Red coral branches
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9705290000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9705220000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7116204000 | 28.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7116203500 | 14.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 050800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 960170 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΊ Red Coral Branches β HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026 Edition)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Expert-Level Compliance Guide
π One Product, One Code, Zero Risk β Master the Rules for Red Coral Branches
π¦ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Red Coral Branches"?
Red coral branches refer to unworked or simply prepared coral harvested from marine environments, typically from the genus Corallium (especially Corallium rubrum). These are natural, non-processed coral structures that have been:
- Harvested from the sea
- Cleaned and dried (no polishing, carving, or shaping)
- Not cut, drilled, or otherwise modified for use in jewelry or decorative items
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If only cleaned and dried β HS Code 0508.00
- If carved, drilled, or shaped β HS Code 9601.70 (higher tariff)
- If used in jewelry or decorative art β HS Code 7116.20.40.00 (even higher tariff)
π 2. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Status | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
0508.00 |
Coral and similar materials, unworked or simply prepared but not further worked; shells of molluscs, crustaceans or echinoderms and cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not further worked, powder and waste thereof. | β Tax Info Failed to Retrieve | β Only applies to raw, unprocessed coral |
9601.70 |
Worked coral and articles of coral; shell carving and articles of shell. | β Tax Info Failed to Retrieve | β Not applicable if unworked |
7116.20.40.00 |
Articles of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Other: Of semiprecious stones (except rock crystal): Other | β 18.0% Total Tax | β Only if used in finished items |
7116.20.35.00 |
Figurines of semiprecious stone | β 0.0% Total Tax | β Not applicable to raw coral |
9705.29.00.00 |
Collections and collectorsβ pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or paleontological interest: Other | β 0.0% Total Tax | β Only if for scientific/collectible use |
9705.22.00.00 |
Extinct or endangered species and parts thereof | β 0.0% Total Tax | β οΈ Highly restricted β CITES compliance required |
π Summary:
β Red coral branches (raw, unworked) β HS Code0508.00
β Do NOT use9601.70or7116.20.40.00unless the coral is worked or crafted
π° 3. 2026 Tariff Analysis β Detailed Tax Breakdown (Based on Available Data)
π― 1. 0508.00 β Raw Red Coral Branches (Unworked or Simply Prepared)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | β Not available (Failed to retrieve) |
| Additional Duty | β Not available (Failed to retrieve) |
| Total Tax | β Error |
| Tax Calculation | β Cannot be calculated β data missing |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Unknown |
| Legal Basis | 0508.00 β Unworked coral under WTO Harmonized System |
π Critical Warning:
- No tax rate is available in the current data β This is a red flag
- Customs authorities may apply default or emergency tariffs
- Risk of unexpected charges or delays
- Always confirm with local customs or a licensed broker before shipment
π― 2. 9601.70 β Worked Coral & Articles of Coral
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | β Not available |
| Additional Duty | β Not available |
| Total Tax | β Error |
| Applicability | β Not applicable to raw coral branches |
| Use Case | Only if coral is carved, drilled, or shaped into ornaments |
β οΈ Avoid this code unless your coral has been modified beyond simple cleaning.
π― 3. 7116.20.40.00 β Other Articles of Semiprecious Stones (Including Coral)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 10.5% |
| Additional Duty | 7.5% |
| Total Tax | β 18.0% |
| Applicability | β Only if coral is used in finished jewelry or decorative items |
| Example | Coral beads, pendants, or inlays |
π₯ High-Risk Code:
- Applying this to raw coral branches = Classification Error
- Could result in penalties, seizure, or refund claims
π― 4. 9705.29.00.00 β Collectorsβ Pieces (Zoological/Mineralogical Interest)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | β 0.0% |
| Applicability | β Only if for scientific, museum, or collector use |
| Requirement | Must provide documentation proving non-commercial, educational, or research purpose |
π Use Case:
- Museums, universities, geological surveys
- Must declare: "For scientific collection β not for sale"
π― 5. 9705.22.00.00 β Extinct or Endangered Species & Parts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tax | β 0.0% |
| Applicability | β οΈ Only if coral is from endangered species |
| Requirement | CITES Permit required β strictly enforced |
π« High Risk:
- Red coral (Corallium rubrum) is listed under CITES Appendix II
- Export/import without CITES permit = illegal
- Fines, confiscation, criminal charges possible
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips for Success)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Yes | Must state: "Unworked Red Coral Branches, for scientific/collectible use" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ Yes | Show quantity, weight, packaging |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Yes | Prove origin (e.g., Italy, Japan, Mediterranean) |
| β CITES Permit | βοΈ Yes (if exporting/importing) | Mandatory for red coral β even for raw material |
| β Scientific/Collectorsβ Letter | βοΈ Yes (if using 9705.29.00.00) |
Prove non-commercial purpose |
| β Photos of Raw Coral | βοΈ Yes | Show no carving, drilling, or shaping |
| β Third-Party Lab Test (Optional) | βοΈ Recommended | Confirm coral is natural and unworked |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌη³ζ₯ε£θ―οΌ
π₯ βRaw = 0508.00, Worked = 9601.70, Jewelry = 7116.20.40, Collectors = 9705.29, Endangered = CITES!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Raw coral, cleaned only | 0508.00 |
9601.70 (high risk) |
| Coral carved into pendant | 9601.70 |
0508.00 (understatement) |
| Coral in necklace | 7116.20.40.00 |
0508.00 (risk of audit) |
| For museum collection | 9705.29.00.00 |
0508.00 (missing CITES) |
| From endangered species | 9705.22.00.00 + CITES |
No CITES = seizure |
β 3. Special Handling & Compliance
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| CITES Compliance | Always obtain CITES permit β even for raw coral |
| Origin from EU/Mediterranean | May qualify for lower risk β but still requires CITES |
| Shipping to US/EU/UK | Confirm if CITES + phytosanitary requirements apply |
| Re-export of Coral | Must show original CITES permit and chain of custody |
| Dispute or Audit | Provide photos, lab reports, and CITES documentation |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | CITES Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 0508.00 |
β Error | β Yes | High risk β no tax data |
| πͺπΊ EU | 0508.00 |
0% (if CITES valid) | β Yes | Strict enforcement |
| π¨π³ China | 0508.00 |
5% | β Yes | Requires CITES for import |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0508.00 |
0% | β Yes | High scrutiny |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0508.00 |
0% | β Yes | CITES + biosecurity checks |
π Key Insight:
- All major markets require CITES for red coral
- No country allows unregulated trade
- Even "raw" coral is regulated
π 6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid the Pitfalls!)
β Mistake 1: Using 0508.00 without CITES permit
π Result: Seizure, fines, criminal charges
β
Fix: Always attach CITES permit to shipment
β Mistake 2: Declaring raw coral as "natural stone" or "rock"
π Result: Misclassification, audit, penalties
β
Fix: Use exact description: "Unworked red coral branches, Corallium rubrum, for scientific/collectible use"
β Mistake 3: Assuming no tax due because 0508.00 has "no tax info"
π Result: Unexpected charges at port
β
Fix: Contact local customs or a broker to confirm rate
β Mistake 4: Shipping coral to the US without CITES
π Result: Immediate detention at USCBP
β
Fix: Apply for CITES permit 30β60 days before shipment
π― 7. Final Verdict: How to Declare Red Coral Branches Safely
β Correct Declaration:
- HS Code:0508.00
- Description: "Unworked red coral branches, Corallium rubrum, simply prepared, not further worked, for scientific or collectorsβ use"
- Documents: CITES Permit + Commercial Invoice + Photos
- Tax: β Unknown β must verify with customs
- Risk Level: π΄ High β due to CITES and missing tax dataπ¨ Do NOT use
9601.70,7116.20.40.00, or9705.22.00.00unless fully justified and documented
π£ Call to Action: Protect Your Shipment & Avoid Disaster
π Contact a licensed customs broker with CITES experience
π Apply for CITES permit before harvesting or shipping
π Request a pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) from customs if unsure
π Use only official product descriptions β no slang or vague terms
β¨ Pro Tip:
If your red coral is for research, museum, or educational use, use
9705.29.00.00with CITES + letter β 0% tax and lower scrutiny
π― Summary: The 5-Step Rule for Red Coral Branches
- Confirm itβs unworked β no carving, drilling, or shaping
- Use HS Code
0508.00β only if raw - Obtain CITES Permit β mandatory
- Declare accurately β no exaggeration
- Verify tax rate β data missing β act with caution
πΌ Your shipment is only as strong as your documentation.
π‘οΈ One wrong code = one wrong permit = one seized cargo.
π Red coral is beautiful, but itβs also highly regulated.
π Compliance isnβt optional β itβs survival.
π£ Ready to Ship?
π Contact a CITES-licensed customs broker today
π Ensure your red coral branches clear customs smoothly, legally, and safely
π‘ Because one mistake can cost thousands β and your reputation.
β¨ Precise Classification. Legal Compliance. Smooth Clearance.
π Your Red Coral Journey Starts Here.
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.