HS Code for Natural pearls

Natural pearls are classified under HS code 7101.10. Chapter 71 covers natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals. Heading 7101 is specific to pearls. The subheading 7101.10 is designated for natural pearls, which are those formed inside the shells of mollusks without any human intervention. These pearls may be "worked" (e.g., drilled, polished, or shaped) or "graded," but they must not be permanently strung, mounted, or set. If they are temporarily strung for ease of transport, they remain under this code. The primary factor in this classification is the origin of the pearl; natural pearls are significantly rarer and classified separately from cultured pearls. According to the Chapter 71 notes, the term "natural pearls" refers to pearls produced by the accidental secretion of a parasite or other foreign body in the mantle of a mollusk. Because natural pearls are often sold individually or in matched pairs for high-end jewelry, their classification is strictly monitored to prevent the mislabeling of cultured pearls as natural. The distinction is often only verifiable through X-ray testing in gemological laboratories. If the pearls are set into jewelry, the classification shifts entirely to heading 7116.

Products Included

• Wild saltwater pearls (e.g., Basra pearls)
• Natural freshwater pearls
• Drilled natural pearls (not set)
• Polished or worked natural pearls
• Temporarily strung natural pearls for transport

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 7101.21 and 7101.22, which are for cultured pearls (unworked and worked, respectively). Cultured pearls are produced by human intervention in pearl farms. Another common error is using HS code 7116.10, which is for articles of natural or cultured pearls (jewelry). If the pearls are permanently strung or set in metal, they must be classified under 7116 rather than 7101.

FAQ

What is the HS code for natural pearls?

The HS code for natural pearls, whether worked or unworked but not set, is 7101.10.

Are cultured pearls included in this code?

No, cultured pearls are classified under 7101.21 (unworked) or 7101.22 (worked). 7101.10 is strictly for pearls formed naturally in the wild.