HS Code:
The 'Worked shell and articles thereof' category, classified under HS Code 9601, includes products made from mollusk shells, such as mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, and other shell materials that have been worked or manufactured into articles like buttons, inlays, carvings, and decorative items. This category represents a niche but culturally significant segment of global trade, often tied to artisanal crafts and luxury goods. These products are valued for their aesthetic appeal and are used in jewelry, fashion accessories, and home decor.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$40 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$25 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$15 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for least developed countries under GSP schemes)
Rising demand for sustainable and ethically sourced shell products
Increased scrutiny on supply chains has led to higher costs but also opened niche markets for certified sustainable products, benefiting exporters with transparent practices.
2021-2022
Shift towards synthetic alternatives
Growing environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on natural shell harvesting have driven some markets towards synthetic or faux shell materials, reducing demand for natural products.
2020-2022
Growth in luxury and bespoke markets
High-end fashion and decor brands are increasingly incorporating worked shell in limited-edition products, boosting demand in premium segments.
2019-2022
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) introduced stricter controls on certain mollusk shell species to prevent overexploitation, impacting exporters in Southeast Asia.
November 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters and potential reduction in trade volume for non-certified suppliers.
The European Union implemented a mandatory sustainability certification for imported shell products to ensure ethical sourcing and environmental protection.
March 2023
Favors exporters with established sustainable practices while posing challenges for smaller producers lacking resources for certification.
The Philippine government launched a program to support local artisans in scaling up production of worked shell products for export, including training and access to international markets.
June 2023
Expected to increase the country's share in global trade by 5-10% over the next two years.