Semimanufactured forms are intermediate products — such as strip, wire, or sheet — that require further working to become a finished article. Once the gold-clad material has been cut, stamped, or otherwise fabricated into a recognizable component or finished good, it typically moves out of heading 7109 and into the heading covering that finished article (e.g., jewelry or electronic parts). Consult a licensed customs broker or request a binding ruling when the degree of working is borderline.

Not necessarily. 'Clad' in the HTS context refers to a mechanically bonded layer (rolled or pressure-bonded), whereas electroplated coatings are generally classified differently. The distinction matters because plated articles may fall under other headings depending on the base material and the article's form. Verify the bonding method and layer thickness with your supplier before classifying.