71171900
NATURAL OR CULTURED PEARLS, PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, PRECIOUS METALS, METALS CLAD WITH PRECIOUS METAL, AND ARTICLES THEREOF; IMITATION JEWELLERY; COIN›Imitation jewellery
Other
Classification of other base metal jewellery under CN code 7117 19
CN code 7117 19 covers other imitation jewellery of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal, not classified elsewhere under heading 7117. This category includes rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, brooches, and other jewellery items made of base metals such as stainless steel, brass, copper, zinc alloy, aluminium, or titanium. These articles may be gold-plated, silver-plated, or clad with precious metals, but their base metal is non-precious. Base metal imitation jewellery represents a significant market segment, offering affordable alternatives to precious metal articles. Classification requires confirming that the base metal is non-precious and distinguishing from precious metal jewellery (7113). The customs declaration should specify the article type, base material, coating, decorative elements, and country of origin.
Import requirements for base metal jewellery
Importing base metal jewellery into the EU is subject to customs regulations and product safety requirements. Duty rates should be verified in the TARIC database or ISZTAR4 system, noting that anti-dumping duties may apply to jewellery from certain countries. Base metal jewellery must comply with stringent REACH Regulation requirements for nickel (Entry 27 of Annex XVII), cadmium (Entry 23), and lead. Nickel release limits are particularly important for earrings, rings, and bracelets having direct skin contact. Products must be labelled in compliance with EU product safety regulations, including manufacturer or importer information. For jewellery intended for children, additional requirements under Directive 2009/48/EC on toy safety apply. The importer should hold a laboratory test report confirming REACH compliance, a declaration of conformity, and a commercial invoice.
Practical aspects of importing base metal jewellery
When importing base metal jewellery under CN code 7117 19, ensuring compliance with EU safety requirements is critical. Laboratory testing confirming compliance with REACH limits for nickel, cadmium, and lead should be conducted before shipment, particularly for imports from Asia. Non-compliance can result in seizure of goods at the border and financial penalties. The customs value is determined based on the transaction price. In 2026, current anti-dumping duties on jewellery from specific countries and EU trade restrictions should be checked. Correct classification matters because duty rates for imitation jewellery may differ from those for precious metal jewellery. VAT is charged at the standard national rate. Base metal jewellery is not subject to hallmarking regulations or CBAM obligations. Binding Tariff Information ruling is worth considering to confirm classification.
Tariff classification of other base metal jewellery under CN 7117 19
CN code 7117 19 of the Combined Nomenclature classifies other base metal jewellery according to Chapter 71 rules of the EU customs tariff. Correct classification depends on material composition, intended use and degree of working. Customs authorities verify classification through accompanying documents including hallmark certificates and commercial invoices. Where classification is uncertain, importers may apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling, providing legal certainty for three years from the date of issue across all EU Member States.
Frequently asked questions
What REACH limits apply to base metal jewellery?
Base metal jewellery must comply with REACH limits for nickel (max. 0.5 micrograms/cm2/week for skin contact, 0.2 micrograms for parts inserted into the skin), cadmium (max. 0.01% by weight in metal and plastic parts), and lead. These limits are particularly important for earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Non-compliance prevents legal sale on the EU market.
Do anti-dumping duties apply to base metal jewellery?
The European Union may impose anti-dumping duties on base metal jewellery imported from specific countries. Current anti-dumping measures should be checked in the TARIC database as they may change over time. Anti-dumping duties are added to the standard duty rate and can significantly increase the total import cost. Importers should factor these charges into their pricing calculations.
How to distinguish imitation jewellery (7117) from precious metal jewellery (7113)?
The distinguishing criterion is the base material. Heading 7117 covers imitation jewellery of base metals, even if coated with precious metals. Heading 7113 covers jewellery of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) as the base metal. If a ring has a stainless steel base coated with gold, it is classified under 7117. If the base is solid gold, it is classified under 7113.
What is the EU duty rate for CN code 7117 19 in 2026?
The duty rate for CN code 7117 19 (other base metal jewellery) is set in the TARIC tariff and depends on the country of origin. Preferential rates may apply under EU trade agreements. The current rate can be checked in the European Commission's.
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