Product classification
HS code for Bowling equipment: 9504.90
Games, articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, special tables for casino games, automatic bowling alley equipment, n.e.c. in heading 9504.
Classification of bowling equipment under HS 9504.90
Bowling equipment, specifically automatic bowling alley machinery and related parlor game articles, is classified under HS code 9504.90. This classification is part of Chapter 95, which encompasses articles for funfair, table, or parlor games. Heading 9504 is distinct from 9506 because it focuses on games typically found in indoor entertainment centers or alleys rather than general outdoor athletics. The HS code 9504.90 specifically mentions "automatic bowling alley equipment" in its explanatory notes. This includes the complex mechanical systems required to reset pins and return balls to the players. The classification is driven by the specialized nature of the machinery, which is designed for a specific parlor game environment. Under GRI 1, the terms of the headings are providing the primary direction, and since 9504 explicitly names bowling alley equipment, it takes precedence over general machinery codes in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Automatic pinsetters (pinspotters)
- Ball return systems and tracks
- Bowling lane surfaces (synthetic or wood)
- Bowling pins (ten-pin, duckpin, etc.)
- Electronic scoring consoles and overhead monitors
- Foul line sensors and lane oiling machines
- Also under 9504.90
- Monopoly
- Settlers of Catan
- Bicycle Playing Cards
- Brunswick Bowling Equipment
- Bally Pinball Machines
Codes often confused with 9504.90
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs when importers use HS code 8479.89, which covers general mechanical appliances with individual functions. However, because the equipment is specifically for a game, Chapter 95 takes precedence. Additionally, individual bowling balls are often incorrectly grouped here; they should be under 9506.69. Bowling shoes are also excluded from this code, as they are classified as footwear in Chapter 64 (usually 6403 or 6404).
Top exporters and importers of HS 950490 (the code used for bowling equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 950490 (the code used for bowling equipment) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 950490, not only bowling equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $533M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $302M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $440M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Canada $369M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 codes for bowling equipment
Brazil splits HS 9504.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9504.90.10Automatic bowling alley equipment
- 9504.90.90Other table, parlour and casino games
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bowling equipment
What is the HS code for Bowling equipment?
The HS code for Bowling equipment is 950490 (Games; articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, special tables for casino games, automatic bowling alley equipment, n.e.c. in heading 9504). The primary HS code for automatic bowling alley equipment and pins is 9504.90.
How do I classify Bowling equipment for customs?
Bowling equipment is classified under HS code 950490 — Games; articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, special tables for casino games, automatic bowling alley equipment, n.e.c. in heading 9504. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the bowling lane itself?
Yes, specialized lane sections and surfaces designed specifically for bowling alleys are classified under 9504.90 as part of the equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of bowling equipment (HS 950490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 950490 (the code used for bowling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 35% of world exports), the United States ($533M) and Germany ($302M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 equipment (HS 950490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 950490 (the code used for bowling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 21% of world imports), Germany ($440M) and Canada ($369M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 950490 for Bowling equipment 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 equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 950490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bowling equipment depends on the product's details: 9504.90.10 (Automatic bowling alley equipment), 9504.90.90 (Other table, parlour and casino games).