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HS Code for Artificial Jewellery in India: Imitation Jewellery, Duty and Rules
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
Usual HS code for artificial jewellery (import)
7117 19 90
Imitation jewellery of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal, other than cufflinks and bangles.
Artificial jewellery is a big category for online sellers in India. Necklace sets, earrings, rings and hair accessories come in by the carton from China and other markets, and the margins can be good.
The classification looks easy until you notice how many words the supplier uses: "fashion jewellery", "gold-plated", "silver-plated", "with stones". Some of those words matter to customs, and some don't.
The usual HS code: 7117 19 90
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 71 | Pearls, precious stones, precious metals, imitation jewellery |
| Heading | 7117 | Imitation jewellery |
| Subheading | 7117 19 | Of base metal, other than cufflinks and studs |
| Tariff item | 7117 19 90 | Other (not bangles, not German silver jewellery) |
Heading 7117 covers imitation jewellery: personal adornments that don't contain real pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, or precious metal (except as plating or minor parts). Most artificial jewellery is made of brass, copper or alloy with a gold or rhodium plating, which puts it in 7117 19.
India then splits 7117 19 into bangles (7117 19 10), German silver jewellery (7117 19 20) and other (7117 19 90). Necklaces, earrings and rings of plated base metal usually fall under "other".
Why not 7113 (jewellery of precious metal)?
This is the mix-up I see most. "Gold-plated" or "silver-plated" on the invoice makes people think of 7113. But 7113 is for jewellery made of precious metal (or metal clad with precious metal). A thin plating on brass doesn't make it gold jewellery. It stays imitation jewellery under 7117.
Going the other way, if your "artificial" pieces are actually sterling silver (like 925 silver), they're precious metal jewellery under 7113, with very different duty and rules.
What decides the final code
- Base material: base metal (7117 19) vs plastic, glass, wood or fabric (7117 90).
- Real stones or pearls: genuine pearls or precious stones can take the item out of 7117.
- Type of item: bangles and German silver jewellery have their own lines.
- Hair accessories: hair clips and bands are often 9615, not jewellery, unless they're clearly ornamental jewellery.
- Silver content: solid silver is 7113, not imitation.
Not sure which line your artificial jewellery falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my artificial jewellery →How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Jewellery-related duties are reviewed in most Budgets, so check the current rate for 7117 19 90 when you file. Valuation is also a common area of questions with low-priced jewellery, so keep your supplier invoices and payment proofs clean.
A lookup on your exact item, or the free import duty calculator, will give you the current figure.
Compliance checklist for artificial jewellery
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| BIS hallmarking | 🟢 Not required | Hallmarking is for gold and silver jewellery, not plated imitation jewellery. |
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer name and address, MRP, net quantity, month and year of import and customer care details on the pack. |
| Import policy (DGFT) | 🟠 Check | Imitation jewellery has generally been freely importable, but check the current ITC-HS policy for your line. |
| Valuation | 🟠 Check | Very low declared values on fashion jewellery can attract valuation questions at assessment. |
| Plastic packaging EPR | 🟠 Check | If your jewellery is packed in plastic for retail, check EPR registration with CPCB. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Declaring plated jewellery under 7113 and confusing the assessing officer.
- Mixing sterling silver pieces into an "artificial jewellery" shipment.
- Putting hair clips, keychains and jewellery under one code on one line.
- Under-declaring value and facing a valuation dispute.
My advice
For artificial jewellery, ask the supplier one question in writing: what is the base metal, and is any part solid gold or silver? That answer settles the code. If your shipment mixes materials (metal, beads, glass, fabric), split the invoice by material and check each line with a lookup.
Get the exact code and duty for your artificial jewellery
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my artificial jewellery free →Written by
16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for artificial jewellery in India?
Artificial jewellery of base metal, plated or not, is usually 7117 19 90. Bangles and German silver jewellery have their own lines, 7117 19 10 and 7117 19 20.
▸Is gold-plated jewellery classified as gold jewellery?
No. A gold plating on brass or another base metal keeps it in imitation jewellery under 7117, not precious metal jewellery under 7113.
▸What is the HS code for plastic or bead jewellery?
Imitation jewellery not made of base metal, such as plastic, glass or wooden bead jewellery, generally falls under 7117 90.
▸Does artificial jewellery need BIS hallmarking?
No. BIS hallmarking applies to gold and silver jewellery, not to imitation jewellery made of plated base metal.
Related HS codes
🧭 Full guide: How to Find the Correct HS Code for Your Product in India →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.