AI agents for business finance: what they can and can't do
What AI agents can do in bookkeeping, close, collections and compliance today, where a person must stay in charge, and how to judge a product.
The short answer
Nigerian beads made of glass, stone or plastic are ordinary goods: you classify them in the HTS, pay the duty on that line and, as at October 2026, the 12.5% Section 301 tariff on products of Nigeria unless an exemption applies. Real coral is different: it is wildlife, so commercial importers need a US Fish and Wildlife Service licence and declaration, must use a designated port, and need CITES permits for black coral and some red coral.
First, what are the beads made of?
Coral beads are central to Edo and other Nigerian regalia, but not every bead sold as "coral" is coral. Some are glass, plastic, stone or reconstituted material. That matters, because real coral brings in wildlife law and the others do not. Ask the seller in writing what the beads are, and if the answer is coral, ask which species.
If it is real coral: the wildlife rules
The US Fish and Wildlife Service's fact sheet on commercial wildlife jewellery, dated February 2013, sets out the requirements:
- anyone in business importing or exporting wildlife, coral included, needs an FWS import/export licence and pays user fees for each shipment;
- each shipment must be declared, electronically through eDecs or on paper Form 3-177, and cleared by FWS before CBP releases it;
- shipments must enter through a designated port: Anchorage, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, New Orleans, New York/Newark, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco or Seattle, unless an exception or permit applies;
- black coral and some species of red coral need CITES permits; and
- FWS inspectors examine wildlife jewellery shipments whether or not the species needs a permit, with premium inspection fees for species that require permits.
The fact sheet is old, so confirm current fees and procedures with FWS before shipping. Under CITES, Appendix II species can be traded commercially with a permit from the country of origin or re-export, which means the Nigerian exporter must obtain the export document, not you.
Other wildlife materials in Nigerian jewellery
- Elephant ivory is prohibited; it is protected under the Endangered Species Act.
- Shells: mother of pearl may be imported legally; queen conch needs a CITES permit.
- Animal teeth and claws, and items such as cowries or bone, may count as wildlife; ask FWS.
For carvings and other crafts, see importing Nigerian art and crafts.
The duty side: HTS lines
Classification depends on material and whether the item is loose beads or finished jewellery. A few lines from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, viewed in October 2026:
| HTS line | Description | General duty |
|---|---|---|
| 9601.90.40.00 | coral, cut but not set, and cameos, suitable for use in jewellery | 2.1% |
| 7018.10.10.00 | imitation pearls and imitation pearl beads | 4% |
| 7018.10.20.00 | imitation precious or semiprecious stones | Free |
| 7117 | imitation jewellery (finished pieces); several lines by material and value | look up the exact line |
Glass beads that are not imitation pearls, strung necklaces and set jewellery sit on other lines we did not open. The special-programme column for 9601.90.40 and 7018.10.10 lists the code D among others; whether your goods can claim it depends on AGOA eligibility, which your broker will check. See finding HTS codes for Nigerian goods.
The 2026 tariff on top
Since 24 July 2026, under a Section 301 action published by the US Trade Representative on 28 July 2026, products of Nigeria face a 12.5% tariff, except products in the notice's Annex I and Annex II, Part A, which we did not review. It is added to the ordinary duty. AGOA is authorised through 31 December 2026, but the notice text we read does not say how the two interact.
Worked example
Example: a Maryland jeweller imports $2,000 of cut, unset red coral beads from Benin City. On line 9601.90.40 at 2.1%, ordinary duty is $42. The Section 301 tariff at 12.5% adds $250, for a total of $292 before broker and FWS fees, unless an exemption or AGOA treatment applies. Because it is coral, she also needs her FWS licence, declares on eDecs, routes the parcel through a designated port, and, if the species needs one, holds a CITES permit issued in Nigeria. A courier parcel does not escape this: CBP has suspended the de minimis exemption for low-value mail shipments.
Records to keep
- the seller's written description of the material and, for coral, the species;
- the Nigerian CITES export permit where one is needed;
- your FWS licence number and the cleared declaration for each shipment;
- the commercial invoice with unit values; and
- your broker's classification notes for each HTS line used.
If FWS refuses clearance, CBP will not release the goods, so keep these papers together before the shipment leaves Nigeria.
Steps before ordering
- Confirm the material in writing; if coral, get the species.
- For coral, check CITES status, get an FWS licence and plan a designated port.
- Classify each item with your broker and check the Section 301 annexes.
- Mark each item or its packaging with country of origin; see origin marking rules.
Where Pryme fits
Bead makers in Benin City and Bida usually want naira. A Pryme Business Account opened from the US holds USD and NGN; you can pay after a Swap, and the app shows the rate and the fee before you approve.
Questions people ask
Do I need a licence to import coral beads to the US?
If they are real coral and you import for business, FWS requires an import/export licence, a declaration on eDecs or Form 3-177, and entry through a designated port. Some coral also needs CITES permits.
What is the duty on Nigerian beads?
It depends on the HTS line: cut unset coral is 2.1%, imitation pearl beads 4%, imitation stones Free, plus the 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Nigerian products as at October 2026 unless exempt.
Is red coral CITES protected?
FWS says black coral and some species of red coral need CITES permits. Identify the species.
Can I import ivory jewellery from Nigeria?
No. Elephant ivory is prohibited under the Endangered Species Act.
Sources
- US Fish and Wildlife Service: Commercial wildlife jewelry, fact sheet (Feb 2013) · accessed Oct 2026
- US Fish and Wildlife Service: Wildlife in the jewelry trade, fact sheet (Feb 2013) · accessed Oct 2026
- USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule search: imitation jewelry, beads and coral lines (viewed Oct 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Federal Register: USTR notice of actions in Section 301 investigations of various economies (28 Jul 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Federal Register: Proclamation 11030, To implement certain provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (signed 19 May 2026, published 22 May 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Federal Register: CBP rule, indefinite suspension of the de minimis exemption for mail shipments (24 Jun 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.