Find HS Code and trade information for shell beads

Shell Beads

Shell beads are small, decorative objects crafted from the shells of marine mollusks. They have a long history of use across diverse cultures for adornment, currency, and spiritual purposes.

Material

The primary material is naturally occurring seashells, most commonly from species like Cowrie (various Cypraeidae species), Nassa (mud snails), Dentalium (tusk shells), and Pecten (scallops). The shells are sourced from both living mollusks and those found washed ashore. The shells undergo processing, which can include cleaning, drilling, shaping, polishing, and dyeing.

Purpose

Historically and currently, shell beads serve multiple functions:

• Adornment: Used in necklaces, bracelets, anklets, headdresses, and sewn onto clothing.
• Currency: Cowrie shells, in particular, were widely used as a form of currency in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Their portability, durability, and relative scarcity made them suitable for trade.
• Spiritual/Ceremonial: In numerous cultures, shell beads hold symbolic meaning and are used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and as emblems of status or power. They can represent wealth, fertility, protection, or connection to the sea.
• Trade Goods: Shell beads were valuable trade items, facilitating exchange between different groups.
• Memorial Beads: Used in some cultures as part of mourning rituals or to remember loved ones.

Function

The function of shell beads is primarily aesthetic or symbolic, though their historical use as currency provided a practical economic function. Their durability allows for long-term use and transmission across generations. The holes drilled into the shells allow them to be strung together or attached to other materials.

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional Clothing & Jewelry: Incorporated into garments and accessories as decorative elements.
• Ceremonial Regalia: Used in the creation of items worn during religious or cultural events.
• Trade Networks: Historically used as a medium of exchange in various economies.
• Handicrafts & Art: Used in contemporary art and craft projects.
• Body Adornment: Worn as necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or sewn onto the body.

Common Types

• Cowrie Shell Beads: Perhaps the most well-known type, originating from various Cypraeidae species. Often polished and used as currency or for adornment.
• Nassa Shell Beads: Small, spiral-shaped beads, often used in wampum belts (particularly in North America).
• Dentalium Shell Beads: Long, tusk-shaped beads, valued for their rarity and used in trade and adornment.
• Pecten Shell Beads: Made from scallop shells, often flat and fan-shaped.
• Mother-of-Pearl Beads: Crafted from the iridescent inner layer of certain shells (often Pinctada species), prized for their luster.
• Wampum Beads: Specifically refers to beads crafted from Nassa and Mercenaria shells, historically created and used by Native American tribes in the northeastern United States for ceremonial and record-keeping purposes.

Shell beads are generally categorized as articles made from mineral substances, and potentially as articles of apparel depending on their final use. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 7116200500: This code covers Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Of precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): Articles of jewelry: Valued not over $40 per piece. If the shell beads are incorporated into jewelry items with a value not exceeding $40 per piece, this HS code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 71: Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones, synthetic or reconstructed precious stones, and articles thereof.
  • Heading 7116: Articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed).
  • Subheading 711620: Of precious or semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed).
  • Subheading 71162005: Articles of jewelry: Valued not over $40 per piece.

• 3926903300: This code covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included: Handbags. If the shell beads are used in the manufacturing of handbags, this HS code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 39: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms, and polymers in primary forms other than those of heading 3901.
  • Heading 3926: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914.
  • Subheading 392690: Other.
  • Subheading 39269033: Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included: Handbags.

• 6815992000: This code covers Articles of stone or of other mineral substances (including carbon fibers, articles of carbon fibers and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included: Other articles: Other: Talc, steatite and soapstone, cut or sawed, or in blanks, crayons, cubes, disks or other forms. If the shell beads are considered as articles of stone or mineral substances not specifically covered elsewhere, this HS code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 68: Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials.
  • Heading 6815: Articles of stone or of other mineral substances (including carbon fibers, articles of carbon fibers and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included.
  • Subheading 681599: Other articles.
  • Subheading 68159920: Other: Talc, steatite and soapstone, cut or sawed, or in blanks, crayons, cubes, disks or other forms.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'shell beads' are limited, with only the following 3 found. It is important to determine the final use of the shell beads (e.g., jewelry, handbags, or other applications) to select the most appropriate HS code.