Product classification
HS code for Garden riddles: 9604.00
Hand sieves and hand riddles.
Classification of garden riddles under HS 9604.00
Garden riddles, which are hand-operated tools used for sifting soil, compost, or sand, are classified under HS code 9604.00. This heading is specifically dedicated to "Hand sieves and hand riddles." Unlike many other tools that are classified based on their material composition (such as steel in Chapter 73 or plastic in Chapter 39), heading 9604 is a functional heading. This means that regardless of whether the riddle is made of wood, base metal, or plastic, it remains in this category because it is a hand-operated sifting device. This classification follows GRI 1, as the product name and function are explicitly mentioned in the heading text. These items are essential in horticulture for removing stones and debris from soil to create a fine medium for seeds. The simplicity of the tool—requiring manual agitation—distinguishes it from mechanical screening machinery found in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Manual soil sieves
- Hand-held compost riddles
- Wire mesh garden sifters
- Plastic garden riddles
- Laboratory hand sieves used for soil analysis
- Also under 9604.00
- OXO Good Grips sieves
- Cuisinart strainers
- Norpro sieves
- Fiskars garden riddles
- Gilmour garden sieves
Codes often confused with 9604.00
Common mistake. Garden riddles are often misclassified under HS code 7326.90 (other articles of iron or steel) or 3926.90 (other articles of plastics) if the classifier focuses on the material rather than the specific functional heading 9604.00. Another error is confusing them with mechanical screening machines under HS code 8474.10. However, 8474 is reserved for power-operated machinery used for sorting, screening, or separating earth, stone, or ores. If the riddle has no moving parts and is operated entirely by hand, 9604.00 is the only correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960400 (the code used for garden riddles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960400 (the code used for garden riddles) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 16% 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 960400, not only garden riddles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $10M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $4.0M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.5M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $13M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12M 14% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.7M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $80M 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 garden riddles
Brazil classifies garden riddles under NCM 9604.00.00: HS 9604.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about garden riddles
What is the HS code for Garden riddles?
The HS code for Garden riddles is 960400 (Hand sieves and hand riddles). The HS code for all hand-operated garden riddles and sieves is 9604.00.
How do I classify Garden riddles for customs?
Garden riddles is classified under HS code 960400 — Hand sieves and hand riddles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the material of the riddle change the HS code?
No, heading 9604.00 covers hand sieves and riddles made of any material, including metal, plastic, or wood.
Which countries are the top exporters of garden riddles (HS 960400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960400 (the code used for garden riddles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 23% of world exports), China ($4.0M) and the United Kingdom ($3.5M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 garden riddles (HS 960400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960400 (the code used for garden riddles) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($13M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($12M) and the United Kingdom ($3.7M). World imports came to about $80M, 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 Garden riddles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960400 for Garden riddles 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 garden riddles in Brazil?
In Brazil, garden riddles (HS 960400) is classified under NCM 9604.00.00.