7106 - Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum), unwrought or in semimanufactured forms, or in powder form:

Chapter 71 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) encompasses a range of precious and semi-precious materials, including precious metals and articles thereof. Heading 7106 specifically addresses silver, its alloys, and semi-manufactured forms. This category includes unwrought silver, such as bars, ingots, and granules, as well as semi-manufactured items like sheets, rods, wire, and tubes. Silver plated with gold or platinum also falls within this heading, provided the plating is a significant characteristic. Powdered silver is also a covered item, often used in industrial applications.

Distinguishing heading 7106 from its siblings at the same level requires a focus on the base material and its form. Unlike categories that might cover base metals, precious stones, or finished articles of precious metal, 7106 is exclusively focused on silver in its raw, unwrought, or semi-manufactured states. It does not include finished jewelry, silverware, or industrial products where silver is a minor component, which would be classified elsewhere in Chapter 71 or other HTS chapters depending on their primary nature.

Within heading 7106, further subdivisions are made to account for different physical forms of the silver. The primary distinction is between powdered silver and other forms. This allows for more precise classification based on the product's presentation, which is crucial for calculating duties and tracking trade flows. The subcategory "Powder" specifically captures finely divided silver particles, while "Other" encompasses all remaining unwrought and semi-manufactured forms not otherwise specified.