Jewelry HS Code for Import: Classification Guide

Jewelry HS Code for Import: Classification Guide

For importers sourcing fashion jewelry from China, the HS (Harmonized System) code on your commercial invoice determines your duty rate, customs clearance speed, and whether your shipment gets flagged for inspection. Misclassify a shipment of titanium steel earrings as "precious metal jewelry" and you could pay 5–10x the duty you actually owe — or face penalties for underpayment. This guide breaks down the codes that matter for wholesale fashion jewelry, with practical notes from factory-floor experience in Meilong, Haifeng County, Guangdong.

How Jewelry HS Codes Are Structured

The HS system uses 6-digit codes internationally, with countries adding 2–4 more digits for duty specificity. Jewelry sits primarily in Chapter 71 (precious metals, stones, imitation jewelry) and Chapter 91 (watches and parts). The critical distinction customs officers look for is base metal vs. precious metal — not what the piece looks like, but what it is made of.

Key Codes for Fashion Jewelry Imports

• 7117.11 — Imitation jewelry of base metal, cufflinks and studs. Low duty in most markets (often 0–3.5% in the US).
• 7117.19 — Imitation jewelry of base metal, other than cufflinks/studs. This is the workhorse code for titanium steel necklaces, 316L stainless steel bracelets, gold-plated earrings, and cubic zirconia rings. US duty typically 3.3–5%.
• 7117.90 — Imitation jewelry of materials other than base metal (e.g., plastic, wood, glass, pearl strands without precious metal clasps). Often duty-free or near-zero in the US.
• 7113 — Jewelry of precious metal (silver, gold, platinum). Sterling silver chains and gold-plated pieces may fall here if the precious metal content is substantial — but gold-plated base metal stays in 7117. This is where classification errors happen most.
• 7116 — Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones. Relevant for loose moissanite or pearl components, not finished fashion jewelry.

Duty Rates by Market: What Importers Actually Pay

United States

Under HTSUS, 7117.19.20 (imitation jewelry of base metal) carries a general duty of 3.3% for most items, though some sub-lines reach 5%. 7117.90.55 (other imitation jewelry) is often free. Sterling silver jewelry under 7113.11.50 is 5%. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods can add 7.5–25% depending on the HTS subheading — always verify the current exclusion status before quoting landed cost.

European Union

Imitation jewelry (7117) enters at 4% under the Common Customs Tariff. Precious metal jewelry (7113) is 2.5%. EU importers must also account for 19–27% VAT depending on member state, applied to the CIF value plus duty.

United Kingdom

Post-Brexit, the UK Global Tariff sets imitation jewelry at 2% for base metal and 2.5% for precious metal. VAT is 20% on the total landed value.

Canada, Australia, Japan

• Canada: 7117 at 6.5–8.5% MFN; 7113 at 5–6.5%.
• Australia: 5% general rate on most jewelry; 0% under ChAFTA with a valid Certificate of Origin.
• Japan: 7117 at 3.4–5.2%; 7113 at 3.5–5.5%.

Why Material Composition Drives Your Code

At China Jewelry Factory in Meilong, our 632 original styles span titanium steel, 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, sterling silver, gold-plated brass, pearl, cubic zirconia, and moissanite. Each material maps to a different HS line:

• Titanium steel / 316L stainless steel (hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lead-free, IP/PVD vacuum plated) → 7117.19
• Gold-plated base metal → 7117.19 (plating does not reclassify to 7113)
• Sterling silver → 7113.11
• Freshwater pearl strands with base metal clasps → 7117.90 or 7116 depending on configuration
• Loose moissanite or CZ stones → 7104 / 7116

Customs authorities in the US and EU increasingly request material breakdowns and lab reports to confirm base metal content. Our factory provides REACH and California Prop 65 compliance documentation with every shipment, plus 48-hour salt-spray tarnish test reports — these support your classification and reduce inspection risk.

Practical Classification Tips for Buyers

• Never classify by appearance. A gold-colored titanium steel ring is 7117, not 7113.
• Request a material declaration from your supplier. Our invoices list base metal, plating type, and stone composition per SKU.
• Check de minimis thresholds. US: USD 800 duty-free. EU: EUR 150 duty-free (VAT applies from EUR 0).
• Use the correct origin. Meilong-manufactured goods qualify for China origin; this affects Section 301 and anti-dumping exposure.
• Sample first. Our 7–10 day sampling window lets you verify material specs before committing to a classification on a full order.
• Low MOQ helps testing. At 5 pieces per style, you can pilot a shipment, confirm the HS code with your customs broker, then scale.

Get Classification Support With Your Order

China Jewelry Factory ships wholesale fashion jewelry direct from Meilong, Haifeng County — China's fashion jewelry manufacturing hub. We support OEM/ODM, private label, custom logos with no minimum brand order, and custom gift boxes. All titanium steel and 316L pieces are hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and lead-free, with IP/PVD vacuum plating and 48-hour salt-spray testing. Compliant with REACH and California Prop 65. Sampling in 7–10 days, 9-language support, and free shipping over USD 50.

For HS code guidance, material declarations, or a quote on any of our 632 styles, contact us:
WhatsApp: +63 9690523936
Email: yuhua0095@gmail.com