Highlights of customs classification: Jewelry and costume jewelry (Chapter 71)

In this article, we briefly clarify the difference in the customs tariff between "jewelry" and "costume jewelry". Additionally, we provide an overview of the most important information that should be considered in this industry.

Jewelry in the Customs Tariff

According to heading 7113 (according to Note 9 to Chapter 71), the following criteria must be met for a product to be classified as jewelry.

1) Material

The jewelry can be made of precious metal or precious metal platings, depending on the material. The jewelry may also include pearls or gemstones as decorations. It is important to note that if the jewelry is not entirely made of precious metal or precious metal plating, the product must contain these materials beyond the measure of minor decoration. For example: a cigarette box made of copper, simply decorated with a golden monogram, must be classified as an ordinary metal product (copper articles) in Chapter 74.

2) Purpose

1. Small items for personal adornment (all products that a person wears on the body) e.g., rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, watch chains, watch fobs, pendants, tie pins, cufflinks, pins, religious or other medals or badges, etc.

2. Items for personal use (all products that a person normally carries in their pocket, handbag, or with them), e.g., cigarette or cigar cases, snuff boxes, confectionery containers and powder boxes, pill boxes, rosaries, etc.

When classifying jewelry, it must be considered that the Combined Nomenclature names in other chapters specific products that can be made of precious metal or precious metal platings and can serve both as personal adornment and as utilitarian objects according to the description of goods text or the notes. These products must not be classified under heading 7113 but must be classified under their own customs tariff number. For example:

• According to Note 2. b) to Chapter 42 (Goods in heading 4202 and 4203 bags and similar containers)

• According to Note 3. l) to Chap. 71 (Heading 9101: Watches and wristwatches, etc.)

• According to Note 4. to Chapter 96 (Ballpoint pens, pocket lighters, etc.) 

Costume Jewelry in the Customs Tariff

According to heading 7117 (according to Note 11 to Chapter 71), the following criteria must be met in order to classify a product as costume jewelry.

1) Material 

Costume jewelry can be made from any material except precious metals and precious metal platings, pearls, gemstones, and ornamental stones belonging to Chapter 71. However, precious metals, precious metal platings, pearls, gemstones, and ornamental stones may only be included to a minor decorative extent.

2) Purpose

1. Small items for personal adornment, similar to the concept described for jewelry, (all products that a person wears on the body), excluding e.g., buttons and hair clips (heading 9606, 9616) or hairbands (classified by material composition). Examples of costume jewelry include: rings, bracelets (excluding watchbands), necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, etc.

2. Items for personal use (all products that a person normally carries in their pocket, handbag, or with them) cannot be regarded as costume jewelry. This means these products cannot be classified in Chapter 71 but according to their material in other chapters, e.g.: powder boxes made of wood, Chap. 44; purses made of leather, Chap. 42

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There is a large amount of information and legal regulations to consider in customs classification. If the classification is incorrect, everything is incorrect: tax collection, export declaration, preference law, conversion reclassification, excise taxes, value-added tax, etc. 

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The correct distinction between jewelry and costume jewelry can be crucial in customs law - and demanding. With traide AI, you automate the classification of your products, check existing classifications for errors, and gain confidence in complex product categories such as accessories, fashion, or decor.

Our AI also understands unstructured product data and helps you quickly arrive at the correct customs tariff number - reliable, scalable, and compliant with regulations.