HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9601.90 – Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding)
HS code 9601.90 is the 6-digit subheading for bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding). It is used for bone carvings, horn buttons, mother-of-pearl inlays, coral jewelry and antler handles.
What HS 9601.90 covers
This HS code encompasses worked articles made from various animal carving materials, excluding ivory. This includes bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, and mother-of-pearl. The international trade in these materials is diverse, ranging from raw, worked pieces for artisans to finished decorative items, jewelry, and functional goods. Importers include craft suppliers, jewelry manufacturers, and luxury goods retailers, while exporters are often countries with traditional carving industries or access to these natural resources. Key considerations involve the varying conservation statuses of the source animals; for example, certain corals and tortoise shells are CITES-listed, requiring permits similar to ivory, though generally less restrictive. The market values natural aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the unique properties of each material, catering to both traditional and contemporary designs.
- Covers
- Bone carvings
- Horn buttons
- Mother-of-pearl inlays
- Coral jewelry
- Antler handles
- Tortoise shell combs
- Shell cameos
- Bone beads
- Examples
- Mother-of-pearl watch dials (e.g., Rolex)
- horn-rimmed glasses (e.g., Lindberg)
- antique tortoise shell boxes
- carved bone pendants
- coral necklaces
Codes often confused with 9601.90
Common mistake. Frequently confused with ivory (960110) due to similar appearance, or with plastic imitations (Chapter 39) if not properly identified as natural material.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960190 in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 Hong Kong $13M 11% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$12M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $11M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $33M 25% of world imports
- 2 France $16M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $12M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $132M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 9601.90
Brazil does not split HS 9601.90: its NCM code is 9601.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9601.90
What is HS code 960190?
HS code 960190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding). This HS code encompasses worked articles made from various animal carving materials, excluding ivory. This includes bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, and mother-of-pearl. The international trade in these materials is diverse, ranging from raw, worked pieces for artisans to finished decorative items, jewelry, and functional goods. Importers include craft suppliers, jewelry manufacturers, and luxury goods retailers, while exporters are often countries with traditional carving industries or access to these natural resources. Key considerations involve the varying conservation statuses of the source animals; for example, certain corals and tortoise shells are CITES-listed, requiring permits similar to ivory, though generally less restrictive. The market values natural aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the unique properties of each material, catering to both traditional and contemporary designs.
What products fall under HS code 960190?
Bone carvings, horn buttons, mother-of-pearl inlays, coral jewelry, antler handles, tortoise shell combs, shell cameos, bone beads
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960190?
Frequently confused with ivory (960110) due to similar appearance, or with plastic imitations (Chapter 39) if not properly identified as natural material.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960190 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($13M, 11% of world exports), Vietnam (about $12M) and Germany ($11M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 960190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960190 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 25% of world imports), France ($16M) and Japan ($12M). World imports came to about $132M, 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 960190 structured?
HS code 960190 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960190?
In Brazil, HS code 960190 is NCM 9601.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.