Chapter 70 covers glass and glassware, ranging from glass raw materials and semi-finished products to various finished glass products, including glass beads, imitation pearls, glassware, glass fibers, etc. This chapter is the concentrated chapter for glass products in the HS classification, with clear distinctions from Chapter 71 (pearls, gemstones, precious metals) and Chapter 39 (plastics), the core being whether the material is glass. Heading 7018 covers glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation gemstones or imitation semi-precious stones and similar small glass articles, and articles thereof (excluding imitation jewelry). It mainly includes: glass beads (whether or not polished), imitation pearls, imitation gemstones, glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm), glass eyes (not artificial eyes), etc. The key characteristics are 'small, decorative or industrial use, not finished jewelry'. The first 2 digits '70' represent Chapter 70 (glass and glassware), indicating the material is glass. The 3rd-4th digits '18' represent heading 7018, i.e., glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation gemstones and other small glass articles. The 5th-6th digits '10' are the subheading, specifically referring to glass beads and imitation pearls, distinguishing them from imitation gemstones (7018.20), glass microspheres (7018.90), etc. under the same heading. Therefore 701810 fully points to the specific commodity of 'glass beads and imitation pearls'. This commodity is classified under 701810 rather than 7117 (imitation jewelry) or 7013 (glassware) because its form is loose beads or imitation pearls, not made into jewelry; nor is it imitation gemstones under 7018.20, because its appearance is bead-shaped or pearl-shaped, rather than faceted gemstones. The core determination is 'bead-shaped/pearl-shaped' and 'not strung into jewelry'
Chapter
Chapter 70 covers glass and glassware, ranging from glass raw materials and semi-finished products to various finished glass products, including glass beads, imitation pearls, glassware, glass fibers, etc. This chapter is the concentrated chapter for glass products in the HS classification, with clear distinctions from Chapter 71 (pearls, gemstones, precious metals) and Chapter 39 (plastics), the core being whether the material is glass.
Heading
Heading 7018 covers glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation gemstones or imitation semi-precious stones and similar small glass articles, and articles thereof (excluding imitation jewelry). It mainly includes: glass beads (whether or not polished), imitation pearls, imitation gemstones, glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm), glass eyes (not artificial eyes), etc. The key characteristics are 'small, decorative or industrial use, not finished jewelry'.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '70' represent Chapter 70 (glass and glassware), indicating the material is glass. The 3rd-4th digits '18' represent heading 7018, i.e., glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation gemstones and other small glass articles. The 5th-6th digits '10' are the subheading, specifically referring to glass beads and imitation pearls, distinguishing them from imitation gemstones (7018.20), glass microspheres (7018.90), etc. under the same heading. Therefore 701810 fully points to the specific commodity of 'glass beads and imitation pearls'.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 701810 rather than 7117 (imitation jewelry) or 7013 (glassware) because its form is loose beads or imitation pearls, not made into jewelry; nor is it imitation gemstones under 7018.20, because its appearance is bead-shaped or pearl-shaped, rather than faceted gemstones. The core determination is 'bead-shaped/pearl-shaped' and 'not strung into jewelry'
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'glass beads' or 'imitation pearls', which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: Indicate whether it is made of glass, such as 'glass', 'glass imitation pearls', to avoid confusion with plastic or natural pearls. Processing Method: Describe whether polished, dyed, coated, etc., such as 'polished glass beads', 'coated imitation pearls'. Appearance Size: Provide the diameter or length of a single bead, such as 'diameter 3mm', used to distinguish from glass microspheres (≤1mm). Use: Explain the specific use, such as 'for garment accessories', 'for craft decoration', not finished jewelry. Packaging Specifications: Such as 'bulk', 'bagged', 'packaged by weight', affecting inspection and classification. Brand or Model: If there is a brand or model, it must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Product Name: Glass beads; Material: Glass; Processing Method: Polished, dyed; Appearance Size: Diameter 4mm; Use: For garment embroidery; Packaging Specifications: Bulk, 25kg/bag; Brand: None.
(Note: This format simulates the declaration elements column of a customs declaration form; actual declaration must be filled in item by item according to customs requirements.) Misclassifying glass beads under 7117 imitation jewelry; if already strung into necklaces or other jewelry, classify under 7117. Misreporting imitation pearls as natural pearls, leading to classification under 7101, when actually made of glass. Ignoring dimensions, misreporting glass microspheres with diameter ≤1mm as 701810, should be classified under 701890.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'glass beads' or 'imitation pearls', which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Declaring generically as 'glass products' or 'decorations', without specifying beads/pearls.
Material
Indicate whether it is made of glass, such as 'glass', 'glass imitation pearls', to avoid confusion with plastic or natural pearls.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'plastic beads' or 'natural pearls', leading to classification errors.
Processing Method
Describe whether polished, dyed, coated, etc., such as 'polished glass beads', 'coated imitation pearls'.
⚠️ Omitting key processing information such as 'polished' or 'coated'.
Appearance Size
Provide the diameter or length of a single bead, such as 'diameter 3mm', used to distinguish from glass microspheres (≤1mm).
⚠️ Not providing dimensions, leading to confusion with 7018.90 glass microspheres.
Use
Explain the specific use, such as 'for garment accessories', 'for craft decoration', not finished jewelry.
⚠️ Declaring as 'for jewelry' but not strung into jewelry, should still be classified under 7018.
Packaging Specifications
Such as 'bulk', 'bagged', 'packaged by weight', affecting inspection and classification.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'retail packaging' but actually bulk.
Brand or Model
If there is a brand or model, it must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Omitting brand information, leading to intellectual property issues.
Example： Product Name: Glass beads; Material: Glass; Processing Method: Polished, dyed; Appearance Size: Diameter 4mm; Use: For garment embroidery; Packaging Specifications: Bulk, 25kg/bag; Brand: None.
(Note: This format simulates the declaration elements column of a customs declaration form; actual declaration must be filled in item by item according to customs requirements.)
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying glass beads under 7117 imitation jewelry; if already strung into necklaces or other jewelry, classify under 7117.
Misreporting imitation pearls as natural pearls, leading to classification under 7101, when actually made of glass.
Ignoring dimensions, misreporting glass microspheres with diameter ≤1mm as 701810, should be classified under 701890.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) material is glass; 2) form is bead-shaped or imitation pearl-shaped; 3) not made into jewelry or other articles; 4) size greater than 1mm (otherwise it is glass microspheres). Also need to refer to the description of 7018 in the 'Import and Export Tariff Commodity and Heading Notes' to confirm it belongs to the category of 'small glass articles'. 7117 Imitation Jewelry: 7117 is imitation jewelry already made into jewelry, such as beaded necklaces; 701810 is unstrung loose beads, even if ultimately used for jewelry. 701890 Other Glass Beads and Imitation Pearls: 701890 includes glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm) and other small glass articles not elsewhere specified; 701810 specifically refers to glass beads and imitation pearls. 701820 Imitation Gemstones or Imitation Semi-Precious Stones: 701820 is faceted or non-bead-shaped imitation gemstones, used for inlay; 701810 is bead-shaped or pearl-shaped, different in form. 7101 Natural or Cultured Pearls: 7101 is natural or cultured pearls, material is organic; 701810 is glass imitation pearls, material is glass. 3926 Other Plastic Articles: 3926 is plastic beads or imitation pearls, material is plastic; 701810 material is glass, can be distinguished by material. Is the material glass? Is it bead-shaped or pearl-shaped? Is it not strung into jewelry? Is the single bead diameter greater than 1mm? Is it used for decoration or industry?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) material is glass; 2) form is bead-shaped or imitation pearl-shaped; 3) not made into jewelry or other articles; 4) size greater than 1mm (otherwise it is glass microspheres). Also need to refer to the description of 7018 in the 'Import and Export Tariff Commodity and Heading Notes' to confirm it belongs to the category of 'small glass articles'.
Confused Codes：
7117 - Imitation Jewelry
7117 is imitation jewelry already made into jewelry, such as beaded necklaces; 701810 is unstrung loose beads, even if ultimately used for jewelry.
701890 - Other Glass Beads and Imitation Pearls
701890 includes glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm) and other small glass articles not elsewhere specified; 701810 specifically refers to glass beads and imitation pearls.
701820 - Imitation Gemstones or Imitation Semi-Precious Stones
701820 is faceted or non-bead-shaped imitation gemstones, used for inlay; 701810 is bead-shaped or pearl-shaped, different in form.
7101 - Natural or Cultured Pearls
7101 is natural or cultured pearls, material is organic; 701810 is glass imitation pearls, material is glass.
3926 - Other Plastic Articles
3926 is plastic beads or imitation pearls, material is plastic; 701810 material is glass, can be distinguished by material.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material glass?
✓ Is it bead-shaped or pearl-shaped?
✓ Is it not strung into jewelry?
✓ Is the single bead diameter greater than 1mm?
✓ Is it used for decoration or industry?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish glass beads and imitation pearls in HS codes? Both are classified under 701810, but when declaring, it is necessary to specify 'glass beads' or 'imitation pearls'. Imitation pearls usually have a coating to simulate pearl luster, while glass beads may be transparent or colored. No distinction is needed for classification, but declaration elements should accurately describe. If glass beads are already strung into a necklace, which code should they be classified under? Glass beads already strung into necklaces or other jewelry should be classified under 7117 (imitation jewelry), not 701810. 701810 only applies to unstrung loose beads. If strung into jewelry, even if the material is glass, it is classified as imitation jewelry. Which subheading should glass microspheres (diameter less than 1mm) be classified under? Glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm) are classified under 701890, not 701810. 701810 is for general glass beads and imitation pearls, usually with diameter greater than 1mm. When declaring, precise dimensions must be provided to avoid errors. If imitation pearls are used for garment accessories, are they still classified under 701810? Yes, as long as they are not made into jewelry, regardless of whether the use is garment accessories or crafts, they are classified under 701810. However, if already sewn onto clothing as part of the garment, they are classified according to the garment. How to determine whether glass beads should be classified under 7018 rather than 7013? 7013 is glassware, such as cups, vases; 7018 is small glass articles, such as beads, imitation pearls. Glass beads are usually small in size, large in quantity, used for decoration or industry, without vessel function, so classified under 7018. How to fill in 'Processing Method' when declaring? It should be filled in detail, such as 'polished', 'dyed', 'coated', 'unprocessed', etc. The processing method affects classification and inspection, for example, coated imitation pearls may involve coating materials. How to distinguish glass beads from plastic beads? Different materials: glass beads are classified under 701810, plastic beads under 3926. Can be judged by appearance, weight, hardness, etc., and material proof can be provided if necessary. If glass beads are used for industrial sandblasting, are they classified under 701810? Glass beads for industrial sandblasting are usually glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm), classified under 701890. If diameter is greater than 1mm, they are still classified under 701810. Need to determine based on size and use.
Q: How to distinguish glass beads and imitation pearls in HS codes?
A: Both are classified under 701810, but when declaring, it is necessary to specify 'glass beads' or 'imitation pearls'. Imitation pearls usually have a coating to simulate pearl luster, while glass beads may be transparent or colored. No distinction is needed for classification, but declaration elements should accurately describe.
Q: If glass beads are already strung into a necklace, which code should they be classified under?
A: Glass beads already strung into necklaces or other jewelry should be classified under 7117 (imitation jewelry), not 701810. 701810 only applies to unstrung loose beads. If strung into jewelry, even if the material is glass, it is classified as imitation jewelry.
Q: Which subheading should glass microspheres (diameter less than 1mm) be classified under?
A: Glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm) are classified under 701890, not 701810. 701810 is for general glass beads and imitation pearls, usually with diameter greater than 1mm. When declaring, precise dimensions must be provided to avoid errors.
Q: If imitation pearls are used for garment accessories, are they still classified under 701810?
A: Yes, as long as they are not made into jewelry, regardless of whether the use is garment accessories or crafts, they are classified under 701810. However, if already sewn onto clothing as part of the garment, they are classified according to the garment.
Q: How to determine whether glass beads should be classified under 7018 rather than 7013?
A: 7013 is glassware, such as cups, vases; 7018 is small glass articles, such as beads, imitation pearls. Glass beads are usually small in size, large in quantity, used for decoration or industry, without vessel function, so classified under 7018.
Q: How to fill in 'Processing Method' when declaring?
A: It should be filled in detail, such as 'polished', 'dyed', 'coated', 'unprocessed', etc. The processing method affects classification and inspection, for example, coated imitation pearls may involve coating materials.
Q: How to distinguish glass beads from plastic beads?
A: Different materials: glass beads are classified under 701810, plastic beads under 3926. Can be judged by appearance, weight, hardness, etc., and material proof can be provided if necessary.
Q: If glass beads are used for industrial sandblasting, are they classified under 701810?
A: Glass beads for industrial sandblasting are usually glass microspheres (diameter ≤1mm), classified under 701890. If diameter is greater than 1mm, they are still classified under 701810. Need to determine based on size and use.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.