HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 9508.40 – Travelling theatres

HS code 9508.40 is the 6-digit subheading for travelling theatres. It is used for mobile stage units, inflatable theatres, tent circuses, portable planetariums and touring concert stages.

What HS 9508.40 covers

This HS code is dedicated to travelling theatres, which are mobile structures designed to host theatrical performances, circuses, concerts, or other live events in various locations. These are specialized constructions, often incorporating advanced staging, lighting, and sound systems, all engineered for portability and rapid deployment. The international trade involves manufacturers of bespoke mobile event structures and specialized logistics companies. Importers are typically touring entertainment companies, circuses, event organizers, or cultural institutions that require flexible performance spaces. Exporters are often European or North American firms known for their expertise in temporary architecture and event technology. Key aspects of this trade include structural integrity, weather resistance, ease of assembly, and compliance with international safety standards for public venues, catering to the dynamic needs of the global entertainment industry.

Covers
  • Mobile stage units
  • Inflatable theatres
  • Tent circuses
  • Portable planetariums
  • Touring concert stages
  • Mobile cinema units
  • Pop-up performance venues
Examples
  • Cirque du Soleil's "Grand Chapiteau" tents
  • specific mobile stage manufacturers like Stageco
  • temporary event structures from Losberger De Boer
  • mobile planetarium domes

Codes often confused with 9508.40

Common mistake. Could be confused with general tents (Chapter 63) or sound/lighting equipment (Chapter 85, 90) if the complete 'theatre' aspect and its integrated nature are overlooked.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 950840, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 950840 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 25% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $57M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $47M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $27M

World total: $243M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $34M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $22M
  3. 3 United States $19M

World total: $137M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 9508.40

Brazil does not split HS 9508.40: its NCM code is 9508.40.00.

  1. 9508.40.00 Travelling theatresTeatros ambulantes

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 95.08 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 9508.40

What is HS code 950840?

HS code 950840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Travelling theatres. This HS code is dedicated to travelling theatres, which are mobile structures designed to host theatrical performances, circuses, concerts, or other live events in various locations. These are specialized constructions, often incorporating advanced staging, lighting, and sound systems, all engineered for portability and rapid deployment. The international trade involves manufacturers of bespoke mobile event structures and specialized logistics companies. Importers are typically touring entertainment companies, circuses, event organizers, or cultural institutions that require flexible performance spaces. Exporters are often European or North American firms known for their expertise in temporary architecture and event technology. Key aspects of this trade include structural integrity, weather resistance, ease of assembly, and compliance with international safety standards for public venues, catering to the dynamic needs of the global entertainment industry.

What products fall under HS code 950840?

Mobile stage units, inflatable theatres, tent circuses, portable planetariums, touring concert stages, mobile cinema units, pop-up performance venues

What are common misclassifications for HS code 950840?

Could be confused with general tents (Chapter 63) or sound/lighting equipment (Chapter 85, 90) if the complete 'theatre' aspect and its integrated nature are overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 950840?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 950840 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($57M, 24% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($47M) and the United Kingdom ($27M). World exports came to about $243M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 950840?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 950840 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($34M, 25% of world imports), Hong Kong ($22M) and the United States ($19M). World imports came to about $137M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 950840 structured?

HS code 950840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (95) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 950840?

In Brazil, HS code 950840 is NCM 9508.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.