International Jewelry Export Compliance: Tariffs, HS Codes & Market Requirements
Navigate jewelry export regulations across US, EU, and Middle East markets. Covers HS code classification, 2025 de minimis changes, hallmark requirements, and compliance documentation.
Key Takeaways
Exporting jewelry internationally means navigating different regulatory regimes. The three major regulatory environments are the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East.
The United States operates under FTC guidelines (16 CFR Part 23) rather than mandatory hallmarking. Gold must be marked with karat — 10K minimum to be called gold. Silver must be marked Sterling or 925. The most significant 2025 change was the suspension of the $800 de minimis threshold: every commercial shipment to the US now faces import duties regardless of value. This fundamentally changed the economics for small-batch exporters.
The European Union has the world's strictest jewelry regulations. Nickel release testing per EN 1811 is mandatory for any item in prolonged skin contact — the limit is 0.5 micrograms per square centimeter per week. Cadmium is restricted to less than 100 milligrams per kilogram under REACH Annex XVII. Lead is restricted to less than 500 milligrams per kilogram. Hallmarking is mandatory at the national level.
The Middle East has distinct karat preferences and hallmarking requirements. UAE and Saudi Arabia primarily demand 21K and 22K gold, different from both the Chinese domestic standard (24K) and the Western export standard (14K-18K). Dubai requires certification from the Dubai Central Laboratory. A Chinese factory producing for the Middle East must adjust both the alloy composition and the hallmark format.
HS code classification determines the tariff rate applied to your shipment. Jewelry falls under Chapter 71 of the Harmonized System. Silver jewelry is 7113.11. Gold jewelry is 7113.19. Base metal jewelry plated with precious metal is 7113.20. Imitation jewelry is 7117. Incorrect classification is the leading cause of customs delays and unexpected duty bills. Verify your HS code with the importing country's customs authority before shipping.
Essential documentation: commercial invoice with detailed product descriptions and HS codes, packing list, certificate of origin, material test reports for precious metal content and restricted substances, and any market-specific certificates. Keep digital copies of everything.