Product classification
HS code for Cut sapphires: 7103.91
Stones, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, worked (other than simply sawn or roughly shaped), not strung, mounted or set.
Classification of cut sapphires under HS 7103.91
Cut sapphires are classified under HS code 7103.91. This code falls within Chapter 71, which covers natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7103 specifically addresses precious stones (other than diamonds) and semi-precious stones, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted, or set. The classification differentiates between stones that are unworked or simply sawn (7103.10) and those that have been "worked." Subheading 7103.91 is a specific category for rubies, sapphires, and emeralds that have undergone working processes such as faceting, polishing, or carving. The "cut" aspect is the defining characteristic that moves the product from the "unworked" category to the "worked" category. It is essential that these stones are not yet mounted or set in jewelry, as that would change the classification to Heading 7113. The value and origin of the sapphire do not change this primary classification code.
- Covers
- Faceted blue sapphires (loose)
- Cabochon-cut star sapphires
- Polished yellow, pink, or green sapphires
- Carved sapphire gemstones
- Calibrated cut sapphires for jewelry making
- Also under 7103.91
- Cartier loose emeralds
- Tiffany & Co. unset sapphires
- Graff polished rubies
- GIA certified loose gemstones
- Chopard unset rubies
Codes often confused with 7103.91
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between worked sapphires (7103.91) and unworked or roughly shaped sapphires (7103.10). If a sapphire has only been sawn or roughly cleaved to prepare it for further cutting, it remains in the unworked category. Another significant point of confusion is the distinction between loose cut sapphires and those that have been set. Once a sapphire is mounted in a ring, earring, or pendant, it is classified as articles of jewelry under HS code 7113.19. Additionally, synthetic or reconstructed sapphires, even if cut and polished, are excluded from 7103 and must be classified under HS code 7104.91. Distinguishing between natural and synthetic stones is critical for legal compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 710391 (the code used for cut sapphires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710391 (the code used for cut sapphires) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 27% 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 710391, not only cut sapphires.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.7B 34% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $1.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $1.2B 15% of world exports
World total: $7.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.5B 27% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $844M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $791M 14% of world imports
World total: $5.7B 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 cut sapphires
Brazil classifies cut sapphires under NCM 7103.91.00: HS 7103.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cut sapphires
What is the HS code for Cut sapphires?
The HS code for Cut sapphires is 710391 (Stones; rubies, sapphires and emeralds, worked (other than simply sawn or roughly shaped), not strung, mounted or set). The HS code for worked (cut) natural sapphires is 7103.91.
How do I classify Cut sapphires for customs?
Cut sapphires is classified under HS code 710391 — Stones; rubies, sapphires and emeralds, worked (other than simply sawn or roughly shaped), not strung, mounted or set. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used if the sapphire is set in a gold ring?
If the sapphire is set in jewelry, it is classified under HS code 7113.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of cut sapphires (HS 710391)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710391 (the code used for cut sapphires) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.7B, 34% of world exports), Thailand ($1.5B) and Hong Kong ($1.2B). World exports came to about $7.9B, 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 cut sapphires (HS 710391)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 710391 (the code used for cut sapphires) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.5B, 27% of world imports), Switzerland ($844M) and the United States ($791M). World imports came to about $5.7B, 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 Cut sapphires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 710391 for Cut sapphires 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 cut sapphires in Brazil?
In Brazil, cut sapphires (HS 710391) is classified under NCM 7103.91.00.