Mother-of-Pearl Button Blanks from Mexico
Cut and polished blanks from mother-of-pearl shells for high-end shirt buttons. Falls under HTS 9606.30.8000 as other button blanks, allowing shell material per chapter notes unless minor constituent.
Duty Rate — Mexico → United States
16%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.5510%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 10% ad valorem on products of Mexico
Import Tips
• Obtain CITES permits if shell species are protected
• Document shell origin and processing to avoid misclassification as finished pearls
• Test for natural vs synthetic to confirm chapter note allowances