CBP may require laboratory gemological certification — typically from a recognized gem laboratory using X-ray or other non-destructive testing — to confirm that pearls are natural rather than cultured. Without such documentation, CBP may reclassify the goods as cultured pearls, which fall under a different heading. Importers should obtain gemological reports before shipment.

CITES applies if the mollusk species that produced the pearls is listed on a CITES appendix. Certain giant clam and abalone species, for example, are CITES-listed. Importers should verify the host species with the exporter and, if applicable, obtain the required CITES export permit from the country of origin and present it to USFWS at the port of entry.