Product classification
HS code for Loose cultured pearls: 7101.21
Pearls, cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport.
Classification of loose cultured pearls under HS 7101.21
Loose cultured pearls are classified under HS code 7101.21. Chapter 71 covers natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7101 is specifically for pearls. Cultured pearls are those produced by human intervention in mollusks, whether in salt water or fresh water. The sub-heading 7101.21 is reserved for cultured pearls that are "unworked," meaning they have not been mounted, set, or permanently strung. However, the HS Explanatory Notes specify that pearls temporarily strung for the convenience of transport remain classified here. Once a pearl is "worked" (e.g., polished beyond simple cleaning or otherwise processed) or permanently set into jewelry, the classification shifts. The distinction between natural (7101.10) and cultured (7101.21) is critical for customs valuation and regulatory compliance. This code covers pearls that have been graded or sorted by size and quality, provided they have not undergone any working process that changes their fundamental state as unworked pearls.
- Covers
- Unworked cultured pearls
- Graded cultured pearls (not strung)
- Temporarily strung cultured pearls for transport
- Freshwater cultured pearls (unworked)
- Saltwater cultured pearls (unworked)
- Loose Akoya or South Sea cultured pearls
- Also under 7101.21
- Mikimoto (sourcing unworked pearls)
- Paspaley (South Sea pearl harvests)
- Tasaki (Akoya pearl sourcing)
- Major pearl farms in China
- Japan
- Australia
Codes often confused with 7101.21
Common mistake. Loose cultured pearls are frequently confused with HS code 7101.22, which is for "worked" cultured pearls. The distinction lies in whether the pearl has been drilled, polished, or otherwise processed after harvesting. Another common misclassification is HS code 7101.10, which is strictly for natural pearls; misidentifying cultured pearls as natural can lead to significant legal and valuation issues. Furthermore, if the pearls are permanently strung or set in metal, they must be classified under 7116.10 (articles of natural or cultured pearls) or 7113 (jewelry), rather than 7101.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 710121 (the code used for loose cultured pearls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710121 (the code used for loose cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 69% 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 710121, not only loose cultured pearls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $87M 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $71M 23% of world exports
- 3 Japan $61M 20% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $346M 69% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $118M 23% of world imports
- 3 India $9.5M 1.9% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 loose cultured pearls
Brazil classifies loose cultured pearls under NCM 7101.21.00: HS 7101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about loose cultured pearls
What is the HS code for Loose cultured pearls?
The HS code for Loose cultured pearls is 710121 (Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport). The HS code for loose, unworked cultured pearls is 7101.21.
How do I classify Loose cultured pearls for customs?
Loose cultured pearls is classified under HS code 710121 — Pearls; cultured, unworked, 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.
Are pearls on a temporary string classified here?
Yes, pearls temporarily strung for the convenience of transport are classified under 7101.21, provided they are not yet worked or permanently set.
Which countries are the top exporters of loose cultured pearls (HS 710121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710121 (the code used for loose cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($87M, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($71M) and Japan ($61M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 loose cultured pearls (HS 710121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 710121 (the code used for loose cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($346M, 69% of world imports), Hong Kong ($118M) and India ($9.5M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 Loose cultured pearls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 710121 for Loose 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 loose cultured pearls in Brazil?
In Brazil, loose cultured pearls (HS 710121) is classified under NCM 7101.21.00.