Product classification
HS code for Modelling clay: 9602.00
Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503).
Classification of modelling clay under HS 9602.00
Modelling clay and similar modelling pastes are classified under HS code 9602.00. This heading is part of Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. The classification is appropriate because modelling clay is considered a 'modelling paste' or a worked mineral/vegetable carving material. These products are typically composed of a mixture of oils, waxes, and clay minerals (such as kaolin) that allow the material to remain plastic and malleable for extended periods without hardening. This code applies to products used by artists, students, and children for creating three-dimensional models. The classification is based on the material's function as a preparation for moulding or carving. Even when these products are marketed for children, they remain under 9602.00 unless they are part of a comprehensive toy set that changes the character of the shipment to a game or toy under Chapter 95.
- Covers
- Plasticine and similar non-hardening clays
- Mineral-based modelling pastes
- Vegetable-based carving materials
- Worked unhardened gelatin articles
- Moulded wax or stearin articles
- Children's play dough (bulk or individual containers)
- Also under 9602.00
- Meerschaum pipes from Turkey
- amber jewelry from the Baltic region
- soapstone carvings from India
- beeswax candles (decorative)
- resin-cast decorative items
Codes often confused with 9602.00
Common mistake. Modelling clay is often misclassified under HS code 3407.00, which covers 'modelling pastes' specifically prepared for dental use or for certain industrial impressions. It may also be confused with 3213.10 (artists' colors) if the clay is sold in sets of various colors. Furthermore, if the clay is packaged as part of a 'creative activity set' with tools and molds, it might be classified under 9503.00 as a toy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960200 (the code used for modelling clay), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960200 (the code used for modelling clay) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 960200, not only modelling clay.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $257M 21% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $209M 17% of world exports
- 3 India $161M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $363M 30% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Spain $60M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 modelling clay
Brazil splits HS 9602.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9602.00.10Digestible gelatin capsules
- 9602.00.20Artificial honeycombs
- 9602.00.90Other worked carving material and moulded items
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modelling clay
What is the HS code for Modelling clay?
The HS code for Modelling clay is 960200 (Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503)). The standard HS code for modelling clay and similar modelling pastes is 9602.00.
How do I classify Modelling clay for customs?
Modelling clay is classified under HS code 960200 — Vegetable, mineral carving material and articles of these materials, moulded or carved articles of wax, stearin, natural gums, resins or modelling pastes, worked unhardened gelatin (not heading no. 3503). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is play dough classified differently than professional modelling clay?
Generally, no. Both are classified under 9602.00 as modelling pastes, provided they are not part of a larger toy set classified under 9503.
Which countries are the top exporters of modelling clay (HS 960200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960200 (the code used for modelling clay) in UN Comtrade data were China ($257M, 21% of world exports), Belgium ($209M) and India ($161M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 modelling clay (HS 960200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960200 (the code used for modelling clay) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($363M, 30% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Spain ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Modelling clay the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960200 for Modelling clay 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 modelling clay in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960200 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for modelling clay depends on the product's details: 9602.00.10 (Digestible gelatin capsules), 9602.00.20 (Artificial honeycombs), 9602.00.90 (Other worked carving material and moulded items).