7108.13.55.00 - Rectangular or near rectangular shapes, containing 99.5 percent or more by weight of gold and not otherwise marked or decorated than with weight, purity, or other identifying information

This HTS category, 7108.13.55.00, specifically covers gold in semimanufactured forms that are neither coin nor bullion, and are presented in a rectangular or near-rectangular shape. Crucially, these items must contain 99.5 percent or more by weight of gold. Any markings or decorations on these pieces are limited solely to essential identifying information such as weight and purity. This precise definition ensures that only very specific forms of refined gold are classified here, excluding items with decorative embellishments or those not meeting the stringent gold purity requirement.

When classifying gold semimanufactured forms, it's important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 7108.13.70.00 ("Other"). While both fall under "Other semimanufactured forms" within nonmonetary gold, this specific subcategory (7108.13.55.00) is defined by its distinct geometric shape (rectangular or near-rectangular) and the absolute limitation on markings. The sibling category would encompass other semimanufactured gold forms that do not meet these precise shape and marking criteria, or perhaps other unspecified semimanufactured gold products not falling into more specific subcategories.

As this HTS code represents a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on accurately identifying and classifying items that precisely fit the description of rectangular or near-rectangular gold pieces of high purity (99.5% or more) bearing only essential identifying marks. Importers and exporters should carefully verify both the physical form and the nature of any markings to ensure correct classification under this specific code, differentiating it from other semimanufactured gold classifications based on these defining characteristics.