Product classification
HS code for Blackboard: 9610.00
Slates and boards, with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not framed.
Classification of blackboard under HS 9610.00
Blackboards and similar writing or drawing surfaces are classified under HS code 961000. This code covers slates and boards with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not they are framed. This classification is found in Chapter 96, which deals with miscellaneous manufactured articles. The primary characteristic for classification under 961000 is the intended use of the surface for writing or drawing, typically with chalk or markers. This includes traditional slate blackboards, modern painted boards, and even portable slates used by students. The material of the frame (wood, metal, or plastic) does not change the classification, as the essential character of the item is the writing surface itself. However, it is important to distinguish these from electronic interactive whiteboards, which may be classified under Chapter 84 or 85 depending on their primary function and connectivity. The code 961000 is specifically for non-electronic, physical writing surfaces.
- Covers
- School blackboards
- Chalkboards for restaurants
- Framed writing slates
- Children's drawing boards (non-electronic)
- Also under 9610.00
- Quartet Whiteboards
- Ghent Boards
- Luxor Mobile Whiteboards
- Smartboard (the physical board surface)
- Bi-Office Chalkboards
Codes often confused with 9610.00
Common mistake. Blackboards are sometimes misclassified under 9403 as furniture, but because they have a specific writing function, 961000 takes precedence. Another error is using 4421 for wooden-framed boards; however, the writing surface is the defining feature. Electronic whiteboards should not be classified here; they typically fall under 8471 or 8528.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961000 (the code used for blackboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961000 (the code used for blackboard) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 961000, not only blackboard.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $525M 70% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $31M 4.2% of world exports
- 3 Poland $30M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $748M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $120M 18% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $62M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $55M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $650M 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 blackboard
Brazil classifies blackboard under NCM 9610.00.00: HS 9610.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blackboard
What is the HS code for Blackboard?
The HS code for Blackboard is 961000 (Slates and boards; with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not framed).
How do I classify Blackboard for customs?
Blackboard is classified under HS code 961000 — Slates and boards; with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not framed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for blackboards?
The HS code for blackboards and chalkboards is 961000.
Are whiteboards under the same code?
Yes, standard non-electronic whiteboards used with dry-erase markers are also classified under HS code 961000 as they are boards with writing surfaces.
Which countries are the top exporters of blackboard (HS 961000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961000 (the code used for blackboard) in UN Comtrade data were China ($525M, 70% of world exports), the Netherlands ($31M) and Poland ($30M). World exports came to about $748M, 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 blackboard (HS 961000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961000 (the code used for blackboard) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($120M, 18% of world imports), the Philippines ($62M) and Germany ($55M). World imports came to about $650M, 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.
Is the HS code for Blackboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961000 for Blackboard is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for blackboard in Brazil?
In Brazil, blackboard (HS 961000) is classified under NCM 9610.00.00.