Angel Pendant

👼 Angel Pendant (Jewelry Accessories)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Angel Pendant"?

An Angel Pendant is a popular jewelry accessory, typically worn on a chain or cord. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material composition and manufacturing origin. It is generally categorized into three main types:

1. Precious Metal Pendants: Made from gold, silver, platinum, or clad in precious metals.
2. Stone/Gemstone Pendants: Where the primary value or material is semi-precious or precious stones (e.g., diamonds, sapphires, crystals).
3. Imitation/Fashion Pendants: Made from base metals, plastic, resin, or other non-precious materials, often serving as costume jewelry.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the pendant is primarily precious metal (even if set with stones) → Category 7113.
- If the pendant is primarily worked stones (gold/silver setting is secondary or negligible) → Category 7116.
- If the pendant is not made of precious materials (base metal, plastic, etc.) → Category 7117.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- Metal Content Matters: If the pendant is >50% precious metal by weight or value, it leans toward 7113.
- Stone Content Matters: If the value/material is predominantly the stone itself, it leans toward 7116.
- "Imitation" Trap: In HS Code terms, "Imitation Jewelry" (Chapter 71) includes all jewelry not in Chapters 71.11-71.13. However, 7117 is specifically for non-precious imitation jewelry. If it contains any precious metal, it usually falls under 7113 or 7116, not 7117, unless the precious metal content is negligible (clad).

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Includes imports after Nov 10, 2025 (subject to current trade policies)

🎯 1. 7113.19.50.95 & 7113.19.50.91 —— Precious Metal Pendants

📌 Explanation:
- Base 5.5%: Standard MFN duty for precious metal jewelry.
- 301 Surtax 7.5%: Applied to Chinese-origin goods under Section 301.
- Section 122 10%: Specific surtax often applied to certain jewelry categories to protect domestic industries.
- Total 23%: This is a significant cost. Importers must calculate profit margins carefully.

🎯 2. 7116.20.05.00 & 7116.20.15.00 —— Stone/Semi-Precious Stone Pendants

📌 Note:
- 7116.20.05.00 has a lower base rate (3.3%) and no 301 surtax in some specific interpretations, but Section 122 (10%) still applies, totaling 13.3%.
- 7116.20.15.00 has a higher base rate (6.5%) + 301 (7.5%) + 122 (10%) = 24.0%.
- Critical: Verify if the "stone" is considered "worked" (cut/polished) vs. raw. Worked stones fall under 7116.

🎯 3. 7117.90.90.00 —— Imitation/Base Metal Pendants

📌 Warning:
- This is the highest tariff rate among the options.
- "Imitation jewelry" in HS terms does not mean "fake" in the fraudulent sense, but "non-precious material."
- Do not use this code for precious metal pendants, even if plated. If it has precious metal content, it must go to 7113 or 7116. Misclassification leads to severe penalties.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Crucial Rules)

🔥 "Material Dictates Code, Code Dictates Cost!"

✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-origin jewelry due to Section 301 (7.5%) and Section 122 (10%) surtaxes.
- EU and Canada are much more favorable, with standard MFN rates.
- Cost Calculation: Always add 23-28.5% to your landed cost for US imports.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Angel Pendant" as "Plastic Accessory" (9505) when it’s silver-plated.
👉 Result: CBP reclassifies to 7113, adds 23% duty + penalties.

❌ Error 2: Using "Imitation Jewelry" (7117) for silver-plated items.
👉 Result: Silver-plated items are usually 7113 because they contain precious metal. 7117 is for base metal (e.g., brass, copper) only.

❌ Error 3: Failing to specify stone type.
👉 Result: CBP may default to the highest tax category or hold the shipment for inspection.

❌ Error 4: Not disclosing plating thickness.
👉 Result: If plating is too thin, it may not qualify for 7113 (metal clad) and might fall to 7117 (if base metal is dominant) or be rejected.

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

"Angel Pendant, Jewelry, 925 Sterling Silver, Set with 0.2ct Cubic Zirconia, Model AP-123, No Packaging"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Save Money, Clear Smoothly!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Metal Code: 7113 (23%), Stone Code: 7116 (13-24%), Base Code: 7117 (28.5%). Don't Mix!"
🔹 "Plated is Precious in HS, Base is Imitation. Check Hallmark!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your pendants are made of base metal but plated with thick gold, ensure you have a plating thickness certificate. If the precious metal content is >5% by weight, it may still qualify for 7113. If not, it might be 7117. Get a Pre-Ruling from CBP if unsure.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact your Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Verify Hallmarks
🚀 Ensure your Angel Pendants pass US customs smoothly, avoiding 28.5% surprises!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Profit Margin Depends on Your HS Code!