What is the HS code for cultured pearls?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 71
HS chapter 71: Natural or cultured pearls; precious stones
Section XIV — Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin
Natural and cultured pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, and various forms of precious metals are classified under HS-71. For instance, if you are importing cultured pearls that are temporarily strung for transport, this chapter provides the necessary codes and guidance for proper classification.
To determine the appropriate HS-4 code, start by identifying the product type. For pearls, check if they are worked or unworked, and whether they are temporarily strung. For gemstones, consider if they are diamonds or other precious stones, and whether they are graded or ungraded. This will lead you to the correct HS-4 heading.
Once you have identified the HS-4 code, drill down to HS-6 by reviewing specific notes and product forms. For example, if you are dealing with gold in semi-manufactured forms, ensure you differentiate between unwrought gold and gold plated with other metals. Pay attention to any additional notes that clarify the classification criteria.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
natural pearls · cultured pearls · precious stones · semi-precious stones · precious metals · imitation jewelry · gold · silver · diamonds · synthetic gemstones · jewelry classification · HS-71 codes · metal clad with precious metal · waste and scrap of precious metals · articles of precious metals
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- classification of natural and cultured pearls
- importing precious stones and metals
- understanding HS codes for jewelry
- requirements for synthetic gemstones import
- how to classify imitation jewelry for customs
- guidelines for precious metal waste classification
- import regulations for diamonds and gemstones
- determining HS-6 codes for precious metals
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Natural pearls, not strung, for jewelry making
- Cultured pearls, temporarily strung for transport
- Uncut diamonds for industrial use
- Semi-precious stones, worked and graded for retail
- Synthetic gemstones, not set, for jewelry production
- Silver powder for manufacturing processes
- Gold in semi-manufactured forms for crafting
- Imitation jewelry made from base metals
Common classification questions
How to classify precious metals for import?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Are imitation jewelry items subject to customs duties?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the requirements for importing diamonds?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
How to determine the HS-4 code for gemstones?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Is silver plated gold classified differently?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What should I check before classifying pearls?
- Verify if the pearls are natural or cultured, and whether they are worked or unworked. This will guide you to the correct HS-4 code.
- How do I classify synthetic gemstones?
- Identify if the stones are worked or unworked and refer to the specific HS-4 heading for synthetic or reconstructed stones.
- Are there specific notes for precious metal classifications?
- Yes, review the notes for each HS-4 heading, especially regarding unwrought versus semi-manufactured forms, to ensure accurate classification.
- What is the difference between imitation jewelry and real jewelry?
- Imitation jewelry is made from base metals and does not contain precious metals, while real jewelry is made from materials like gold, silver, or platinum.
- What documentation is required for importing diamonds?
- You will typically need a Kimberley Process Certificate to ensure the diamonds are conflict-free, along with standard import documentation.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 71 (18)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
7101
Pearls; natural or cultured, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; pearls, natural or cultured, temporarily strung for the convenience of transport
7102
Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set
7103
Precious (excluding diamond) and semi-precious stone; worked, graded, not strung, mounted, set; ungraded precious (excluding diamond) and semi-precious stone, temporarily strung for convenience of transport
7104
Stones; synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of transport
7105
Dust and powder of natural or synthetic precious or semi-precious stone
7106
Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum); unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form
7107
Base metals clad with silver; not further worked than semi-manufactured
7108
Gold (including gold plated with platinum) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form
7109
Base metals or silver, clad with gold, not further worked than semi-manufactured
7110
Platinum; unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form
7111
Base metals, silver or gold, clad with platinum; not further worked than semi-manufactured
7112
Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other waste and scrap containing precious metal compounds, of a kind uses principally for the recovery of precious metal other than goods of heading 85.49
7113
Jewellery articles and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal
7114
Articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal
7115
Articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal
7116
Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed)
7117
Imitation jewellery
Browse first heading (HS-4 7101)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (7101). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.