Product classification
HS code for Unworked cultured pearls: 7101.21
Pearls, cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport.
Classification of unworked cultured pearls under HS 7101.21
The classification of unworked cultured pearls under HS code 7101.21 is determined by the biological origin of the product and its current state of processing. Cultured pearls are those produced through human intervention in the natural biological processes of mollusks, such as oysters or mussels. The term "unworked" is a critical distinction in the Harmonized System, signifying that the pearls have not undergone any mechanical or chemical processing after being harvested, other than simple cleaning or grading for quality. According to the Chapter 71 notes, these pearls remain in this category even if they are temporarily strung for the convenience of transport, provided that the stringing is not intended to be permanent or to create a finished piece of jewelry. This code specifically captures the raw material stage of the cultured pearl industry, serving as the primary entry point for these gems into the global market before they reach artisans, wholesalers, or jewelry manufacturers for further refinement.
- Covers
- Raw Akoya cultured pearls
- Unworked South Sea cultured pearls
- Harvested Tahitian cultured pearls
- Ungraded cultured pearls in bulk
- Temporarily strung unworked cultured pearls
- Also under 7101.21
- Mikimoto (sourcing unworked pearls)
- Paspaley (South Sea pearl harvests)
- Tasaki (Akoya pearl sourcing)
- Major pearl farms in China
- Japan
- Australia
Codes often confused with 7101.21
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing cultured pearls with natural pearls, which are classified under 7101.10. Natural pearls occur without any human intervention. Another common mistake is classifying unworked pearls under 7101.22, which is reserved for cultured pearls that have been "worked" (drilled, polished, or shaped). Additionally, imitation pearls made of glass or plastics should not be classified here; they belong under 7018.10 or 3926.90 respectively, depending on their material composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 710121 (the code used for unworked cultured pearls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 710121 (the code used for unworked cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 69% 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 710121, not only unworked cultured pearls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $87M 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $71M 23% of world exports
- 3 Japan $61M 20% of world exports
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $346M 69% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $118M 23% of world imports
- 3 India $9.5M 1.9% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 unworked cultured pearls
Brazil classifies unworked cultured pearls under NCM 7101.21.00: HS 7101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unworked cultured pearls
What is the HS code for Unworked cultured pearls?
The HS code for Unworked cultured pearls is 710121 (Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport). The HS code is 7101.21. This code specifically covers cultured pearls that have been harvested but have not yet been subjected to working processes like drilling or polishing.
How do I classify Unworked cultured pearls for customs?
Unworked cultured pearls is classified under HS code 710121 — Pearls; cultured, unworked, whether or not graded (but not strung, mounted or set), temporarily strung for the convenience of transport. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can pearls be graded and still fall under 7101.21?
Yes, the HS description explicitly states that pearls may be graded or ungraded. Sorting pearls by size, color, or quality does not constitute "working" the pearl, so they remain under this code as long as they are not permanently set.
Which countries are the top exporters of unworked cultured pearls (HS 710121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 710121 (the code used for unworked cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($87M, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($71M) and Japan ($61M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 unworked cultured pearls (HS 710121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 710121 (the code used for unworked cultured pearls) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($346M, 69% of world imports), Hong Kong ($118M) and India ($9.5M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 Unworked cultured pearls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 710121 for Unworked cultured 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 unworked cultured pearls in Brazil?
In Brazil, unworked cultured pearls (HS 710121) is classified under NCM 7101.21.00.