HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7101.21 – Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport
HS code 7101.21 is the 6-digit subheading for pearls, cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. It is used for loose Akoya pearls (unworked), south Sea pearl harvests (ungraded), freshwater pearl lots (unworked), tahitian black pearls (unworked) and cultured pearl nuclei.
What HS 7101.21 covers
This HS code pertains to cultured pearls that are unworked, meaning they have not undergone processes like drilling, polishing, or shaping beyond their initial harvest. They may be graded by size, shape, or luster, and can be temporarily strung for transport, but are not yet incorporated into finished jewelry. The trade in unworked cultured pearls is a significant segment of the global gem market, serving as the raw material for the vast majority of pearl jewelry. Importers are typically large-scale jewelry manufacturers, pearl dealers, and wholesalers who then process these pearls further. Exporters are primarily pearl farms and aquaculture operations, predominantly located in Asia. Key considerations in trade include the type of cultured pearl (Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, Freshwater), their size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality, as these factors dictate their value and end-use. The industry relies on efficient supply chains from farm to market.
- Covers
- Loose Akoya pearls (unworked)
- South Sea pearl harvests (ungraded)
- Freshwater pearl lots (unworked)
- Tahitian black pearls (unworked)
- Cultured pearl nuclei
- Temporarily strung unworked pearls
- Examples
- Mikimoto (sourcing unworked pearls)
- Paspaley (South Sea pearl harvests)
- Tasaki (Akoya pearl sourcing)
- Major pearl farms in China
- Japan
- Australia
Codes often confused with 7101.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 710122 (worked cultured pearls) if any processing beyond basic cleaning or grading has occurred, or with 710110 if the distinction between natural and cultured pearls is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 710121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 710121 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 69% 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 Indonesia $87M 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $71M 23% of world exports
- 3 Japan $61M 20% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $346M 69% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $118M 23% of world imports
- 3 India $9.5M 1.9% of world imports
World total: $502M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 7101.21
Brazil does not split HS 7101.21: its NCM code is 7101.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 71.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7101.21
What is HS code 710121?
HS code 710121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. This HS code pertains to cultured pearls that are unworked, meaning they have not undergone processes like drilling, polishing, or shaping beyond their initial harvest. They may be graded by size, shape, or luster, and can be temporarily strung for transport, but are not yet incorporated into finished jewelry. The trade in unworked cultured pearls is a significant segment of the global gem market, serving as the raw material for the vast majority of pearl jewelry. Importers are typically large-scale jewelry manufacturers, pearl dealers, and wholesalers who then process these pearls further. Exporters are primarily pearl farms and aquaculture operations, predominantly located in Asia. Key considerations in trade include the type of cultured pearl (Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, Freshwater), their size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality, as these factors dictate their value and end-use. The industry relies on efficient supply chains from farm to market.
What products fall under HS code 710121?
Loose Akoya pearls (unworked), South Sea pearl harvests (ungraded), Freshwater pearl lots (unworked), Tahitian black pearls (unworked), Cultured pearl nuclei, Temporarily strung unworked pearls
What are common misclassifications for HS code 710121?
This code is often confused with 710122 (worked cultured pearls) if any processing beyond basic cleaning or grading has occurred, or with 710110 if the distinction between natural and cultured pearls is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 710121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 710121 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($87M, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($71M) and Japan ($61M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 710121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 710121 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($346M, 69% of world imports), Hong Kong ($118M) and India ($9.5M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 710121 structured?
HS code 710121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (71) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 710121?
In Brazil, HS code 710121 is NCM 7101.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.