South Sea Unworked Cultured Pearls from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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