Platinum Waste and Scrap (Excluding Sweepings Containing Other Precious Metals)

Spent autocatalysts containing a mixture of platinum-group metals — typically platinum, palladium, and rhodium — are generally considered sweepings or mixed precious-metal residues and would not qualify for the pure platinum scrap heading (711292), which excludes sweepings containing other precious metals. Such mixed-PGM catalyst material would more appropriately classify under the precious-metal ash heading (711230) if incinerated, or under the NESOI precious-metal scrap heading (711299), depending on its physical form and processing state. A licensed customs broker and assay documentation are essential for making this determination.

Transaction value based on a contract price tied to a recognized benchmark — such as the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM) fixing on or near the date of export — is the standard approach. Importers should retain the purchase contract, the assay certificate establishing platinum content, and the benchmark price reference. CBP may compare the declared value against prevailing market prices, so a clear paper trail linking invoice price to a published spot rate is the strongest defense against a valuation challenge.