HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 71.01 – 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
What HS 71.01 covers
Heading 7101 specifically covers natural or cultured pearls, whether unworked, worked, or graded, but critically, they must not be strung, mounted, or set as finished jewelry. A key inclusion is pearls temporarily strung for the convenience of transport, which prevents premature classification as jewelry. This distinction is paramount for trade compliance, as the classification differentiates raw or semi-processed pearls (7101) from finished pearl jewelry (7116). The heading encompasses all types of pearls – freshwater, saltwater, Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and others – recognizing both their natural origin and the significant industry surrounding cultured pearls. For importers and exporters in the gem and jewelry trade, accurate classification under 7101 is essential for proper valuation, customs duties, and regulatory compliance, especially given the high value of these commodities. Historically, pearls have been a symbol of wealth and status, driving a sophisticated global trade network. As part of Section XIV, it establishes pearls as a primary precious material, distinct from other precious stones or metals, and foundational for the downstream jewelry manufacturing sector.
- Covers
- Loose natural pearls
- Loose cultured freshwater pearls
- Loose cultured Akoya pearls
- Loose cultured South Sea pearls
- Loose cultured Tahitian pearls
- Unworked baroque pearls
- Temporarily strung pearl strands for transport
- Undrilled pearls
- Half-drilled pearls
- Graded loose pearls
- Unworked blister pearls
- Mabe pearls (loose)
- Seed pearls (loose)
- Coin pearls (loose)
- Dyed cultured pearls (loose)
- Natural pearl nuclei
- Abalone pearls (loose)
- Conch pearls (loose)
- Scallop pearls (loose)
- Pearl beads (unstrung, not jewelry)
- Loose cream pearls
- Loose white pearls
- Loose black pearls
- Loose pink pearls
- Loose golden pearls.
- Examples
A Japanese pearl farm exports a large shipment of unstrung, graded Akoya cultured pearls to a jewelry manufacturing district in New York City, where they will be used to create necklaces and earrings. This shipment is typically air freighted due to its high value and fragility. A wholesaler in Dubai imports natural pearls, temporarily strung on a fine thread for security during air cargo, from divers in the Persian Gulf region, destined for re-export to high-end jewelers. A Chinese company specializing in freshwater pearls exports a bulk consignment of loose, unworked freshwater cultured pearls to a jewelry designer in Paris, who will then design and produce bespoke pieces. An Australian supplier ships unworked South Sea pearls to a grading and processing facility in Hong Kong, a major hub for pearl trade, for sorting and further preparation before being sold to manufacturers globally.
Subheadings under 71.01 3
Codes often confused with 71.01
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is treating finished pearl jewelry as pearls under 7101. If pearls are strung as a necklace, mounted in a ring, or set in earrings, they are classified under 7116 (Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones). The clause 'temporarily strung for the convenience of transport' is crucial; it explicitly prevents such temporary stringing from making the item finished jewelry. Another error is classifying imitation pearls (e.g., glass or plastic beads coated to resemble pearls) under 7101; these belong to headings like 7018 (glass beads) or Chapter 39 (plastics), as they are not genuine natural or cultured pearls. The key is verifying the genuine nature of the pearl and its unmounted/unset status as raw material.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 7101, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 7101 in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 38% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $279M 30% of world exports
- 2 Japan $278M 30% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $88M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $916M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $424M 38% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $405M 37% of world imports
- 3 Australia $44M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 71.01
What is HS code 7101?
HS code 7101 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: 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. Heading 7101 specifically covers natural or cultured pearls, whether unworked, worked, or graded, but critically, they must not be strung, mounted, or set as finished jewelry. A key inclusion is pearls temporarily strung for the convenience of transport, which prevents premature classification as jewelry. This distinction is paramount for trade compliance, as the classification differentiates raw or semi-processed pearls (7101) from finished pearl jewelry (7116). The heading encompasses all types of pearls – freshwater, saltwater, Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and others – recognizing both their natural origin and the significant industry surrounding cultured pearls. For importers and exporters in the gem and jewelry trade, accurate classification under 7101 is essential for proper valuation, customs duties, and regulatory compliance, especially given the high value of these commodities. Historically, pearls have been a symbol of wealth and status, driving a sophisticated global trade network. As part of Section XIV, it establishes pearls as a primary precious material, distinct from other precious stones or metals, and foundational for the downstream jewelry manufacturing sector.
What products fall under HS code 7101?
Loose natural pearls, loose cultured freshwater pearls, loose cultured Akoya pearls, loose cultured South Sea pearls, loose cultured Tahitian pearls, unworked baroque pearls, temporarily strung pearl strands for transport, undrilled pearls, half-drilled pearls, graded loose pearls, unworked blister pearls, Mabe pearls (loose), seed pearls (loose), coin pearls (loose), dyed cultured pearls (loose), natural pearl nuclei, abalone pearls (loose), conch pearls (loose), scallop pearls (loose), pearl beads (unstrung, not jewelry), loose cream pearls, loose white pearls, loose black pearls, loose pink pearls, loose golden pearls.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 7101?
The most common misclassification is treating finished pearl jewelry as pearls under 7101. If pearls are strung as a necklace, mounted in a ring, or set in earrings, they are classified under 7116 (Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones). The clause 'temporarily strung for the convenience of transport' is crucial; it explicitly prevents such temporary stringing from making the item finished jewelry. Another error is classifying imitation pearls (e.g., glass or plastic beads coated to resemble pearls) under 7101; these belong to headings like 7018 (glass beads) or Chapter 39 (plastics), as they are not genuine natural or cultured pearls. The key is verifying the genuine nature of the pearl and its unmounted/unset status as raw material.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 7101?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7101 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($279M, 30% of world exports), Japan ($278M) and Indonesia ($88M). World exports came to about $916M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 7101?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7101 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($424M, 38% of world imports), Hong Kong ($405M) and Australia ($44M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 7101 structured?
HS code 7101 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (71) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.