Product classification
HS code for Imitation pearls: 7018.10
Glass, beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares.
Classification of imitation pearls under HS 7018.10
Imitation pearls made of glass are classified under HS code 7018.10. This heading covers glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones, and similar glass smallwares. The classification is based on the material composition (glass) and the form of the product (beads or pearls). These items are typically used in the manufacture of costume jewelry or for decorative textile applications. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, the specific mention of imitation pearls in heading 7018 takes precedence over more general glass headings. The manufacturing process involves coating glass spheres with various substances, such as pearl essence, to mimic the iridescent luster of natural pearls. It is important to note that this code applies to the pearls when they are individual components or temporarily strung for ease of transport. Once they are permanently set into finished jewelry pieces, the classification shifts to the jewelry chapters.
- Covers
- Coated glass imitation pearls
- Glass beads mimicking pearls
- Temporarily strung glass pearls
- Glass pearl cabochons
- Unmounted glass imitation pearls
- Also under 7018.10
- Swarovski crystal beads
- Preciosa glass beads
- Murano glass beads
- Czech glass beads
Codes often confused with 7018.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 7117.19, which covers finished imitation jewelry. If the pearls are already part of a completed necklace with a clasp, they belong in Chapter 71. Another major error is using HS code 7101.21, which is for cultured pearls; this is incorrect as 7101 is reserved for biological pearls. Additionally, imitation pearls made of plastic rather than glass should be classified under HS code 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701810 (the code used for imitation pearls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701810 (the code used for imitation pearls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 701810, not only imitation pearls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 80% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $91M 6.5% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $29M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $119M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$117M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $66M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $849M 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 codes for imitation pearls
Brazil splits HS 7018.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7018.10.10Glass beads
- 7018.10.20Glass imitation pearls and gemstones
- 7018.10.90Other similar glass smallwares
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about imitation pearls
What is the HS code for Imitation pearls?
The HS code for Imitation pearls is 701810 (Glass; beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares). The HS code for imitation pearls made of glass is 7018.10.
How do I classify Imitation pearls for customs?
Imitation pearls is classified under HS code 701810 — Glass; beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are plastic imitation pearls classified?
Imitation pearls made of plastic are not covered by heading 7018. They are generally classified under HS code 3926.90 as other articles of plastics, or 7117 if they are finished jewelry.
Which countries are the top exporters of imitation pearls (HS 701810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701810 (the code used for imitation pearls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 80% of world exports), Czechia ($91M) and Hong Kong ($29M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 imitation pearls (HS 701810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701810 (the code used for imitation pearls) in UN Comtrade data were India ($119M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $117M) and the United States ($66M). World imports came to about $849M, 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 Imitation pearls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701810 for Imitation 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 imitation pearls in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 701810 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for imitation pearls depends on the product's details: 7018.10.10 (Glass beads), 7018.10.20 (Glass imitation pearls and gemstones), 7018.10.90 (Other similar glass smallwares).