Product classification

HS code for Coral jewelry: 9601.90

Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding).

Classification of coral jewelry under HS 9601.90

Coral jewelry is classified under HS code 9601.90 as articles of animal carving material. While many types of jewelry are found in Chapter 71, items made from worked animal materials like coral, bone, or ivory that do not incorporate precious metals or stones (beyond minor trimmings) are directed to Chapter 96. This classification applies to coral that has been shaped, polished, drilled, or otherwise worked into decorative items. The material is considered a "natural carving material" of animal origin. According to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9601, this includes articles obtained by carving or moulding these materials. If the coral is set in gold, silver, or platinum, or if it is combined with precious or semi-precious stones, the classification would shift to Chapter 71. However, simple coral beads on a string or carved coral pendants without precious metal findings remain in 9601.90.

Covers
  • Carved coral necklaces
  • Polished coral beads
  • Coral bracelets without precious metal clasps
  • Carved coral figurines for personal adornment
  • Worked coral cabochons for jewelry making
Also under 9601.90
  • Mother-of-pearl watch dials (e.g., Rolex)
  • horn-rimmed glasses (e.g., Lindberg)
  • antique tortoise shell boxes
  • carved bone pendants
  • coral necklaces

Codes often confused with 9601.90

Common mistake. Coral jewelry is frequently misclassified under HS code 7117.90, which covers imitation jewelry. However, because coral is a natural organic material, it is not considered "imitation." Another common error is using HS code 0508.00, which is reserved for raw, unworked coral. If the coral has been cut, polished, or drilled, it has been "worked" and must move to 9601.90. Finally, if the coral is set in precious metal, it must be classified under 7113.11 or 7113.19.

7117.90Jewellery; imitation, of other than base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal0508.00Animal products; coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof7113.11Jewellery; of silver, whether or not plated or clad with other precious metal, and parts thereof7113.19Jewellery; of precious metal (excluding silver) whether or not plated or clad with precious metal, and parts thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 960190 (the code used for coral jewelry), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960190 (the code used for coral jewelry) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 960190, not only coral jewelry.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $13M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$12M
  3. 3 Germany $11M

World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $33M
  2. 2 France $16M
  3. 3 Japan $12M

World total: $132M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 jewelry

Brazil classifies coral jewelry under NCM 9601.90.00: HS 9601.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about coral jewelry

What is the HS code for Coral jewelry?

The HS code for Coral jewelry is 960190 (Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding)). The HS code for worked coral jewelry not containing precious metals is 9601.90.

How do I classify Coral jewelry for customs?

Coral jewelry is classified under HS code 960190 — Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to synthetic coral?

No, synthetic or imitation coral jewelry made of plastic or resin is classified under HS code 7117.90 as imitation jewelry.

Which countries are the top exporters of coral jewelry (HS 960190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960190 (the code used for coral jewelry) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($13M, 11% of world exports), Vietnam (about $12M) and Germany ($11M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 jewelry (HS 960190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 960190 (the code used for coral jewelry) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 25% of world imports), France ($16M) and Japan ($12M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 jewelry the same in all countries?

The base HS code 960190 for Coral jewelry 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 jewelry in Brazil?

In Brazil, coral jewelry (HS 960190) is classified under NCM 9601.90.00.