HS Code for Jewelry

Jewelry is classified in chapter 71 of the HTSUS, where the material is the main factor that decides the heading. Jewelry of precious metal points toward heading 7113 (with silver and other precious metals separated at the subheading level) while articles made of precious or semiprecious stones point toward heading 7116, and imitation jewelry toward heading 7117. General duty rates range from Free for some imitation jewelry up to 11% for imitation jewelry of base metal, with precious-metal jewelry around 5% to 5.5%. Identifying whether the piece is precious metal, gemstone or imitation is the first step in exploring the most appropriate heading.

Jewelry sits together in chapter 71 of the HTSUS, but the chapter divides jewelry by material, so what the piece is made of is the starting point rather than a single catch-all heading. Articles of jewelry of precious metal point toward heading 7113; articles made of precious or semiprecious stones point toward heading 7116; and imitation jewelry points toward heading 7117.

The first branch is between genuine precious-metal jewelry and imitation jewelry. Heading 7113 covers articles of jewelry and parts thereof of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, and its subheadings separate jewelry of silver from jewelry of other precious metal such as gold or platinum. Silver jewelry points toward 7113.11, while jewelry of other precious metal points toward 7113.19. This heading is intended for pieces whose essential character comes from the precious metal itself.

Jewelry and articles built primarily from precious or semiprecious stones (whether natural, synthetic or reconstructed) point instead toward heading 7116, alongside articles of natural or cultured pearls. When the stones rather than a precious-metal mounting give the article its character, heading 7116 is the line to explore.

Imitation jewelry points toward heading 7117. Within that heading, pieces of base metal (whether or not plated with precious metal) point toward the base-metal subheading 7117.19, while other imitation jewelry points toward 7117.90, where a value breakout distinguishes pieces valued over 20 cents per dozen. A practical way to approach it is to identify the material first (precious metal, precious or semiprecious stones, or imitation), then, for precious metal, confirm whether it is silver or another precious metal, and for imitation, whether it is base metal or another material. That sequence usually points toward a single most-appropriate heading and subheading. Because chapter 71 provides for jewelry specifically, it is generally better to stay within it than to reach for the base-metal article headings of chapter 83 or the accessory provisions elsewhere, which are intended for different goods.

General duty rates for jewelry vary mainly by material. Jewelry of silver is around 5%, and jewelry of other precious metal around 5.5%. Articles of precious or semiprecious stones are around 3.3%. Imitation jewelry spans a wider range: imitation jewelry of base metal is around 11%, while other imitation jewelry valued over 20 cents per dozen pieces can be Free. Because the material drives both the heading and the rate, confirming what the piece is made of is worthwhile. Preferential rates under free trade agreements or programs such as the Generalized System of Preferences may reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying origins. These figures are estimates for general planning purposes only.