Stone Bead
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117905500 | 24.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7103995000 | 28.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7018102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117904500 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7103991000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7018105000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Stone Beads (Decorative/Artistic Gems)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategies
π One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Stone Beads"?
Stone beads are small, polished stones used primarily for jewelry making, crafts, or decorative purposes. In international trade, the classification is highly sensitive to material nature (is it a precious/semi-precious stone or merely ornamental/fake?) and state of processing (cut/polished but unmounted vs. mounted).
Key Distinction Points: - If the stone is a genuine semi-precious gemstone (e.g., agate, jade, quartz) in raw/cut form: It falls under Chapter 71 (Pearls, Gemstones, Precious Metals). - If the stone is artificial, plastic, or classified as "imitation jewelry": It falls under Chapter 71 (Imitation Jewelry) or potentially Chapter 70 (Glass/Artificial Gems) depending on material specifics. - If the item is loose beads (not strung/mounted): It is treated as a bulk material/component, not finished jewelry.
β οΈ Critical Classification Logic:
- "Stone" (η³) in Chinese customs context often implies natural mineral origin. If verified as natural semi-precious stone β HS 7103.
- "Imitation/Fake" (δ»ΏεΆ) or unspecified material often defaults to HS 7117 (Imitation Jewelry).
- Glass/Crystal look-alikes may fall under HS 7018.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (Latest Tariff Concordance)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Tax Rate (US Import from CN) |
|---|---|---|---|
7103.99.10.00 |
Precious stones & semi-precious stones (cut, polished), unmounted, other than diamond | Genuine Semi-Precious Stone: Fits "stone" material + "bead" shape (cut/polished). Matches 7103 (Gemstones). | 17.5% |
7103.99.50.00 |
Precious stones & semi-precious stones (cut, polished), unmounted, other than diamond | Genuine Semi-Precious Stone: Similar to above, often used for broader semi-precious categories. Matches 7103. | 28.0% |
7117.90.45.00 |
Imitation jewelry (other) | Imitation/Fake: If the "stone" is actually ceramic, plastic, or generic stone used decoratively as "fake jewelry". Matches 7117 (Imitation Jewelry). | 10.0% |
7117.90.55.00 |
Imitation jewelry (other) | Imitation/Fake: Broad category for non-metal/non-plastic imitation beads. Matches 7117. | 24.7% |
7018.10.20.00 |
Glass beads, artificial pearls, etc. (small articles) | Glass/Crystal: If the "stone bead" is actually glass or synthetic crystal marketed as such. Matches 7018 (Glass Small Articles). | 35.0% |
7018.10.50.00 |
Glass beads, artificial pearls, etc. (other) | Glass/Crystal: Broader category for glass-based decorative beads. Matches 7018. | 35.0% |
π Key Insight:
- The biggest cost difference is between Genuine Stone (7103) and Imitation/Glass (7117/7018).
- Section 122 Tariff (10%) applies to almost all Chinese-origin goods under US trade restrictions, significantly impacting the base rate.
- 301 Section Tariffs (7.5% or 25%) apply depending on the specific subheading and trade actions.
π° Three, 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates (Subject to Section 301 & 122 adjustments)
π― 1. 7103.99.10.00 β Genuine Semi-Precious Stones (Cut/Polished)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% (MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% (Typical for this subheading under current trade lists) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% (Mandatory surcharge on Chinese imports) |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Value usually exceeds $800 threshold for duty-free entry; also, gemstones are often scrutinized) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7103.99.10.00 β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- If the beads are verified as natural semi-precious stones (e.g., agate, quartz), they benefit from 0% base duty.
- However, the +17.5% total burden makes them expensive to import compared to domestic sourcing.
π― 2. 7103.99.50.00 β Other Genuine Semi-Precious Stones
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 10.5% |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 28.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7103.99.50.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Some semi-precious stone subheadings have a higher base rate (10.5%).
- This results in a significantly higher total cost (28.0%) than7103.99.10.00.
- Crucial: Ensure correct subheading to avoid overpayment.
π― 3. 7117.90.45.00 β Imitation Jewelry (Other)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% |
| Section 301 Duty | 0% (Often excluded or lower rate for specific imitation goods) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Unless shipped as de minimis under $800, but duty liability still exists if audited) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7117.90.45.00 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- If classified as imitation (non-gemstone), the base duty is 0%.
- Only the 10% Section 122 surcharge applies.
- This is the lowest tax burden scenario if the product is indeed non-genuine.
π― 4. 7117.90.55.00 β Imitation Jewelry (Other, Miscellaneous)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 7.2% |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 24.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7117.90.55.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This subheading captures miscellaneous imitation jewelry not covered elsewhere.
- Higher base duty (7.2%) leads to a higher total cost (24.7%).
π― 5. 7018.10.20.00 & 7018.10.50.00 β Glass/Artificial Beads
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25% (High for glass articles under certain trade actions) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7018.10.20.00 / 7018.10.50.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- If the "stone" is actually glass, the 25% Section 301 duty applies.
- This is the highest tax burden scenario (35.0%).
- Risk: Misdeclaring glass as stone to avoid taxes can lead to severe penalties.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Clearance)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | β Yes | Clearly state "Stone Beads, Unmounted" or "Imitation Jewelry Beads". Avoid vague terms like "Decorative Items". |
| Product Photos | β Yes | High-res images showing material texture (natural stone vs. glass/plastic). |
| Material Composition Statement | β Yes | Explicitly state: "Material: 100% Natural Agate" OR "Material: Ceramic/Plastic Imitation". |
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | β Yes | Ensure weight and volume match invoice. |
| Certificate of Origin (if applicable) | β Optional | If claiming exemption from other countries' duties, but for US, origin is clearly CN. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Know Your Material: Natural = 7103, Fake = 7117, Glass = 7018"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Semi-Precious Stone (e.g., Jade, Agate) | 7103.99.10.00 |
17.5% | Lowest duty for genuine stones. Provenance required. |
| Generic Stone Beads (Unspecified) | 7117.90.45.00 |
10.0% | If material is uncertain or generic, classifying as imitation avoids higher gemstone scrutiny. |
| Glass/Crystal Beads | 7018.10.20.00 |
35.0% | High tax. Only use if accurate. |
| Mounted Jewelry (Strung) | 7117.90.00.00 |
Varies | If beads are strung into necklaces/bracelets, they are finished jewelry, not beads. |
π Warning:
- Do NOT declare glass beads as "stone" to save taxes. US Customs (CBP) uses X-ray and physical inspection. Misdeclaration leads to seizure, fines, and loss of import privileges.
- Do NOT declare natural stones as "imitation" if they are genuine, unless you want to overpay on potential anti-dumping duties (rare for stones, but possible).
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| De Minimis (Section 321) Under $800 | Even if under $800, duties are still assessed for goods from China under Section 301/122. Do not assume tax-free. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipment contains both natural stones and imitation beads, classify each separately. Mixing can lead to highest rate applied to whole shipment. |
| Customs Examination | Be prepared for CBP to request physical samples or lab tests to verify material. Keep samples available. |
| Valuation | CBP may challenge declared value. Ensure invoice reflects actual transaction value (price paid). |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7103.99.10.00 / 7117.90.45.00 |
10% - 35% | High Section 122/301 surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7103.99.00 / 7117.90 |
0% - 5% | Lower duties, but VAT applies (19-25%). |
| π¨π³ China | 7103.99.00 / 7117.90 |
0% - 20% | Import duties vary, but lower than US. |
| π¬π§ UK | 7103.99.00 / 7117.90 |
0% - 5% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for stone beads due to Section 122 and 301 tariffs.
- EU/UK are more favorable for duty but have high VAT.
- China is a sourcing hub; importing back to China has moderate duties.
π Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Stone Beads" without material specification
π Result: CBP classifies as highest duty category (Glass/Imitation) β 35% tax.
β Mistake 2: Using "Gemstone" for imitation beads
π Result: Customs suspicion, audit, and potential fraud charges.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10% surcharge)
π Result: Budget miscalculation β Profit margin erosion.
β Mistake 4: Treating de minimis shipments as duty-free
π Result: Goods held at border, delayed, and taxed upon clearance.
β Correct Approach:
"Natural Agate Beads, Unmounted, 8mm, 100% Natural Stone, for Jewelry Making"
vs.
"Ceramic Beads, Imitation Jewelry, Round, 8mm"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Natural Stone = 7103 (17.5%), Imitation = 7117 (10-24.7%), Glass = 7018 (35%)"
πΉ "Material proof is key. No proof = Default to higher duty."
πΉ "Always account for Section 122 (10%) and 301 (7.5-25%)."
π Pro Tip:
- Request a Material Test Report from your supplier to confirm if beads are natural or synthetic.
- Use HS Code Pre-Ruling with US CBP if your shipment volume is high.
- Consider DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms with your freight forwarder to avoid surprise customs fees.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to verify HS Code based on physical samples.
π Optimize Supply Chain: If possible, source from countries not subject to Section 122 (e.g., Vietnam, India) to reduce tariffs.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
Customer Reviews
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.