Product classification
HS code for Bone carvings: 9601.90
Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding).
Classification of bone carvings under HS 9601.90
HS code 960190 is specifically designated for articles crafted from various animal carving materials, including bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, and mother-of-pearl. The crucial aspect of this classification is that it covers "articles thereof," meaning finished products that have been carved, molded, or otherwise processed from these raw materials. This code encompasses a wide range of decorative items, functional objects, and intricate components made from bone, distinguishing them clearly from raw or minimally processed bone materials. The classification reflects the significant value-added manufacturing process applied to these natural animal-derived substances, transforming them into finished goods ready for use or display.
- Covers
- Carved bone figurines and sculptures
- Decorative bone panels and inlays
- Bone jewelry components (e.g., pendants, beads)
- Handles for cutlery or tools made from carved bone
- Molded bone ornaments and decorative articles
- Also under 9601.90
- 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. Common misclassifications for bone carvings include HS code 0506.90, which covers "Bones and horn-cores, unworked, defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape), treated with acid or degelatinised; powder and waste of these products." This code is for raw or minimally processed bone, not finished carved articles, which is a key distinction based on the level of processing and transformation. Another potential confusion arises with 9703.00, "Original sculptures and statuary, in any material." While some bone carvings may indeed be original sculptures, 960190 is broader, covering manufactured articles from bone, not exclusively unique works of art. The intent and scale of production often differentiate these. If bone carvings are incorporated into imitation jewelry, 7117.90 might be considered, but standalone carved bone items, where bone is the primary material and character, fall under 960190.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960190 (the code used for bone carvings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960190 (the code used for bone carvings) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 960190, not only bone carvings.
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 bone carvings
Brazil classifies bone carvings under NCM 9601.90.00: HS 9601.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bone carvings
What is the HS code for Bone carvings?
The HS code for Bone carvings is 960190 (Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding)). The HS code for bone carvings is 960190. This code covers articles made from bone and other animal carving materials, including those obtained by carving or molding.
How do I classify Bone carvings for customs?
Bone carvings is classified under HS code 960190 — Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material and articles thereof (including articles obtained by moulding). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 960190 include raw bone material?
No, HS code 960190 specifically covers finished articles made from bone and other animal carving materials. Raw, unworked, or simply prepared bone, not yet crafted into an article, is classified under HS code 0506.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of bone carvings (HS 960190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960190 (the code used for bone carvings) 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 bone carvings (HS 960190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960190 (the code used for bone carvings) 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.
Is the HS code for Bone carvings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960190 for Bone carvings 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 bone carvings in Brazil?
In Brazil, bone carvings (HS 960190) is classified under NCM 9601.90.00.