Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment, including models for entertainment, billiards, bowling, video game consoles, etc. This chapter does not include sports clothing, sleeping bags, lamps, etc., nor does it include toys exclusively for animals. Sports equipment under heading 9506 must have the characteristics of sports or outdoor games and must not be more specifically named in other chapters. Heading 9506 includes general sports equipment and apparatus, such as basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, table tennis balls, tennis balls, golf balls, etc., as well as equipment for swimming, diving, fishing, etc. However, sports clothing, gloves, helmets, etc. are classified under the corresponding chapters. Basketballs and volleyballs, as inflatable sports balls, are specifically named under 9506. First 2 digits 95 = Chapter 95 toys, games and sports equipment; digits 3-4 06 = heading 9506, general sports equipment and apparatus; digits 5-6 62 = subheading 950662, basketballs and volleyballs. This subheading further distinguishes basketballs and volleyballs, but the HS code does not subdivide them further; both share the same subheading. Basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, exclusively for sports, conforming to the description of 9506 'general sports equipment.' They differ from 9503 toy balls (not for sports) and from 6306 canvas balls (not inflatable). Therefore they are classified under 9506.62.
Chapter
Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment, including models for entertainment, billiards, bowling, video game consoles, etc. This chapter does not include sports clothing, sleeping bags, lamps, etc., nor does it include toys exclusively for animals. Sports equipment under heading 9506 must have the characteristics of sports or outdoor games and must not be more specifically named in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 9506 includes general sports equipment and apparatus, such as basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, table tennis balls, tennis balls, golf balls, etc., as well as equipment for swimming, diving, fishing, etc. However, sports clothing, gloves, helmets, etc. are classified under the corresponding chapters. Basketballs and volleyballs, as inflatable sports balls, are specifically named under 9506.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 95 = Chapter 95 toys, games and sports equipment; digits 3-4 06 = heading 9506, general sports equipment and apparatus; digits 5-6 62 = subheading 950662, basketballs and volleyballs. This subheading further distinguishes basketballs and volleyballs, but the HS code does not subdivide them further; both share the same subheading.
Classification Basis
Basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, exclusively for sports, conforming to the description of 9506 'general sports equipment.' They differ from 9503 toy balls (not for sports) and from 6306 canvas balls (not inflatable). Therefore they are classified under 9506.62.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the commodity name, which should be specifically 'basketball' or 'volleyball'; avoid the generic term 'sports ball.' Brand: Fill in the brand name (e.g., Nike, Spalding); if no brand, write 'no brand.' Model: Fill in the product model or item number; if no model, write 'no model.' Material: Main material, such as 'PU leather,' 'rubber,' 'PVC.' Specification/Size: Fill in the ball diameter or circumference, such as 'size 7 basketball,' 'size 5 volleyball.' Use: Specify as 'basketball sport' or 'volleyball sport,' not toys. Inflatable or Not: Indicate 'inflatable' or 'non-inflatable'; basketballs and volleyballs are usually inflatable. Product Name: Basketball; Brand: Spalding; Model: NBA-2024; Material: PU leather; Specification: Size 7 (circumference 75-76cm); Use: Basketball sport; Inflatable: Yes; Packaging: Single OPP bag. Misreporting a basketball as a 'toy basketball,' leading to classification under 9503, with different tax rates and regulatory conditions. Declaring material as 'leather' when it is actually synthetic leather, which may be questioned as false declaration. Not indicating specification/size, making it impossible to distinguish basketballs from volleyballs, affecting statistics.
Product Name
Declare the commodity name, which should be specifically 'basketball' or 'volleyball'; avoid the generic term 'sports ball.'
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'toy ball' or 'rubber ball,' leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (e.g., Nike, Spalding); if no brand, write 'no brand.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely, affecting intellectual property verification.
Model
Fill in the product model or item number; if no model, write 'no model.'
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications, causing difficulties in subsequent inspection.
Material
Main material, such as 'PU leather,' 'rubber,' 'PVC.'
⚠️ Writing only 'leather' without distinguishing genuine leather/synthetic leather, affecting classification.
Specification/Size
Fill in the ball diameter or circumference, such as 'size 7 basketball,' 'size 5 volleyball.'
⚠️ Not indicating size, making it impossible to distinguish basketballs/volleyballs from other balls.
Use
Specify as 'basketball sport' or 'volleyball sport,' not toys.
⚠️ Filling in 'for entertainment' may result in misclassification as toys.
Inflatable or Not
Indicate 'inflatable' or 'non-inflatable'; basketballs and volleyballs are usually inflatable.
⚠️ Omitting this item may affect subheading determination.
Example： Product Name: Basketball; Brand: Spalding; Model: NBA-2024; Material: PU leather; Specification: Size 7 (circumference 75-76cm); Use: Basketball sport; Inflatable: Yes; Packaging: Single OPP bag.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting a basketball as a 'toy basketball,' leading to classification under 9503, with different tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Declaring material as 'leather' when it is actually synthetic leather, which may be questioned as false declaration.
Not indicating specification/size, making it impossible to distinguish basketballs from volleyballs, affecting statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: Basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, exclusively for sports, conforming to the notes to Chapter 95 of the Tariff and the terms of heading 9506. It is necessary to exclude 9503 toy balls (not for sports), 6306 canvas balls (not inflatable), 9505 festive articles, etc. Also note that material does not affect classification; as long as it meets the characteristics of a sports ball, it is classified under 9506.62. 9503 Toy balls: Toy balls are usually small in size, light in material, and not for professional sports, classified under 9503; basketballs and volleyballs are professional sports balls, classified under 9506. 6306 Canvas balls: Canvas balls are not inflatable, usually beach balls or training balls, classified under 6306; basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, classified under 9506. 9505 Festive articles: Festive decorative balls such as Christmas balls are classified under 9505; basketballs and volleyballs are sports equipment, classified under 9506. 4016 Rubber balls: Ordinary rubber balls, if not clearly for sports use, may be classified under 4016; basketballs and volleyballs have clear sports characteristics, classified under 9506. Is it an inflatable sports ball? Is it exclusively for basketball or volleyball sport? Does the size conform to standard competition balls? Is the material leather, rubber, or synthetic leather? Is it distinguished from toy balls or decorative balls?
Basis
Classification basis: Basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, exclusively for sports, conforming to the notes to Chapter 95 of the Tariff and the terms of heading 9506. It is necessary to exclude 9503 toy balls (not for sports), 6306 canvas balls (not inflatable), 9505 festive articles, etc. Also note that material does not affect classification; as long as it meets the characteristics of a sports ball, it is classified under 9506.62.
Confused Codes：
9503 - Toy balls
Toy balls are usually small in size, light in material, and not for professional sports, classified under 9503; basketballs and volleyballs are professional sports balls, classified under 9506.
6306 - Canvas balls
Canvas balls are not inflatable, usually beach balls or training balls, classified under 6306; basketballs and volleyballs are inflatable sports balls, classified under 9506.
9505 - Festive articles
Festive decorative balls such as Christmas balls are classified under 9505; basketballs and volleyballs are sports equipment, classified under 9506.
4016 - Rubber balls
Ordinary rubber balls, if not clearly for sports use, may be classified under 4016; basketballs and volleyballs have clear sports characteristics, classified under 9506.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it an inflatable sports ball?
✓ Is it exclusively for basketball or volleyball sport?
✓ Does the size conform to standard competition balls?
✓ Is the material leather, rubber, or synthetic leather?
✓ Is it distinguished from toy balls or decorative balls?
❓ FAQ
Why are basketballs and volleyballs classified under the same HS code? Because HS code subheading 950662 simultaneously lists 'basketballs and volleyballs'; both are inflatable sports balls with similar use and materials, so they share the same code. When declaring, the product name must clearly distinguish basketball or volleyball. How to inquire about the import tariff rate for basketballs? First confirm the HS code is 950662, then inquire about the applicable tariff rate based on the country of origin (e.g., MFN rate, agreement rate). This can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; the latest published rates shall prevail. How to fill in the 'material' declaration element for basketballs? Fill in the main material of the ball, such as 'PU leather,' 'rubber,' 'PVC,' etc. If genuine leather, indicate 'genuine leather'; if synthetic leather, indicate 'synthetic leather.' Avoid writing only 'leather' to prevent classification disputes. What certifications are required to export basketballs to the United States? The United States has no mandatory certification for sports balls, but they must comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements, such as lead content, phthalates, etc. It is recommended to provide test reports and pay attention to brand intellectual property authorization. How to choose the HS code for basketballs and volleyballs in cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also use 950662. Note the distinction between personal items and goods; if sent by commercial express, customs declaration as goods is required, providing complete declaration elements. If a basketball has an electronic timer attached, does the code change? If a basketball merely has an electronic timer attached, it is still classified as a basketball under 950662; but if the electronic function becomes the main characteristic, it may be classified under other subheadings of 9506 or Chapter 85. Determination should be based on function. What is the difference between a volleyball and a beach ball? A volleyball is a professional sports ball, inflatable, classified under 950662; a beach ball is usually a toy or for entertainment, not for professional sports, and may be classified under 9503 or 6306. The difference lies in use and design. What are the regulatory conditions for HS code 950662? Generally there are no special regulatory conditions, but note that the importing country may require conformity certification (e.g., CE, UKCA). When exporting, Chinese export controls must be observed, unless otherwise specified. The latest customs announcements shall prevail.
Q: Why are basketballs and volleyballs classified under the same HS code?
A: Because HS code subheading 950662 simultaneously lists 'basketballs and volleyballs'; both are inflatable sports balls with similar use and materials, so they share the same code. When declaring, the product name must clearly distinguish basketball or volleyball.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for basketballs?
A: First confirm the HS code is 950662, then inquire about the applicable tariff rate based on the country of origin (e.g., MFN rate, agreement rate). This can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; the latest published rates shall prevail.
Q: How to fill in the 'material' declaration element for basketballs?
A: Fill in the main material of the ball, such as 'PU leather,' 'rubber,' 'PVC,' etc. If genuine leather, indicate 'genuine leather'; if synthetic leather, indicate 'synthetic leather.' Avoid writing only 'leather' to prevent classification disputes.
Q: What certifications are required to export basketballs to the United States?
A: The United States has no mandatory certification for sports balls, but they must comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements, such as lead content, phthalates, etc. It is recommended to provide test reports and pay attention to brand intellectual property authorization.
Q: How to choose the HS code for basketballs and volleyballs in cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also use 950662. Note the distinction between personal items and goods; if sent by commercial express, customs declaration as goods is required, providing complete declaration elements.
Q: If a basketball has an electronic timer attached, does the code change?
A: If a basketball merely has an electronic timer attached, it is still classified as a basketball under 950662; but if the electronic function becomes the main characteristic, it may be classified under other subheadings of 9506 or Chapter 85. Determination should be based on function.
Q: What is the difference between a volleyball and a beach ball?
A: A volleyball is a professional sports ball, inflatable, classified under 950662; a beach ball is usually a toy or for entertainment, not for professional sports, and may be classified under 9503 or 6306. The difference lies in use and design.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for HS code 950662?
A: Generally there are no special regulatory conditions, but note that the importing country may require conformity certification (e.g., CE, UKCA). When exporting, Chinese export controls must be observed, unless otherwise specified. The latest customs announcements shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.