Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, amusement, sport or play of children or adults, but attention must be paid to the distinction from Chapters 84, 85, 87, etc. The core characteristic is that they are designed for entertainment, sport or play, rather than purely practical functions. This chapter also includes festive articles, magic props, video game consoles, etc. Heading 9506 covers general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus, but excludes certain specific sports equipment (such as golf balls, table tennis balls, etc., which are separately listed). It mainly includes: balls (other than those already named), rackets, bats, skis, water skis, ice skates, roller skates, swimming articles, fitness equipment, etc. The first 2 digits 95: indicates Chapter 95, belonging to toys, games and sports equipment. Digits 3-4, 06: indicates heading 9506, specifically general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus. Digits 5-6, 69: indicates subheading 950669, namely other balls. Under 9506, balls are further subdivided: 950661 lawn tennis balls, 950662 inflatable balls, 950663 table tennis balls, etc., and 950669 is other balls not elsewhere specified or included. The goods are balls and do not belong to named ball types such as 950661 (lawn tennis balls), 950662 (inflatable balls), 950663 (table tennis balls), 950664 (golf balls), etc., and are therefore classified under 950669. If the balls are toys (such as children's toy balls), they may be classified under 9503; if they are balls for specific sports (such as cricket, polo), they still fall under 950669.
Chapter
Chapter 95 covers toys, games and sports equipment and their parts and accessories. This chapter includes articles for the entertainment, amusement, sport or play of children or adults, but attention must be paid to the distinction from Chapters 84, 85, 87, etc. The core characteristic is that they are designed for entertainment, sport or play, rather than purely practical functions. This chapter also includes festive articles, magic props, video game consoles, etc.
Heading
Heading 9506 covers general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus, but excludes certain specific sports equipment (such as golf balls, table tennis balls, etc., which are separately listed). It mainly includes: balls (other than those already named), rackets, bats, skis, water skis, ice skates, roller skates, swimming articles, fitness equipment, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 95: indicates Chapter 95, belonging to toys, games and sports equipment. Digits 3-4, 06: indicates heading 9506, specifically general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics and other sports equipment and apparatus. Digits 5-6, 69: indicates subheading 950669, namely other balls. Under 9506, balls are further subdivided: 950661 lawn tennis balls, 950662 inflatable balls, 950663 table tennis balls, etc., and 950669 is other balls not elsewhere specified or included.
Classification Basis
The goods are balls and do not belong to named ball types such as 950661 (lawn tennis balls), 950662 (inflatable balls), 950663 (table tennis balls), 950664 (golf balls), etc., and are therefore classified under 950669. If the balls are toys (such as children's toy balls), they may be classified under 9503; if they are balls for specific sports (such as cricket, polo), they still fall under 950669.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as basketball, football, volleyball, etc. It should accurately reflect the attributes of the goods and avoid the general term "balls." Brand: Fill in the brand name of the goods; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand is important information for customs intellectual property protection. Model: Fill in the model or item number of the goods for easy identification. If there is no model, "no model" may be entered. Material: The main material of the balls, such as rubber, PU, PVC, leather, etc. Material affects classification and tax rates. Use: Explain the use of the ball, such as for competition, training, entertainment, etc. Use affects whether it is professional sports equipment. Specifications and dimensions: Specification information such as diameter, circumference or weight of the ball. Different sports have standard requirements for ball specifications. Whether inflatable: Whether the ball is inflatable, such as basketballs and footballs which are usually inflatable, while tennis balls are not inflatable. Type of packaging: The packaging method of the balls, such as retail packaging, bulk, etc. This affects the taxable unit. Product name: football; Brand: Nike; Model: FB-001; Material: PU synthetic leather; Use: for competition and training; Specifications: size 5 ball, diameter about 22 cm; Whether inflatable: yes; Packaging: retail packaging. Incorrectly classifying toy balls under 950669 when they should actually be classified under 9503. Incorrectly classifying an inflatable basketball under 950662, but 950662 refers only to inflatable balls (such as balloons), and basketballs should be classified under 950669. Ignoring brand declaration, leading to intellectual property infringement risks. False declaration of material, such as declaring PU leather as genuine leather, affecting classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as basketball, football, volleyball, etc. It should accurately reflect the attributes of the goods and avoid the general term "balls."
⚠️ Only writing "ball" or "sports ball" without being specific.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the goods; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand is important information for customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the model or item number of the goods for easy identification. If there is no model, "no model" may be entered.
⚠️ Confusing model with specification, or filling it in incompletely.
Material
The main material of the balls, such as rubber, PU, PVC, leather, etc. Material affects classification and tax rates.
⚠️ Material description is too general, such as "plastic" without specifying PU.
Use
Explain the use of the ball, such as for competition, training, entertainment, etc. Use affects whether it is professional sports equipment.
⚠️ Use description is unclear, such as "for sports" being too broad.
Specifications and dimensions
Specification information such as diameter, circumference or weight of the ball. Different sports have standard requirements for ball specifications.
⚠️ Failure to provide specific dimensions, writing only "standard."
Whether inflatable
Whether the ball is inflatable, such as basketballs and footballs which are usually inflatable, while tennis balls are not inflatable.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring a non-inflatable ball as inflatable.
Type of packaging
The packaging method of the balls, such as retail packaging, bulk, etc. This affects the taxable unit.
⚠️ Improper filling of packaging type, such as "carton" without stating whether it is retail.
Example： Product name: football; Brand: Nike; Model: FB-001; Material: PU synthetic leather; Use: for competition and training; Specifications: size 5 ball, diameter about 22 cm; Whether inflatable: yes; Packaging: retail packaging.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying toy balls under 950669 when they should actually be classified under 9503.
Incorrectly classifying an inflatable basketball under 950662, but 950662 refers only to inflatable balls (such as balloons), and basketballs should be classified under 950669.
Ignoring brand declaration, leading to intellectual property infringement risks.
False declaration of material, such as declaring PU leather as genuine leather, affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: first determine whether it is a Chapter 95 product, that is, used for sport or entertainment. Second, confirm whether it falls under heading 9506. Then, check whether it belongs to a named ball type (950661-950664); if not, classify it under 950669. At the same time, consider whether it belongs to toys (9503) or general sports equipment. Material, use, whether inflatable, etc. are important determining factors. 950662 Inflatable balls: 950662 specifically refers to inflatable balls, such as balloons, yoga balls, etc., but inflatable balls used for sports such as basketballs and footballs are classified under 950669. The core difference lies in use: 950662 is inflatable balls for entertainment or fitness, while 950669 is balls for sports competition. 950661 Lawn tennis balls: 950661 refers only to lawn tennis balls; other tennis balls (such as hard-court tennis balls) are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the playing surface, but in actual classification lawn tennis balls are rarely declared separately and are usually classified as other balls under 950669. 950663 Table tennis balls: 950663 specifically refers to table tennis balls, including those for competition and training. Other balls such as cricket balls and polo balls are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the type of ball and the sport. 950664 Golf balls: 950664 specifically refers to golf balls; other balls such as rugby balls and volleyballs are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the sport and the special material and structure of golf balls. 9503 Toys: 9503 is toys, such as children's toy balls, beach balls, etc., mainly for children to play with and not for formal sports. 950669 is sports balls used for sports competition or training. The difference lies in use and design. Is it a sports ball rather than a toy? Does it not belong to a named ball type (950661-950664)? Are the material and use declared accurately? Has the brand been declared? Is it inflatable? Are the specifications clear?
Basis
Core basis for classification: first determine whether it is a Chapter 95 product, that is, used for sport or entertainment. Second, confirm whether it falls under heading 9506. Then, check whether it belongs to a named ball type (950661-950664); if not, classify it under 950669. At the same time, consider whether it belongs to toys (9503) or general sports equipment. Material, use, whether inflatable, etc. are important determining factors.
Confused Codes：
950662 - Inflatable balls
950662 specifically refers to inflatable balls, such as balloons, yoga balls, etc., but inflatable balls used for sports such as basketballs and footballs are classified under 950669. The core difference lies in use: 950662 is inflatable balls for entertainment or fitness, while 950669 is balls for sports competition.
950661 - Lawn tennis balls
950661 refers only to lawn tennis balls; other tennis balls (such as hard-court tennis balls) are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the playing surface, but in actual classification lawn tennis balls are rarely declared separately and are usually classified as other balls under 950669.
950663 - Table tennis balls
950663 specifically refers to table tennis balls, including those for competition and training. Other balls such as cricket balls and polo balls are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the type of ball and the sport.
950664 - Golf balls
950664 specifically refers to golf balls; other balls such as rugby balls and volleyballs are classified under 950669. The difference lies in the sport and the special material and structure of golf balls.
9503 - Toys
9503 is toys, such as children's toy balls, beach balls, etc., mainly for children to play with and not for formal sports. 950669 is sports balls used for sports competition or training. The difference lies in use and design.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it a sports ball rather than a toy?
✓ Does it not belong to a named ball type (950661-950664)?
✓ Are the material and use declared accurately?
✓ Has the brand been declared?
✓ Is it inflatable? Are the specifications clear?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tax rate for HS code 950669? Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional query tools by entering HS code 950669 and the country of origin and destination. Also pay attention to preferential tax rates under free trade agreements. Are basketballs and footballs both classified under 950669? Yes, sports balls such as basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, etc., as long as they do not belong to the named ball types 950661-950664, are all classified under 950669. However, note that if these balls are toys (such as small children's toy balls), they should be classified under 9503. Which code are inflatable yoga balls classified under? Inflatable yoga balls are usually classified under 950662 (inflatable balls), because their main use is fitness and entertainment rather than formal sports competition. However, if a yoga ball is designed for professional training, it may still fall under 950662. What is the difference between 950669 and 950699? 950669 is other balls, and 950699 is other sports equipment (such as rackets, protective gear, etc.). The difference lies in whether the goods are balls. Balls are classified under 950669, and other sports equipment under 950699. Must the brand be filled in when declaring? Yes, brand is one of the declaration elements and must be filled in truthfully. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand involves intellectual property; if declared falsely, it may lead to customs detention or penalties. Are table tennis rackets and table tennis balls classified under the same code? No, table tennis balls are classified under 950663, and table tennis rackets under 950699 (other sports equipment). The two belong to different subheadings and must be declared separately. If the ball material is leather, will the classification change? No, HS code 950669 is based on use and type, and material does not affect subheading classification. However, material may affect tax rates or regulatory conditions and must be accurately filled in among the declaration elements. For basketballs exported to the United States, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the U.S. HS code are the same as those of China, both being 950669. However, the United States may have more detailed statistical codes in later digits, which need to be checked on the official website of U.S. Customs. Also pay attention to the situation of additional U.S. tariffs on China.
Q: How can I check the tax rate for HS code 950669?
A: Tax rates vary by country, trade agreement, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional query tools by entering HS code 950669 and the country of origin and destination. Also pay attention to preferential tax rates under free trade agreements.
Q: Are basketballs and footballs both classified under 950669?
A: Yes, sports balls such as basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, etc., as long as they do not belong to the named ball types 950661-950664, are all classified under 950669. However, note that if these balls are toys (such as small children's toy balls), they should be classified under 9503.
Q: Which code are inflatable yoga balls classified under?
A: Inflatable yoga balls are usually classified under 950662 (inflatable balls), because their main use is fitness and entertainment rather than formal sports competition. However, if a yoga ball is designed for professional training, it may still fall under 950662.
Q: What is the difference between 950669 and 950699?
A: 950669 is other balls, and 950699 is other sports equipment (such as rackets, protective gear, etc.). The difference lies in whether the goods are balls. Balls are classified under 950669, and other sports equipment under 950699.
Q: Must the brand be filled in when declaring?
A: Yes, brand is one of the declaration elements and must be filled in truthfully. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Brand involves intellectual property; if declared falsely, it may lead to customs detention or penalties.
Q: Are table tennis rackets and table tennis balls classified under the same code?
A: No, table tennis balls are classified under 950663, and table tennis rackets under 950699 (other sports equipment). The two belong to different subheadings and must be declared separately.
Q: If the ball material is leather, will the classification change?
A: No, HS code 950669 is based on use and type, and material does not affect subheading classification. However, material may affect tax rates or regulatory conditions and must be accurately filled in among the declaration elements.
Q: For basketballs exported to the United States, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the U.S. HS code are the same as those of China, both being 950669. However, the United States may have more detailed statistical codes in later digits, which need to be checked on the official website of U.S. Customs. Also pay attention to the situation of additional U.S. tariffs on China.
⚠️ 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.