Product classification
HS code for Coral: 0508.00
Animal products, coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof.
Classification of coral under HS 0508.00
Coral and similar materials are classified under HS code 0508.00. This heading covers animal products not elsewhere specified or included, specifically coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, or echinoderms, and cuttle-bone. The classification applies to these materials when they are unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape. "Simply prepared" typically includes processes such as cleaning, boiling to remove organic matter, or simple grinding of waste. The material must retain its natural state and must not have been carved, polished, or set into jewelry. Chapter 05 is reserved for products of animal origin that are generally not used for food and have not undergone significant manufacturing. Coral is biologically the skeletal remains of marine polyps, and for customs purposes, it is treated as a raw animal byproduct unless it has been transformed into a finished decorative or functional object.
- Covers
- Raw coral branches
- Unworked mollusc shells
- Cuttle-bone (unworked)
- Coral powder and waste
- Shells of crustaceans (unworked)
- Echinoderm shells
- Also under 0508.00
- Coral jewelry (raw material)
- pet bird cuttle-bone
- mother-of-pearl inlays in furniture
- shell craft supplies
- calcium supplements from shells
Codes often confused with 0508.00
Common mistake. Coral is frequently misclassified when it has been worked. If coral has been carved, polished, or shaped into beads or ornaments, it moves from 0508.00 to heading 9601, which covers worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl, and other animal carving material. If the coral is set into precious metal or used in fine jewelry, it may be classified under Chapter 71 (specifically 7116 or 7117). Another area of confusion involves pearls; while both are marine animal products, pearls are specifically classified under heading 7101. Importers must also be aware of CITES regulations, as many coral species are protected, and classification must be accompanied by proper environmental permits regardless of the HS code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050800 (the code used for coral), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050800 (the code used for coral) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 050800, not only coral.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $30M 21% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $18M 13% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $9.2M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $143M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $30M 22% of world imports
- 2 France $15M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 coral
Brazil classifies coral under NCM 0508.00.00: HS 0508.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coral
What is the HS code for Coral?
The HS code for Coral is 050800 (Animal products; coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof). The HS code for unworked or simply prepared coral is 0508.00.
How do I classify Coral for customs?
Coral is classified under HS code 050800 — Animal products; coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0508.00 include coral jewelry?
No, 0508.00 only covers raw or simply cleaned coral. Once it is worked into jewelry, it is classified under heading 7117 (imitation jewelry) or 7116 (articles of pearls or stones).
Which countries are the top exporters of coral (HS 050800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050800 (the code used for coral) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 21% of world exports), Indonesia ($18M) and the Netherlands ($9.2M). World exports came to about $143M, 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 coral (HS 050800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050800 (the code used for coral) in UN Comtrade data were China ($30M, 22% of world imports), France ($15M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $138M, 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.
Is the HS code for Coral the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050800 for Coral is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for coral in Brazil?
In Brazil, coral (HS 050800) is classified under NCM 0508.00.00.