Product classification
HS code for Precious stone articles: 7116.20
Stones, precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed) articles of.
Classification of precious stone articles under HS 7116.20
HS code 7116.20 covers articles made of precious or semi-precious stones, whether those stones are natural, synthetic, or reconstructed. This classification is governed by the essential character principle found in the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 3b). Heading 7116 is used for goods where the precious or semi-precious stone constitutes the main component or provides the primary value and function of the article, and where the item is not classified as jewelry under heading 7113. While 7113 involves stones set into precious metals for personal adornment, 7116.20 focuses on items where the stone itself is the primary material, such as carved figures, decorative objects, or technical components. This subheading specifically excludes articles made of pearls, which are found in 7116.10. The stones involved can range from quartz and agate to rubies and emeralds. It is important to note that for an article to be classified here, it must be a finished or identifiable product. Raw, uncut stones or stones merely sawn into blocks would typically fall under headings 7103 or 7104. The distinction between a stone article and jewelry often depends on whether the item is intended for personal adornment and whether it incorporates precious metals as a structural element. If the stone is mounted on a precious metal base for wear on the person, it is jewelry (7113). If it is a standalone object like a paperweight, a decorative bowl, or a technical bearing, it falls under 7116.20. This classification ensures that the unique value of the gemstone material is recognized even when not used in traditional jewelry formats.
- Covers
- Agate mortars and pestles for laboratory use
- Jade carvings and statuettes
- Malachite decorative boxes and trays
- Amethyst bookends and office accessories
- Synthetic ruby bearings for precision instruments
- Onyx ashtrays and desk sets
- Also under 7116.20
Swarovski Crystal Figurines, Baccarat Crystal Art, Cartier Stone Jewelry (where stone is primary), Tiffany & Co. Gemstone Objects
Codes often confused with 7116.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 7113, which is for jewelry. If the item is for personal adornment and contains precious metal, 7113 is correct. It is also confused with 9602, which covers molded or carved articles of vegetable or mineral origin; however, if the material is a precious or semi-precious stone, 7116.20 is the specific requirement.
Top exporters and importers of HS 711620 (the code used for precious stone articles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 711620 (the code used for precious stone articles) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% 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 711620, not only precious stone articles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $354M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $198M 12% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$174M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $845M 38% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $125M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $97M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 codes for precious stone articles
Brazil splits HS 7116.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7116.20.10Articles of synthetic diamonds
- 7116.20.20Ruby needle guides for print heads
- 7116.20.90Other articles of precious or semi-precious stone
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about precious stone articles
What is the HS code for Precious stone articles?
The HS code for Precious stone articles is 711620 (Stones; precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed) articles of). The HS code is 7116.20, covering articles of natural, synthetic, or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones.
How do I classify Precious stone articles for customs?
Precious stone articles is classified under HS code 711620 — Stones; precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed) articles of. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include industrial diamond tools?
No, industrial diamond tools are generally classified under Chapter 82 (Tools) or Chapter 68, depending on their construction and use, rather than as stone articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious stone articles (HS 711620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 711620 (the code used for precious stone articles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($354M, 22% of world exports), China ($198M) and Vietnam (about $174M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 precious stone articles (HS 711620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 711620 (the code used for precious stone articles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($845M, 38% of world imports), Switzerland ($125M) and Germany ($97M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Precious stone articles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 711620 for Precious stone articles 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 precious stone articles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 711620 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for precious stone articles depends on the product's details: 7116.20.10 (Articles of synthetic diamonds), 7116.20.20 (Ruby needle guides for print heads), 7116.20.90 (Other articles of precious or semi-precious stone).