Product classification
HS code for Mother of pearl items: 9601.90
Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding).
Classification of mother of pearl items under HS 9601.90
Mother of pearl items are classified under HS code 9601.90. This code is found in Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9601 specifically addresses worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl, and other animal carving materials. The term \"worked\" implies that the material has undergone processes beyond simple cleaning or cutting to shape; it must be carved, polished, or otherwise transformed into a finished or semi-finished article. Mother of pearl, the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusk shells, is highly valued for its aesthetic properties. When it is shaped into decorative objects, inlays, or handles, it falls under 9601.90. This classification is based on the material's origin as an animal carving material and its status as a manufactured good. It is important to note that this code applies to the worked material itself or articles made from it that do not have a more specific heading elsewhere in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Carved mother of pearl decorative ornaments
- Mother of pearl inlays for furniture or musical instruments
- Worked shell handles for cutlery or vanity sets
- Polished mother of pearl blanks for further carving
- Small decorative boxes made primarily of worked mother of pearl
- Also under 9601.90
- Mother-of-pearl watch dials (e.g., Rolex)
- horn-rimmed glasses (e.g., Lindberg)
- antique tortoise shell boxes
- carved bone pendants
- coral necklaces
Codes often confused with 9601.90
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0508.00, which covers shells and mother-of-pearl that are unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape. If the shell has been carved or significantly processed, it must move to 9601. Another common error is using 7117 for imitation jewelry; while mother of pearl is used in jewelry, if it is a standalone carved item or part of a non-jewelry article, 9601.90 is correct. Finished buttons made of mother of pearl should be classified under 9606.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960190 (the code used for mother of pearl items), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960190 (the code used for mother of pearl items) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 960190, not only mother of pearl items.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $13M 11% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$12M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $11M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $33M 25% of world imports
- 2 France $16M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $12M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $132M 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 code for mother of pearl items
Brazil classifies mother of pearl items under NCM 9601.90.00: HS 9601.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mother of pearl items
What is the HS code for Mother of pearl items?
The HS code for Mother of pearl items is 960190 (Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding)). Worked mother of pearl and articles made from it are classified under HS code 9601.90.
How do I classify Mother of pearl items for customs?
Mother of pearl items is classified under HS code 960190 — Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are raw shells classified under this code?
No, raw or unworked shells are classified under HS code 0508.00. Only \"worked\" mother of pearl falls under 9601.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of mother of pearl items (HS 960190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960190 (the code used for mother of pearl items) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($13M, 11% of world exports), Vietnam (about $12M) and Germany ($11M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 mother of pearl items (HS 960190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960190 (the code used for mother of pearl items) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 25% of world imports), France ($16M) and Japan ($12M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 Mother of pearl items the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960190 for Mother of pearl items 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 mother of pearl items in Brazil?
In Brazil, mother of pearl items (HS 960190) is classified under NCM 9601.90.00.