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SITCSection 8
U.S. imports of imitation jewelry of base metal, plated or unplated (SITC 89721) totaled $45.8M in April 2026, traded with 75 countries.
Importers of Imitation Jewelry of Base Metal, Plated or Unplated paid $9.8M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 23% on $42.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Imitation Jewelry of Base Metal, Plated or Unplated imports of $45.8M in April 2026 ran 11% above the year-to-date monthly average of $41.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataBase-metal costume jewelry — whether finished in gold, silver, or left unplated — is a high-volume import category subject to Section 301 tariffs on goods of Chinese origin, making supplier diversification a persistent strategic concern for US importers. The critical classification boundary separates this heading from real precious-metal jewelry: the substrate must be a base metal (such as brass, zinc alloy, or iron), and any precious-metal plating is incidental rather than the primary value driver. Nickel content and labeling requirements under the Federal Trade Commission's jewelry guides are additional compliance considerations for finished goods entering US retail channels.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The distinction turns on the essential character of the substrate: if the body of the piece is a base metal (brass, zinc alloy, copper, etc.), it falls here even if plated with gold or silver. If the piece is fabricated from precious metal — regardless of how thin — it classifies as fine jewelry. The value and weight of the base metal relative to any plating are key factors CBP considers.
Yes. The FTC's Guides for the Jewelry Industry govern precious-metal plating disclosures (e.g., 'gold-plated' vs. 'gold-filled'). Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission monitors nickel release and lead content in jewelry, particularly items marketed to children, and non-compliant goods can be detained or recalled at the border.
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Monthly import values over time