Product classification
HS code for 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 natural pearls under HS 7101.10
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.
- Covers
- 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
- 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 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 710110 (the code used for natural pearls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710110 (the code used for 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 natural pearls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $9.9M 15% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $8.9M 14% of world exports
World total: $65M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $15M 20% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $11M 14% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $9.7M 13% of world imports
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 natural pearls
Brazil classifies 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 natural pearls
What is the HS code for Natural pearls?
The HS code for 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 natural pearls, whether worked or unworked but not set, is 7101.10.
How do I classify Natural pearls for customs?
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.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural pearls (HS 710110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710110 (the code used for 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 natural pearls (HS 710110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 710110 (the code used for 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 Natural pearls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 710110 for 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 natural pearls in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural pearls (HS 710110) is classified under NCM 7101.10.00.