Product classification

HS code for Loose natural pearls: 7101.10

Pearls, natural, whether or not worked or graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport.

Classification of loose natural pearls under HS 7101.10

Loose natural pearls are classified under HS code 7101.10. The Harmonized System makes a fundamental distinction between natural pearls, which are formed in the wild without any human intervention, and cultured pearls, which are produced through a deliberate biological process initiated by humans. Code 7101.10 covers natural pearls that are unmounted and unset. These pearls may be worked (such as being cleaned, drilled, or polished) or graded for quality, but they must not be integrated into a piece of jewelry. The code also specifically allows for pearls that are 'temporarily strung for the convenience of transport,' which is a common trade practice to ensure the security and organization of the pearls during shipping without classifying them as finished jewelry.

Covers
  • Wild harvested natural pearls
  • Drilled natural pearls (loose)
  • Graded natural pearls not yet set
  • Temporarily strung natural pearls for shipping
  • Worked natural pearls (polished or cleaned)
Also under 7101.10
  • La Peregrina Pearl
  • The Hope Pearl
  • The Arco Valley Pearl
  • Cartier (when sourcing natural pearls)
  • Tiffany & Co. (when sourcing natural pearls)

Codes often confused with 7101.10

Common mistake. The most significant misclassification risk is with cultured pearls, which fall under 7101.21 (unworked) or 7101.22 (worked). Because natural pearls are significantly more valuable, customs authorities scrutinize this distinction closely. Another error is classifying natural pearls under 7116.10. This code is for articles of natural or cultured pearls, such as a finished necklace with a clasp. If the pearls are matched and strung in a permanent fashion, they move from 7101 to 7116. Finally, imitation pearls made of glass or plastic are classified in Chapters 70 or 39 respectively.

7101.21Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport7101.22Pearls; cultured, worked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport7116.10Pearls; articles of natural or cultured pearls71.01Pearls; natural or cultured, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; pearls, natural or cultured, temporarily strung for the convenience of transport71.16Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed)

Top exporters and importers of HS 710110 (the code used for loose natural pearls), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710110 (the code used for loose natural pearls) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 20% 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 710110, not only loose natural pearls.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $12M
  2. 2 Switzerland $9.9M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $8.9M

World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $15M
  2. 2 Switzerland $11M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $9.7M

World total: $76M 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 natural pearls

Brazil classifies loose natural pearls under NCM 7101.10.00: HS 7101.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about loose natural pearls

What is the HS code for Loose natural pearls?

The HS code for Loose natural pearls is 710110 (Pearls; natural, whether or not worked or graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport). The HS code for loose natural pearls, whether worked or unworked, is 7101.10.

How do I classify Loose natural pearls for customs?

Loose natural pearls is classified under HS code 710110 — Pearls; natural, whether or not worked or graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can natural pearls be strung under this code?

Yes, but only if they are temporarily strung for transport purposes. If they are permanently strung or fitted with a clasp, they are classified as jewelry.

Which countries are the top exporters of loose natural pearls (HS 710110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710110 (the code used for loose natural pearls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 18% of world exports), Switzerland ($9.9M) and Hong Kong ($8.9M). World exports came to about $65M, 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 natural pearls (HS 710110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 710110 (the code used for loose natural pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($15M, 20% of world imports), Switzerland ($11M) and Hong Kong ($9.7M). World imports came to about $76M, 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 natural pearls the same in all countries?

The base HS code 710110 for Loose natural 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 natural pearls in Brazil?

In Brazil, loose natural pearls (HS 710110) is classified under NCM 7101.10.00.