includes gold of various fineness, from refined gold (999.9/1000) to alloyed gold. It covers bars, ingots, granules, wire, sheets, strips and gold powder. Import of gold into the EU is duty-free (0% rate). Investment gold (of a fineness of at least 995/1000) is exempt from VAT in most EU Member States. Large gold shipments are subject to strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls. Heading 7108 is part of Chapter 71 (pearls, precious stones, precious metals and jewellery) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 7108 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 7108 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Import of gold into the EU is duty-free (0% rate). Investment gold (of a fineness of at least 995/1000) is exempt from VAT in most EU Member States. Large gold shipments are subject to strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls. Documentation confirming fineness and weight is required. Investment gold with a fineness of at least 995/1000 is VAT-exempt in most EU Member States. Each gold consignment must be accompanied by a fineness certificate and exact net weight. Gold imports are subject to reporting obligations under AML/CFT (anti-money laundering) regulations. Check whether the gold originates from countries subject to EU sanctions (e.g. ban on Russian gold imports since 2022). When importing goods under heading 7108 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 7108 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).

Heading 7108 covers gold (including gold plated with platinum). This includes gold of various fineness, from refined gold (999. Distinction from 7107 (base metals clad with silver, not furthe) and 7109 (base metals or silver, clad with gold, n) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.