Product classification

HS code for Ivory carvings: 9601.10

Ivory and articles thereof, worked.

Classification of ivory carvings under HS 9601.10

Ivory carvings and other articles made of worked ivory are classified under HS code 9601.10. This classification is situated in Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Unlike raw ivory, worked ivory has undergone significant transformation through carving, polishing, engraving, or assembly into finished goods. The Harmonized System defines 'worked' as material that has been shaped beyond simple sawing or cleaning. This includes statuettes, ornamental boxes, jewelry components, and handles for cutlery. Because ivory is a sensitive material subject to international trade bans (such as CITES), the distinction between worked and unworked ivory is critical for legal compliance. Even if an item is an antique, it is generally classified here unless it qualifies as a work of art or an antique over 100 years old under Chapter 97.

Covers
  • Carved ivory statuettes and figurines
  • Ivory jewelry (beads, bangles, pendants)
  • Inlaid ivory panels for furniture
  • Worked ivory handles for knives or umbrellas
  • Ornamental ivory boxes and cases
  • Engraved ivory tusks (scrimshaw)
  • Ivory buttons or toggles
  • Small ivory carvings for architectural decoration
Also under 9601.10
  • Antique Japanese netsuke
  • Victorian-era ivory miniatures
  • pre-ban ivory chess sets
  • specific museum artifacts

Codes often confused with 9601.10

Common mistake. Ivory carvings are often misclassified under HS code 0507.10, which is reserved for raw, unworked ivory. If the ivory has any decorative carving or has been polished into a finished shape, it must be moved to 9601.10. Another common misclassification is under HS code 9703.00 (original sculptures and statuary). While many ivory carvings are artistic, 9703.00 is reserved for original works created by an artist; mass-produced or traditional craft carvings remain in 9601.10. Additionally, items that are over 100 years old might be classified under HS code 9706.00 as antiques, but many customs authorities require 9601.10 to be used to track the material type for environmental protection purposes.

0507.10Animal products; ivory, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, ivory powder and waste

Top exporters and importers of HS 960110 (the code used for ivory carvings), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960110 (the code used for ivory carvings) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 37% 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 960110, not only ivory carvings.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $417K
  2. 2 Australia $387K
  3. 3 Italy $141K

World total: $1.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Singapore $403K
  2. 2 Germany $192K
  3. 3 United States $106K

World total: $1.1M 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 ivory carvings

Brazil classifies ivory carvings under NCM 9601.10.00: HS 9601.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ivory carvings

What is the HS code for Ivory carvings?

The HS code for Ivory carvings is 960110 (Ivory and articles thereof; worked). The HS code for worked ivory and articles made of ivory, such as carvings, is 9601.10.

How do I classify Ivory carvings for customs?

Ivory carvings is classified under HS code 960110 — Ivory and articles thereof; worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can ivory carvings be classified as jewelry?

While ivory carvings can be worn as jewelry, they are specifically directed to 9601.10 because the material (ivory) takes precedence in the classification of worked carving materials in the HS nomenclature.

Which countries are the top exporters of ivory carvings (HS 960110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960110 (the code used for ivory carvings) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($417K, 28% of world exports), Australia ($387K) and Italy ($141K). World exports came to about $1.5M, 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 ivory carvings (HS 960110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 960110 (the code used for ivory carvings) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($403K, 37% of world imports), Germany ($192K) and the United States ($106K). World imports came to about $1.1M, 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 Ivory carvings the same in all countries?

The base HS code 960110 for Ivory 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 ivory carvings in Brazil?

In Brazil, ivory carvings (HS 960110) is classified under NCM 9601.10.00.