South Sea Unworked Cultured Pearls from China
Large, unworked cultured pearls from Pinctada maxima oysters in Australian or Indonesian waters, retaining natural baroque shapes and unpolished surfaces. Classified under HTS 7101.21.00.00 due to their unprocessed state, suitable for further working into high-end jewelry.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Provide farm origin documentation and nacre thickness measurements to support valuation and quality claims during customs appraisal
• Use loose packing in sawdust for transport to maintain 'temporarily strung for convenience' allowance without reclassification
• Watch for CITES restrictions if pearls involve protected species, though most cultured pearls are exempt