Imitation jewellery is classified under HS heading 7117. Most brass, copper and alloy pieces from Rajkot, plated or not, fall under 7117.19, while imitation jewellery of other materials, such as glass, plastic, wood or thread, falls under 7117.90. Real silver or gold jewellery is classified under a different heading, 7113.
The first six digits are shared worldwide. Each country adds its own digits after that, and those decide the duty rate, so confirm the full code with your customs broker.
The subheadings
- 7117.11: cufflinks and studs of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal.
- 7117.19: other imitation jewellery of base metal, whether or not plated. This covers most necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings made in Rajkot.
- 7117.90: imitation jewellery of other materials, such as glass beads, plastic, resin, wood, terracotta or thread.
Where it gets tricky
Gold or silver plating does not make a piece "real" jewellery. A brass necklace with gold plating is still 7117. But a piece made of sterling silver is precious metal jewellery under 7113, and so is gold jewellery, even if it is light.
Mixed materials are classified by the material that gives the piece its essential character. A base metal necklace with glass stones is usually still base metal imitation jewellery. Sets sold together in one box can often be classified as a set under one code. When in doubt, ask your broker or request a binding ruling from your customs authority.
If you are unsure what counts as imitation jewellery, see imitation, fashion and artificial jewellery: what each term means.
Why the code matters
The code sets your import duty, decides whether a trade agreement rate applies and can trigger other checks. Use the same code on the invoice, the export declaration and your import entry. A mismatch is one of the most common reasons for a customs query.
Be careful with jewellery parts and findings bought separately. Clasps, chains sold by length and loose beads may be classified differently from finished jewellery, so check the code with your broker if you import components to assemble yourself. The same applies to jewellery boxes and display items shipped with the order, which have their own codes.
Some buyers want a single code for a whole mixed shipment to keep things simple. Customs expects each line to carry its own correct code, so list styles under the right subheading on the invoice even if most fall under 7117.19.
What this means for a buyer
Agree the code with your broker before the first shipment and keep it consistent. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We check invoice descriptions and codes with Rajkot makers and supervise packing. Ask for a free sourcing review.