Importing jewellery from China to the EU

Importing jewellery from China to the EU

China is one of the leading exporters of jewellry, offering a wide choice of products, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, and more. Chinese manufacturers’ diversified offer ensures that every entrepreneur finds something interesting for their business. No wonder the Chinese jewellery market attracts so many international importers. We discuss all you need to know about importing jewellery from China to the EU.

Production areas for jewellery in China

Most manufacturers of jewellery in China are located in Guangdong Province. Even up to 30% of all Chinese goods are exported from this particular province. One should focus mainly on cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou (Canton), and Shenzhen. You can also find clusters of jewellery manufacturers in Jinhua city in Zhejiang Province and Qingdao city in Shandong Province. Moreover, there are many trading companies making jewellery in those cities as well.

Production areas for jewellery in China

Guangzhou is particularly worth your attention when it comes to wholesale jewellery. If you would like to compare various offers of many manufacturers in one place, check such places in Guangzhou as: 

  • Xijiao Plaza (No. 2, Zhanqian Road, Liwan District)
  • Taikang Plaza (No. 111, Taikang Road, Yuexiu District)
  • Liwan Plaza (No. 9, Dexing Road, Liwan District) 

If you’re interested mainly in imitation jewellery, check out Yiwu – the wholesaler of the world (Yiwu International Trade City). 

Importing jewellery from China – Duty rates

Sourcing from a third country (outside the EU) to a European Union Member State is associated with paying duty rates. One can check customs rates for various products in the free-to-use TARIC system. You will find its value for the Chinese goods in the “Erga Omnes” row.

Check our guide on how to use the TARIC system!

Duty rates for jewellery

Jewellery in the tariff system is included in section XVI. Below are some examples of the customs duty rates for jewellery articles:

  • Cuff links and studs (71171100000) – 4%
  • Imitation jewellery, of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal (7117900000) – 4%
  • Articles of natural or cultured pearls (7116100000) – 0%
  • Articles of precious or semi-precious stones: natural, synthetic or reconstructed (7116201100) – 0%
  • Articles of goldsmiths’ or silversmiths’ wares and parts thereof, of silver, whether or not plated or clad with other precious metal (7114110000) – 2%
  • Articles of goldsmiths’ or silversmiths’ wares and parts thereof, of other precious metal, whether or not plated or clad with precious metal (7114190000) – 2%
  • Articles of jewellery and parts thereof, of silver, whether or not plated or clad with other precious metal (7113110000) – 2.5%
  • Articles of jewellery and parts thereof, of other precious metal, whether or not plated or clad with precious metal (7113190000) – 2.5%

As one may notice, customs duty rates for jewellery are not high. Therefore, importing jewellery from China may be beneficial for you.

The main distinction in the tariff system is the material from which the product is made. The raw materials used for jewellery include:

  • gold, e.g., 333 (8k), 585 (14k), etc.
  • silver (925)
  • silver or gold alloys and silver coated with a layer of gold
  • other base raw materials: copper, aluminium, zinc alloy, stainless steel, titanium
  • diamonds with various parameters: carats, colour, purity, and cut
  • zircons
  • natural or cultured pearls
  • precious or semi-precious stones
  • wood, shells. 

Trade fairs for jewellery in China

Attending trade fairs is an excellent method for finding a jewellery supplier from China. You can get acquainted with many manufacturers’ stock on the spot, which means establishing closer relationships and receiving a more beneficial offer.

Below we’ve compiled a list of a few significant trade fairs for jewellery in China:

China International Fashion Fair (CHIC)

  • Location: National Convention & Exhibition Centre, Shanghai
  • Official website: enmar.chicfair.com

Shanghai World Jewelry Expo

Nanjing Baimu International Jewelry Exhibition

  • Location: Nanjing International Exhibition Centre, Nanjing
  • Official website: njzbexpo.com

The Lifestyle Show

  • Location: National Convention & Exhibition Centre, Shanghai
  • Official website: expolifestyle.com

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)

Importing jewellery from China – Requirements in the EU

Before starting the import process, you should determine what requirements apply to your products in the EU. One must choose such a manufacturer whose goods meet the standards in force on the target market. In the case of jewellery, most of it comes in direct contact with our skin. Thus it’s strictly regulated when it comes to its chemical composition.

First and foremost, products placed on the European Union’s market must fulfill safety requirements from Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety. Moreover, you should also get acquainted with Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste. 

The Reach Regulation

Jewellery imported into the European Union must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, called REACH Regulation. The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is one of the requirements. For jewellery, the regulation specifies the amount of the allowable, e.g.:

  • cadmium and its compounds (less than 0.01% by weight);
  • nickel (less than 0.5 μg/cm2 skin exposure per week or 0.2 μg/cm2 per week for jewellery that requires piercing);
  • lead and its compounds (less than 0.05% by weight)
  • chromium VI for leather products (less than 3.0 mg/kg).

The REACH Regulation’s requirements are more strict for kids’ jewellery. Please note that jewellery for kids below 14 years old intended to play is treated as a toy and must have a CE mark. Furthermore, compliance with EN 14682:2014 standard for cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing is also required for kids’ under 14 clothing.

Find out more about certificates for toys in the EU. 

The CITES Convention

If you plan on sourcing pearls other than cultured or parts derived from specimens of fauna or flora, check CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Your product can fall under its regulations. In the case of jewellery containing leather elements, ensure that it doesn’t incorporate azo dyes that give off banned aromatic amines.

The hallmarking law stipulates that products made of precious metals (gold, silver, palladium, platinum) must be tested and marked with a hallmark or have a test certificate. The jewellery hallmarks differ depending on the country.

Importing jewellery from China – Summary

  • Since Chinese manufacturers offer a wide variety of jewellery articles, importing jewellery from China is popular;
  • Every importer must ensure that their product complies with applicable requirements;
  • Remember to always verify your supplier before placing an order and save your business from scammers!