Product classification
HS code for Cultured pearl jewelry: 7116.10
Pearls, articles of natural or cultured pearls.
Classification of cultured pearl jewelry under HS 7116.10
Cultured pearl jewelry is classified under HS code 7116.10, which resides within Chapter 71. This chapter covers natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7116 is specifically for articles made of natural or cultured pearls, or of precious or semi-precious stones. Subheading 7116.10 is dedicated to articles consisting of pearls. The classification depends on the 'essential character' of the item. If a piece of jewelry consists of pearls strung together (even with a simple metal clasp), it is classified here. However, the classification can become complex when pearls are combined with precious metals. According to the Chapter 71 notes, if the pearls are set into a mounting of precious metal that constitutes more than 'minor constituents' (such as a heavy gold ring setting), the item might be classified under 7113 as 'articles of jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal.' For customs purposes, 7116.10 is used for items where the pearls are the dominant feature, such as classic pearl necklaces or bracelets. This includes both saltwater and freshwater cultured pearls. It is also important to note that pearls temporarily strung for ease of transport are still classified under 7101, whereas pearls permanently strung or set into jewelry fall under 7116.
- Covers
- Cultured pearl necklaces with simple clasps
- Cultured pearl bracelets
- Cultured pearl earrings where the pearl is the primary element
- Articles made of natural pearls
- Permanently strung cultured pearls
- Also under 7116.10
Mikimoto Pearl Jewelry, Tiffany & Co. Pearl Collections, Honora Pearls, Majorica Pearls
Codes often confused with 7116.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is between 7116.10 and 7113.19. If the jewelry has a significant amount of gold or platinum, it should be under 7113. Another error is confusing cultured pearls with imitation pearls; imitation pearls (made of glass or plastic) are classified under 7117.19 or 7018.10 depending on the material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711610 (the code used for cultured pearl jewelry), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711610 (the code used for cultured pearl jewelry) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 24% 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 711610, not only cultured pearl jewelry.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $52M 27% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $28M 15% of world exports
- 3 Myanmar $26M 14% of world exports
World total: $191M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $31M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $15M 12% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $14M 10% of world imports
World total: $131M 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 cultured pearl jewelry
Brazil classifies cultured pearl jewelry under NCM 7116.10.00: HS 7116.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cultured pearl jewelry
What is the HS code for Cultured pearl jewelry?
The HS code for Cultured pearl jewelry is 711610 (Pearls; articles of natural or cultured pearls). The HS code for articles of natural or cultured pearls is 7116.10.
How do I classify Cultured pearl jewelry for customs?
Cultured pearl jewelry is classified under HS code 711610 — Pearls; articles of natural or cultured pearls. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the pearl jewelry is made with imitation pearls?
Imitation pearl jewelry is classified under 7117.19 (imitation jewelry) or 7018.10 (glass beads), not 7116.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of cultured pearl jewelry (HS 711610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711610 (the code used for cultured pearl jewelry) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($52M, 27% of world exports), Hong Kong ($28M) and Myanmar ($26M). World exports came to about $191M, 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 cultured pearl jewelry (HS 711610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711610 (the code used for cultured pearl jewelry) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($31M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($15M) and Czechia ($14M). World imports came to about $131M, 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 Cultured pearl jewelry the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711610 for Cultured pearl 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 cultured pearl jewelry in Brazil?
In Brazil, cultured pearl jewelry (HS 711610) is classified under NCM 7116.10.00.