HS 711610 Of natural or cultured pearls
Quick Answer: Natural or cultured pearls imported under HS 711610 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.3% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This HS code specifically covers articles composed of natural or cultured pearls, whether or not mounted, set, or strung. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, which may necessitate careful consideration of origin and applicable trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on the destination country and any applicable preferential treatment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7116100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7116100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7116101000 | 3.3% | Free (17 programs) | ["g"] |
| 711610 | — | — | — |
| 7116102500 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["g"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7116.10?
Imports of Of natural or cultured pearls may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 711610 cover?
This subheading covers natural pearls, whether or not worked, and cultured pearls, whether or not worked, but not sorted, de-strung or simply mounted. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes pearls that have undergone basic processing like drilling or cleaning, but excludes those that have been assembled into jewelry or strung. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this definition, focusing on the raw or semi-processed state of the pearls themselves, distinct from finished articles.
What falls outside HS 711610?
The following products are excluded from HS 711610: imitation pearls, which are typically made of glass or plastic and lack the organic composition of natural or cultured pearls, and finished articles of jewelry or other ornamental articles incorporating pearls. For instance, a necklace strung with pearls would be classified under Chapter 71, but in a different heading or subheading depending on the overall composition and value of the finished piece, not under the raw pearl classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 711610?
A common error is misclassifying imitation pearls or finished pearl jewelry under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly assume that any item containing pearls belongs here, overlooking the distinction between worked pearls and articles made from them, or the difference between genuine and imitation materials.
How should importers classify products under HS 711610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 711610 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the pearls are indeed natural or cultured, and that they have not been further assembled into finished articles. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 711610?
A parcel of 100 grams of unworked natural pearls, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5,000 USD × 10% = $500.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS code 7116100000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 711610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 711610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 711610, covering natural or cultured pearls?
Import duty rates for HS code 711610 vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate. The European Union, under its TARIC system, also generally has a 0.00% duty rate for natural or cultured pearls. However, other countries may have different rates, such as the United Kingdom's 3.3% duty rate. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact applicable duty.
How is the import duty for HS code 711610 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 711610 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or based on a specific unit. If the duty is ad valorem, the formula is: Duty = Value of Goods × Duty Rate. For instance, if pearls valued at $10,000 are imported into a country with a 3.3% ad valorem duty rate, the duty would be $10,000 × 0.033 = $330. If the duty is specific, it would be Duty = Quantity × Rate per Unit. Always verify the basis of duty assessment in the importing country's tariff.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 711610?
When importing natural or cultured pearls under HS code 711610, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the pearls. A packing list is also standard. Depending on the origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. For pearls, documentation proving their natural or cultured status might be requested by customs authorities to ensure correct classification and compliance with any specific regulations related to precious materials.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 711610, and how can importers benefit?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for goods classified under HS code 711610. For example, the United States has preferential rates under agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (C), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR), among others, often listed as 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)'. To benefit, importers must ensure the pearls originate from a country that is a party to a relevant trade agreement and possess a valid certificate of origin that meets the specific requirements of that agreement. This requires careful verification of the origin rules stipulated in each trade agreement.
What are the key criteria for classifying pearls under HS code 711610 as 'natural or cultured'?
HS code 711610 specifically covers pearls, whether natural or cultured. Natural pearls are formed spontaneously within a mollusk without any human intervention. Cultured pearls are produced by the deliberate introduction of an irritant into a mollusk, stimulating the formation of a pearl. Distinguishing between the two often requires gemological expertise and potentially laboratory analysis. Customs authorities may require documentation or expert verification to confirm whether pearls are natural or cultured, as this distinction can sometimes influence specific import regulations or duties, although for HS 711610, both fall under the same primary code.