Product classification
HS code for Bowling balls: 9506.69
Balls, (other than inflatable or for lawn-tennis, golf or table-tennis).
Classification of bowling balls under HS 9506.69
Bowling balls are classified under HS code 9506.69, which falls within Chapter 95 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers toys, games, and sports requisites. Specifically, heading 9506 pertains to articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports, or outdoor games. Within this heading, sub-heading 9506.69 is designated for balls other than those that are inflatable, or specifically designed for lawn-tennis, golf, or table-tennis. The classification is determined by the primary use of the item as sports equipment rather than a toy. Because bowling balls are solid or have a non-inflatable core and are used in a recognized competitive sport, they satisfy the criteria for this specific code. The material composition, whether polyester, urethane, or reactive resin, does not change the primary classification under 9506.69, as the functional application remains the defining characteristic under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6.
- Covers
- Ten-pin bowling balls
- Duckpin bowling balls
- Candlepin bowling balls
- Five-pin bowling balls
- Lawn bowls (non-inflatable)
- Hard rubber bowling balls
- Polyester and reactive resin bowling balls
- Also under 9506.69
- Rawlings Official MLB Baseball
- Kookaburra Turf Cricket Ball
- Aramith Billiard Balls
- Brunswick Bowling Ball
- Franklin Sports Pickleball
Codes often confused with 9506.69
Common mistake. Bowling balls are frequently misclassified under HS code 9504.90. While 9504.90 covers automatic bowling alley equipment, it is intended for the machinery and the lane components rather than the individual sports equipment used by the player. Another common error is using 9503.00, which is reserved for toys. If a bowling ball is professional-grade or intended for sport, it must remain in 9506.69. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates and delays in customs clearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 950669 (the code used for bowling balls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 950669 (the code used for bowling balls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 950669, not only bowling balls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $433M 60% of world exports
- 2 Costa Rica* ~$28M 3.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $26M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $724M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $166M 26% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $65M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $36M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $639M 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 bowling balls
Brazil classifies bowling balls under NCM 9506.69.00: HS 9506.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bowling balls
What is the HS code for Bowling balls?
The HS code for Bowling balls is 950669 (Balls; (other than inflatable or for lawn-tennis, golf or table-tennis)). The standard international HS code for bowling balls is 9506.69, categorized under sports equipment.
How do I classify Bowling balls for customs?
Bowling balls is classified under HS code 950669 — Balls; (other than inflatable or for lawn-tennis, golf or table-tennis). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bowling balls for children classified differently?
If the balls are lightweight plastic sets intended for play (toys), they may fall under 9503.00. However, regulation-weight balls for youth leagues remain under 9506.69.
Which countries are the top exporters of bowling balls (HS 950669)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 950669 (the code used for bowling balls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($433M, 60% of world exports), Costa Rica (about $28M) and Germany ($26M). World exports came to about $724M, 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 bowling balls (HS 950669)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 950669 (the code used for bowling balls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($166M, 26% of world imports), South Korea ($65M) and Germany ($36M). World imports came to about $639M, 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 Bowling balls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 950669 for Bowling balls 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 bowling balls in Brazil?
In Brazil, bowling balls (HS 950669) is classified under NCM 9506.69.00.