Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment, including recreational items, festive articles, magic props and certain video game devices. Goods in this chapter are mainly used for leisure, entertainment or competition, but care must be taken to distinguish them from furniture of Chapter 94 and electronic equipment of Chapter 85. Headings within the chapter are subdivided by function or material, such as 9503 toys, 9504 games, 9505 festive articles, etc. Heading 9504 covers video game controllers and devices, amusement arcade equipment, articles for table or indoor games, automatic bowling equipment, etc. Specifically includes: video game consoles, billiard tables, coin-operated game machines, playing cards, mahjong, board games, etc. However, note that ordinary playing cards used for gambling may be classified under other chapters, and electronic game devices with independent functions may be classified under Chapter 85. The first 2 digits 95 represent Chapter 95 (Toys, games and sports equipment). Digits 3-4, 04, represent heading 9504, i.e., video game controllers and devices, amusement arcade equipment, articles for table or indoor games. Digits 5-6, 40, represent subheading 950440, specifically playing cards. This subheading is not further subdivided; all playing cards are classified under this code. Note that playing cards in electronic form or with special functions may be classified under other subheadings. Playing cards are articles for table games and meet the description of heading 9504. Their material is usually paper or plastic, but classification does not depend on material, but on use. The difference from adjacent code 9503 (toys) is that playing cards are tools for games, not children's toys; the difference from 9505 (festive articles) is that playing cards are not exclusively for festivals. Therefore, classification under 950440 is most accurate.
Chapter
Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment, including recreational items, festive articles, magic props and certain video game devices. Goods in this chapter are mainly used for leisure, entertainment or competition, but care must be taken to distinguish them from furniture of Chapter 94 and electronic equipment of Chapter 85. Headings within the chapter are subdivided by function or material, such as 9503 toys, 9504 games, 9505 festive articles, etc.
Heading
Heading 9504 covers video game controllers and devices, amusement arcade equipment, articles for table or indoor games, automatic bowling equipment, etc. Specifically includes: video game consoles, billiard tables, coin-operated game machines, playing cards, mahjong, board games, etc. However, note that ordinary playing cards used for gambling may be classified under other chapters, and electronic game devices with independent functions may be classified under Chapter 85.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 95 represent Chapter 95 (Toys, games and sports equipment). Digits 3-4, 04, represent heading 9504, i.e., video game controllers and devices, amusement arcade equipment, articles for table or indoor games. Digits 5-6, 40, represent subheading 950440, specifically playing cards. This subheading is not further subdivided; all playing cards are classified under this code. Note that playing cards in electronic form or with special functions may be classified under other subheadings.
Classification Basis
Playing cards are articles for table games and meet the description of heading 9504. Their material is usually paper or plastic, but classification does not depend on material, but on use. The difference from adjacent code 9503 (toys) is that playing cards are tools for games, not children's toys; the difference from 9505 (festive articles) is that playing cards are not exclusively for festivals. Therefore, classification under 950440 is most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as "playing cards" or "game cards", must be consistent with the actual item. Material: State the main material of the playing cards, such as paper, plastic or composite materials, which affects customs inspection. Brand: Fill in the brand name (such as Bicycle, Bee); if no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate customs identification of the specific goods. Specifications and Dimensions: Declare the length and width dimensions of the playing cards, such as "57mm x 87mm", to confirm whether they are standard playing cards. Packaging Method: State the retail packaging form, such as "54 cards per deck, boxed", which affects classification and tax rate. Use: Declare the use, such as "playing cards for entertainment", to avoid confusion with gambling supplies. Product Name: Playing cards; Material: Paper (surface coated); Brand: Bicycle; Model: Standard 808; Specifications and Dimensions: 57mm x 87mm; Packaging Method: 54 cards per deck, paper box, 144 decks per carton; Use: Playing cards for entertainment. Misclassifying playing cards under 9503 (toys), ignoring their nature as game tools. False material declaration, such as declaring plastic as paper, affecting classification. Omission of brand declaration, leading to intellectual property infringement risks.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as "playing cards" or "game cards", must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "cards" or "card", leading to classification disputes.
Material
State the main material of the playing cards, such as paper, plastic or composite materials, which affects customs inspection.
⚠️ Writing only "paper" while ignoring coating or plastic components, which may raise classification doubts.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (such as Bicycle, Bee); if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand leading to intellectual property issues.
Model
Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate customs identification of the specific goods.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual item.
Specifications and Dimensions
Declare the length and width dimensions of the playing cards, such as "57mm x 87mm", to confirm whether they are standard playing cards.
⚠️ Incorrect dimension units or failure to provide dimensions.
Packaging Method
State the retail packaging form, such as "54 cards per deck, boxed", which affects classification and tax rate.
⚠️ Confusing bulk packaging with retail packaging, leading to classification errors.
Use
Declare the use, such as "playing cards for entertainment", to avoid confusion with gambling supplies.
⚠️ Vague use description, such as "for games", which may trigger inspection.
Example： Product Name: Playing cards; Material: Paper (surface coated); Brand: Bicycle; Model: Standard 808; Specifications and Dimensions: 57mm x 87mm; Packaging Method: 54 cards per deck, paper box, 144 decks per carton; Use: Playing cards for entertainment.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying playing cards under 9503 (toys), ignoring their nature as game tools.
False material declaration, such as declaring plastic as paper, affecting classification.
Omission of brand declaration, leading to intellectual property infringement risks.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. As articles for table games, playing cards meet the description of heading 9504 "articles for table or indoor games". Their classification does not depend on material, but on use and function. If playing cards have special functions (such as electronic chips), they may be classified under other headings. 9503 Toys: 9503 covers children's toys, such as dolls, models, etc., while playing cards are game tools mainly for adult entertainment, so they are classified under 9504. 9505 Festive articles: 9505 covers festive decorations and party supplies; playing cards are not exclusively for festivals, so they are not classified under this code. 4821 Paper labels: 4821 is paper labels; although playing cards are made of paper, they have a game function, so they are classified under 9504. 4911 Other printed matter: 4911 covers printed pictures, postcards, etc.; playing cards are game supplies, so they are classified under 9504. Confirm whether the goods are playing cards, not other card games. Verify whether the material affects classification; for example, plastic playing cards are still classified under 9504. Check whether the brand is authorized to avoid infringement. Confirm the use is for entertainment, not exclusively for gambling. Verify whether the packaging method is retail packaging.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. As articles for table games, playing cards meet the description of heading 9504 "articles for table or indoor games". Their classification does not depend on material, but on use and function. If playing cards have special functions (such as electronic chips), they may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
9503 - Toys
9503 covers children's toys, such as dolls, models, etc., while playing cards are game tools mainly for adult entertainment, so they are classified under 9504.
9505 - Festive articles
9505 covers festive decorations and party supplies; playing cards are not exclusively for festivals, so they are not classified under this code.
4821 - Paper labels
4821 is paper labels; although playing cards are made of paper, they have a game function, so they are classified under 9504.
4911 - Other printed matter
4911 covers printed pictures, postcards, etc.; playing cards are game supplies, so they are classified under 9504.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the goods are playing cards, not other card games.
✓ Verify whether the material affects classification; for example, plastic playing cards are still classified under 9504.
✓ Check whether the brand is authorized to avoid infringement.
✓ Confirm the use is for entertainment, not exclusively for gambling.
✓ Verify whether the packaging method is retail packaging.
❓ FAQ
Are playing cards and game cards (such as UNO) classified under the same code? Yes, game cards such as UNO are also classified under 950440 because they are also articles for table games. However, if the cards have special functions (such as electronic components), they may be classified under other codes. Is there a difference in classification between plastic playing cards and paper playing cards? No difference. HS code 950440 is based on use rather than material. Whether paper or plastic, as long as they are used for games, they are classified under this code. If playing cards are used for gambling, will the classification change? No. The HS code does not distinguish whether the use is legal, and they are still classified under 950440. However, other regulations may need to be complied with at import. How can I check the import tax rate for playing cards? The tax rate must be checked according to the country of origin and trade agreements. It is recommended to use the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or consult a customs broker. Tax rates change and are not fixed. What intellectual property issues should be noted when declaring playing cards? If the playing cards bear a well-known brand (such as Bicycle), a brand authorization letter must be provided, otherwise the goods may be detained. If there is no brand, declare "no brand". What are the customs supervision conditions for playing cards? Generally there are no special supervision conditions, but if they involve gambling tools, approval from cultural authorities may be required. For specifics, check the latest Customs Supervision Conditions. Are the HS codes for playing cards and mahjong the same? No. Mahjong is classified under 950490, while playing cards are 950440. Both belong to 9504 but are different subheadings.
Q: Are playing cards and game cards (such as UNO) classified under the same code?
A: Yes, game cards such as UNO are also classified under 950440 because they are also articles for table games. However, if the cards have special functions (such as electronic components), they may be classified under other codes.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between plastic playing cards and paper playing cards?
A: No difference. HS code 950440 is based on use rather than material. Whether paper or plastic, as long as they are used for games, they are classified under this code.
Q: If playing cards are used for gambling, will the classification change?
A: No. The HS code does not distinguish whether the use is legal, and they are still classified under 950440. However, other regulations may need to be complied with at import.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for playing cards?
A: The tax rate must be checked according to the country of origin and trade agreements. It is recommended to use the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or consult a customs broker. Tax rates change and are not fixed.
Q: What intellectual property issues should be noted when declaring playing cards?
A: If the playing cards bear a well-known brand (such as Bicycle), a brand authorization letter must be provided, otherwise the goods may be detained. If there is no brand, declare "no brand".
Q: What are the customs supervision conditions for playing cards?
A: Generally there are no special supervision conditions, but if they involve gambling tools, approval from cultural authorities may be required. For specifics, check the latest Customs Supervision Conditions.
Q: Are the HS codes for playing cards and mahjong the same?
A: No. Mahjong is classified under 950490, while playing cards are 950440. Both belong to 9504 but are different subheadings.
⚠️ 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.