Product classification
HS code for Graded cultured pearls: 7101.22
Pearls, cultured, worked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport.
Classification of graded cultured pearls under HS 7101.22
Graded cultured pearls are classified under HS code 7101.22. This code is part of Chapter 71, which encompasses natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7101 is dedicated to pearls, whether natural or cultured, but not yet mounted or set. Subheading 7101.22 specifically refers to cultured pearls that have been "worked." Working includes processes such as drilling, grinding, or polishing to enhance their appearance or prepare them for jewelry making. The code also explicitly includes pearls that have been graded and temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. This temporary stringing is a key distinction; it allows for the organization of pearls by size or quality without the stringing being considered a finished piece of jewelry.
- Covers
- Polished cultured pearls
- Drilled cultured pearls (not set)
- Graded sets of cultured pearls temporarily strung
- Worked Akoya or South Sea cultured pearls
- Half-drilled cultured pearls
- Also under 7101.22
- Mikimoto (finished pearls for jewelry)
- Paspaley (worked South Sea pearls)
- Tasaki (worked Akoya pearls)
- Major jewelry component suppliers
- Pearl processing factories
Codes often confused with 7101.22
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 7116.10, which covers articles of natural or cultured pearls. If the pearls are permanently strung with a clasp or set into metal, they are considered jewelry and move to 7116. Another error is using 7101.21, which is reserved for unworked cultured pearls that have only been gathered and cleaned but not drilled or polished.
Top exporters and importers of HS 710122 (the code used for graded cultured pearls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710122 (the code used for graded cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 53% 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 710122, not only graded cultured pearls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $214M 39% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $199M 37% of world exports
- 3 China $27M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $545M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $277M 53% of world imports
- 2 Japan $63M 12% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $33M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $525M 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 graded cultured pearls
Brazil classifies graded cultured pearls under NCM 7101.22.00: HS 7101.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graded cultured pearls
What is the HS code for Graded cultured pearls?
The HS code for Graded cultured pearls is 710122 (Pearls; cultured, worked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport). Graded and worked cultured pearls are classified under HS code 7101.22.
How do I classify Graded cultured pearls for customs?
Graded cultured pearls is classified under HS code 710122 — Pearls; cultured, worked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can pearls be strung under this code?
Yes, but only if they are temporarily strung for transport convenience. If they have a clasp, they are classified under 7116.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of graded cultured pearls (HS 710122)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710122 (the code used for graded cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($214M, 39% of world exports), Hong Kong ($199M) and China ($27M). World exports came to about $545M, 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 graded cultured pearls (HS 710122)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 710122 (the code used for graded cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($277M, 53% of world imports), Japan ($63M) and Thailand ($33M). World imports came to about $525M, 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 Graded cultured pearls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 710122 for Graded cultured pearls 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 graded cultured pearls in Brazil?
In Brazil, graded cultured pearls (HS 710122) is classified under NCM 7101.22.00.