Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, recreation or sports of children or adults, such as video game consoles, billiards, bowling, skiing equipment, fishing equipment, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include sports equipment for certain specific uses, such as sports bags of Chapter 42, sports clothing of Chapter 61/62, sports footwear of Chapter 64, helmets of Chapter 65, etc. Snowboards, as winter sports equipment, fall within the scope of sports equipment of this chapter. Heading 9506 covers general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment, including snowboards, surfboards, skateboards, golf equipment, table tennis equipment, etc. Goods under this heading are generally used for sports activities or outdoor sports, but do not include toys of heading 9503, game machines of heading 9504, or festive articles of heading 9505. Snowboards, as winter sports equipment, are explicitly listed under 9506, with the specific subheading 9506.11. Code 950611 is a 6-digit HS code: the first 2 digits "95" represent Chapter 95 (toys, games and sports equipment); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 9506 (general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment); digits 5-6 "11" represent subheading 9506.11, specifically referring to snowboards. In the HS classification, the subheading further subdivides snowboards from other skiing equipment (such as ski poles, ski boots, etc.). A snowboard is the main equipment for snowboarding, distinguished from skis, which may be classified under 9506.12 or 9506.19 in the HS. Therefore, 950611 specifically refers to snowboards. Snowboards are classified under 950611 because they are equipment used for winter sports, meeting the description of heading 9506 "general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment." They are not toys of Chapter 9503 (even children's snowboards are considered sports equipment), nor game machines of Chapter 9504, nor festive articles of Chapter 9505. The difference from adjacent codes 9506.12 (skis) and 9506.19 (other skiing equipment) is that 950611 specifically refers to snowboards, while 950612 refers to skis, and 950619 refers to other skiing equipment such as ski poles, ski boots, etc. Therefore, according to the specific function of the goods, snowboards are correctly classified under 950611.
Chapter
Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, recreation or sports of children or adults, such as video game consoles, billiards, bowling, skiing equipment, fishing equipment, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include sports equipment for certain specific uses, such as sports bags of Chapter 42, sports clothing of Chapter 61/62, sports footwear of Chapter 64, helmets of Chapter 65, etc. Snowboards, as winter sports equipment, fall within the scope of sports equipment of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9506 covers general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment, including snowboards, surfboards, skateboards, golf equipment, table tennis equipment, etc. Goods under this heading are generally used for sports activities or outdoor sports, but do not include toys of heading 9503, game machines of heading 9504, or festive articles of heading 9505. Snowboards, as winter sports equipment, are explicitly listed under 9506, with the specific subheading 9506.11.
Digit Breakdown
Code 950611 is a 6-digit HS code: the first 2 digits "95" represent Chapter 95 (toys, games and sports equipment); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 9506 (general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment); digits 5-6 "11" represent subheading 9506.11, specifically referring to snowboards. In the HS classification, the subheading further subdivides snowboards from other skiing equipment (such as ski poles, ski boots, etc.). A snowboard is the main equipment for snowboarding, distinguished from skis, which may be classified under 9506.12 or 9506.19 in the HS. Therefore, 950611 specifically refers to snowboards.
Classification Basis
Snowboards are classified under 950611 because they are equipment used for winter sports, meeting the description of heading 9506 "general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment." They are not toys of Chapter 9503 (even children's snowboards are considered sports equipment), nor game machines of Chapter 9504, nor festive articles of Chapter 9505. The difference from adjacent codes 9506.12 (skis) and 9506.19 (other skiing equipment) is that 950611 specifically refers to snowboards, while 950612 refers to skis, and 950619 refers to other skiing equipment such as ski poles, ski boots, etc. Therefore, according to the specific function of the goods, snowboards are correctly classified under 950611.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should be accurately described as "snowboard" or "snowboard," avoiding general expressions such as "skiing equipment." Brand: Fill in the product brand, such as Burton, Nitro, Head, etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand affects price and classification, but snowboard classification does not change due to brand. Model: Fill in the specific model or item number, such as Burton Custom 158, used to identify the specific product for customs inspection. Material: Describe the main materials of the snowboard, such as wood core, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic base, etc. Material affects classification and valuation. Size: Declare the length (cm) and width (cm) of the snowboard, such as 158cm x 25cm. Size is an important parameter to distinguish snowboards from other boards. Use: Explain the use, such as "for snowboarding sports," emphasizing its sports nature, distinguishing it from toys or decorations. Brand Type: Choose "foreign brand (OEM)", "foreign brand (other)", "domestic brand" or "no brand", used for customs statistics and intellectual property protection. Export Preference Status: If involving preferential trade agreements, fill in "export with preference" or "export without preference" and indicate the agreement name. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Snowboard
Brand: Burton
Model: Custom 158
Material: Wood core + fiberglass
Size: 158cm x 25cm
Use: For snowboarding sports
Brand Type: Foreign brand (other)
Export Preference Status: Export without preference
HS Code: 9506110000
Declaration Elements: 1. Product Name: Snowboard; 2. Brand: Burton; 3. Model: Custom 158; 4. Material: Wood core + fiberglass; 5. Size: 158cm x 25cm; 6. Use: For snowboarding sports; 7. Brand Type: Foreign brand (other); 8. Export Preference Status: Export without preference. Confusing snowboards with skis, incorrectly classifying under 950612, leading to classification errors and customs penalties. Material declaration not specific, such as only filling in "composite material," may be required by customs to supplement declaration or reclassify. Ignoring brand type and export preference status, affecting customs statistics and tariff preferences, causing unnecessary costs.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should be accurately described as "snowboard" or "snowboard," avoiding general expressions such as "skiing equipment."
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "skis" or "skiing gear," leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the product brand, such as Burton, Nitro, Head, etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand affects price and classification, but snowboard classification does not change due to brand.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting brand, leading to customs questioning.
Model
Fill in the specific model or item number, such as Burton Custom 158, used to identify the specific product for customs inspection.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or mismatch with the actual product, causing false declaration.
Material
Describe the main materials of the snowboard, such as wood core, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic base, etc. Material affects classification and valuation.
⚠️ Only filling in "composite material" without specific description, which may cause classification disputes.
Size
Declare the length (cm) and width (cm) of the snowboard, such as 158cm x 25cm. Size is an important parameter to distinguish snowboards from other boards.
⚠️ Omitting size or incorrect units, making it impossible to determine whether it is a snowboard.
Use
Explain the use, such as "for snowboarding sports," emphasizing its sports nature, distinguishing it from toys or decorations.
⚠️ Declaring as "for entertainment" or "children's toy," leading to incorrect classification under 9503.
Brand Type
Choose "foreign brand (OEM)", "foreign brand (other)", "domestic brand" or "no brand", used for customs statistics and intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Confusing brand types, such as declaring OEM production as own brand.
Export Preference Status
If involving preferential trade agreements, fill in "export with preference" or "export without preference" and indicate the agreement name.
⚠️ Ignoring this column, resulting in inability to enjoy tariff preferences.
Confusing snowboards with skis, incorrectly classifying under 950612, leading to classification errors and customs penalties.
Material declaration not specific, such as only filling in "composite material," may be required by customs to supplement declaration or reclassify.
Ignoring brand type and export preference status, affecting customs statistics and tariff preferences, causing unnecessary costs.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: According to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, snowboards are classified under 9506.11 because they belong to "general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment." When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the product is a snowboard, not skis or other skiing equipment. A snowboard is usually a single board with both feet fixed on the board, used for descending and performing tricks; skis are two boards, each fixed to one foot. In addition, toy snowboards (9503) and ski boots (9506.19 or 6403) must be excluded. Material, size and use are auxiliary factors, but the core is the function and design of the product. 950612 Skis: 950612 is skis, consisting of two boards, each fixed to one foot; 950611 is a snowboard, one board, both feet fixed on the same board. They have similar uses but different structures, and classification should be distinguished by the number of boards and the fixing method. 950619 Other skiing equipment: 950619 includes ski poles, ski boots, ski bindings and other skiing equipment, but does not include the snowboard itself. Snowboards as core equipment are classified under 950611/950612, while accessories are classified under 950619. 950629 Other water sports equipment: 950629 includes surfboards, water skis and other water sports equipment. Snowboards are used on snow, surfboards on water, with different uses and materials, and classification should be distinguished by the type of sport. 950699 Other sports equipment: 950699 is for other sports equipment not elsewhere specified, such as skateboards, roller skates, etc. Snowboards are explicitly listed under 950611, so they are not classified under 950699. If a snowboard is designed as a toy, it may be classified under 9503. 950300 Toys: 950300 is for toys, including children's toy snowboards. However, actual sports snowboards, even if smaller in size, are classified under 950611. The key distinction is use and design: toy snowboards are usually made of plastic and have no actual sliding function; sports snowboards use professional materials and can be actually used. Is it a snowboard (one board, both feet fixed)? Is it used for snow sliding sports, not water or land? Are the materials professional sports materials (such as wood core, fiberglass)? Has toy snowboards (9503) been excluded? Have brand, model, size and other declaration elements been confirmed complete?
Basis
Core classification basis: According to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, snowboards are classified under 9506.11 because they belong to "general sports, gymnastics and athletic articles and equipment." When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the product is a snowboard, not skis or other skiing equipment. A snowboard is usually a single board with both feet fixed on the board, used for descending and performing tricks; skis are two boards, each fixed to one foot. In addition, toy snowboards (9503) and ski boots (9506.19 or 6403) must be excluded. Material, size and use are auxiliary factors, but the core is the function and design of the product.
Confused Codes:
950612 - Skis
950612 is skis, consisting of two boards, each fixed to one foot; 950611 is a snowboard, one board, both feet fixed on the same board. They have similar uses but different structures, and classification should be distinguished by the number of boards and the fixing method.
950619 - Other skiing equipment
950619 includes ski poles, ski boots, ski bindings and other skiing equipment, but does not include the snowboard itself. Snowboards as core equipment are classified under 950611/950612, while accessories are classified under 950619.
950629 - Other water sports equipment
950629 includes surfboards, water skis and other water sports equipment. Snowboards are used on snow, surfboards on water, with different uses and materials, and classification should be distinguished by the type of sport.
950699 - Other sports equipment
950699 is for other sports equipment not elsewhere specified, such as skateboards, roller skates, etc. Snowboards are explicitly listed under 950611, so they are not classified under 950699. If a snowboard is designed as a toy, it may be classified under 9503.
950300 - Toys
950300 is for toys, including children's toy snowboards. However, actual sports snowboards, even if smaller in size, are classified under 950611. The key distinction is use and design: toy snowboards are usually made of plastic and have no actual sliding function; sports snowboards use professional materials and can be actually used.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it a snowboard (one board, both feet fixed)?
✓ Is it used for snow sliding sports, not water or land?
✓ Are the materials professional sports materials (such as wood core, fiberglass)?
✓ Has toy snowboards (9503) been excluded?
✓ Have brand, model, size and other declaration elements been confirmed complete?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for snowboards? You can use the General Administration of Customs website, HS code query platforms or professional customs declaration software, enter the keyword "snowboard" or "snowboard," and the system will display 950611. It is recommended to also check the notes for 9506 in the Import and Export Tariff to ensure the product meets the subheading description. If uncertain, consult a professional customs broker or customs classification department. What is the difference in HS codes between snowboards and skis? Snowboards are classified under 950611, and skis under 950612. The difference is that a snowboard is one board with both feet fixed on the same board; skis are two boards, each fixed to one foot. When declaring, accurately describe the product structure to avoid classification errors. Which code should snowboard accessories (such as bindings, ski boots) be classified under? Snowboard bindings, ski boots and other accessories are classified under 950619 (other skiing equipment). However, note that ski boots, if professional ski boots, may also be classified under 6403 (footwear). Specific classification should be determined based on material and function. It is recommended to provide detailed product information and consult customs. Are children's snowboards classified as toys or sports equipment? If children's snowboards are for actual sports, have sliding function, and use professional materials, they should be classified under 950611. If they are plastic toys with no actual sliding function, they are classified under 9503. Customs will judge based on the design, material and use of the product. When declaring, provide physical pictures and descriptions. What declaration elements are required for snowboard exports? Declaration elements include product name, brand, model, material, size, use, brand type, export preference status, etc. For details, refer to the "Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China" to ensure complete and accurate filling, avoiding customs clearance delays due to false declaration. What is the import tariff rate for snowboards? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and origin. For example, the MFN rate for snowboard imports into China needs to be checked in the current year's Import and Export Tariff, while lower rates may apply under preferential trade agreements. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the customs website or professional tariff query tools, or consult a customs broker. What are common errors in snowboard classification? Common errors include: confusing snowboards with skis, classifying snowboards as toys (9503), confusing accessories with the main board, and non-specific material declaration. These errors may lead to customs valuation, classification disputes or even administrative penalties. It is recommended to carefully check product information before declaration and apply for advance classification if necessary. How to apply for advance classification of snowboards? Enterprises can submit an "Advance Classification Application" to customs, providing detailed product description, pictures, materials, use and other information. After review, customs issues an "Advance Classification Decision," which applies to identical goods within the validity period. Advance classification can reduce classification disputes and improve customs clearance efficiency. For specific procedures, consult the local customs.
Q: How to query the HS code for snowboards?
A: You can use the General Administration of Customs website, HS code query platforms or professional customs declaration software, enter the keyword "snowboard" or "snowboard," and the system will display 950611. It is recommended to also check the notes for 9506 in the Import and Export Tariff to ensure the product meets the subheading description. If uncertain, consult a professional customs broker or customs classification department.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between snowboards and skis?
A: Snowboards are classified under 950611, and skis under 950612. The difference is that a snowboard is one board with both feet fixed on the same board; skis are two boards, each fixed to one foot. When declaring, accurately describe the product structure to avoid classification errors.
Q: Which code should snowboard accessories (such as bindings, ski boots) be classified under?
A: Snowboard bindings, ski boots and other accessories are classified under 950619 (other skiing equipment). However, note that ski boots, if professional ski boots, may also be classified under 6403 (footwear). Specific classification should be determined based on material and function. It is recommended to provide detailed product information and consult customs.
Q: Are children's snowboards classified as toys or sports equipment?
A: If children's snowboards are for actual sports, have sliding function, and use professional materials, they should be classified under 950611. If they are plastic toys with no actual sliding function, they are classified under 9503. Customs will judge based on the design, material and use of the product. When declaring, provide physical pictures and descriptions.
Q: What declaration elements are required for snowboard exports?
A: Declaration elements include product name, brand, model, material, size, use, brand type, export preference status, etc. For details, refer to the "Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China" to ensure complete and accurate filling, avoiding customs clearance delays due to false declaration.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for snowboards?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and origin. For example, the MFN rate for snowboard imports into China needs to be checked in the current year's Import and Export Tariff, while lower rates may apply under preferential trade agreements. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the customs website or professional tariff query tools, or consult a customs broker.
Q: What are common errors in snowboard classification?
A: Common errors include: confusing snowboards with skis, classifying snowboards as toys (9503), confusing accessories with the main board, and non-specific material declaration. These errors may lead to customs valuation, classification disputes or even administrative penalties. It is recommended to carefully check product information before declaration and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How to apply for advance classification of snowboards?
A: Enterprises can submit an "Advance Classification Application" to customs, providing detailed product description, pictures, materials, use and other information. After review, customs issues an "Advance Classification Decision," which applies to identical goods within the validity period. Advance classification can reduce classification disputes and improve customs clearance efficiency. For specific procedures, consult the local customs.
⚠️ 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.