Find HS Code and trade information for necklace cord

Necklace Cord

Necklace cord refers to the stringing material used to hold the beads, pendants, or other components of a necklace together. It is a fundamental element in jewelry making, available in a wide variety of materials, thicknesses, and styles to suit diverse aesthetic and functional needs.

Materials

The choice of material significantly impacts the necklace’s appearance, durability, and intended use. Common materials include:

• Nylon Cord: A synthetic polymer known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to stretching. Often used for beaded necklaces and macrame work. Available in various weights (sizes) and colors.
• Polyester Cord: Similar to nylon, polyester offers good strength and colorfastness. Less stretchy than nylon.
• Silk Cord: A natural protein fiber prized for its luster, softness, and drape. Traditionally used for pearl necklaces and delicate designs. Requires careful handling due to its relative fragility.
• Cotton Cord: A natural fiber, often used for casual or bohemian-style necklaces. Softer and less durable than synthetic options.
• Leather Cord: A durable and aesthetically versatile material. Available in various finishes (smooth, suede, braided) and colors. Commonly used for pendants or heavier beads.
• Waxed Cord: Typically nylon or polyester coated with wax, providing increased strength, reduced fraying, and a smoother surface for knotting. Popular for micro-macrame and beadwork.
• Metal Chain: While not a cord in the traditional sense, metal chains (sterling silver, gold, stainless steel, brass) are frequently used as necklace stringing materials, offering a different aesthetic and level of durability.
• Wire: Thin metal strands (copper, silver, gold-filled) used for creating intricate designs, wire-wrapping beads, or creating memory wire necklaces.

Purpose & Function

The primary function of necklace cord is to securely hold the components of a necklace together, allowing it to be worn. Beyond this, the cord contributes to:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The cord’s color, texture, and thickness can complement or contrast with the beads or pendant.
• Durability: The cord’s strength determines the necklace’s resistance to breaking or stretching.
• Knotting & Finishing: The cord must be suitable for creating secure knots and attaching clasps and other findings.
• Drape & Movement: The cord's flexibility affects how the necklace hangs and moves.

Usage Scenarios

Necklace cords are used in a wide range of jewelry making applications:

• Beaded Necklaces: Holding individual beads together to create a strand.
• Pendant Necklaces: Supporting a single pendant.
• Macrame Necklaces: Creating intricate knotwork designs.
• Wire-Wrapped Necklaces: Securing beads or stones with wire.
• Chokers: Creating close-fitting necklaces.
• Layered Necklaces: Combining multiple strands of cord with varying bead sizes and styles.

Common Types

• C-Lon Cord: A widely used nylon cord known for its strength, color range, and consistency.
• S-Lon Cord: A thinner, more flexible nylon cord often used for beadweaving and micro-macrame.
• Griffin Cord: A high-quality silk cord popular for pearl knotting and delicate designs.
• Leather Bolo Cord: A leather cord with adjustable sliding knots, used for creating bolo-style necklaces.
• Chinese Knotting Cord: A strong, square-braided nylon cord specifically designed for Chinese knotting techniques.
• Elastic Cord: Stretchy cord used for creating stretch bracelets and necklaces (less common for traditional necklaces due to lack of security).

Based on the provided information, “necklace cord” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its material and specific characteristics. Here's a breakdown of potential classifications:

• 5607.90.90.00: This HS code covers twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics, other. Specifically, it’s for “other” types within this category. This could apply if the necklace cord is made of a synthetic or natural fiber not specifically listed elsewhere. The total tax rate is 61.3%.
• 5607.50.35.00: This HS code is for twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics, of other synthetic fibers, and not braided or plaited, specifically “other”. The tax rate is 19.9¢/kg + 10.8% + 55.0%.
• 7113.20.10.00: This HS code covers articles of jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, of base metal clad with precious metal, specifically rope, curb, cable, chain and similar articles produced in continuous lengths, suitable for use in the manufacture of articles provided for in this heading. The total tax rate is 44.5%.
• 7113.11.10.00: This HS code covers articles of jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, of precious metal, specifically rope, curb, cable, chain and similar articles produced in continuous lengths, suitable for use in the manufacture of articles provided for in this heading. The total tax rate is 43.8%.

Important Considerations:

• If the necklace cord is made of precious metal, HS codes 7113.20.10.00 or 7113.11.10.00 are most appropriate.
• If the cord is not made of precious metal, HS codes 5607.90.90.00 or 5607.50.35.00 may be more suitable, depending on the fiber content and construction.
• Regarding HS code 7113.20.10.00 and 7113.11.10.00, the cord must be suitable for use in the manufacture of jewelry articles.
• The material composition of the cord is critical for accurate classification. If the cord is made of gut, HS codes 4206.00.90.00 or 4206.00.19.30 may apply.