7108.12.10.20 - Dore

This HTS category, "Dore," specifically covers unrefined gold in a semi-finished form, often produced from smelting or refining processes. Dore is characterized by its high gold content, typically ranging from 70% to 99.9%, but it also contains significant impurities and other precious metals. It is not considered pure gold and requires further refining to meet the standards for coinage or investment-grade bullion. Its physical form can vary, but it is generally cast into bars, ingots, or cakes.

It is important to distinguish "dore" from its sibling category, "bullion." While both are unrefined forms of gold, bullion is generally understood to be a more highly refined product, closer to pure gold (e.g., 99.5% purity or higher), and is often manufactured in standardized weights and forms for investment purposes. Dore, on the other hand, represents an intermediate stage of refinement.

As a leaf node, this category does not have further subcategories. Classification under "Dore" is determined by the material's composition and its unrefined, semi-manufactured state. This designation is crucial for customs purposes, as it dictates the applicable duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements for the importation or exportation of this specific form of gold.