Product classification
HS code for Ping pong balls: 9506.40
Table-tennis articles and equipment.
Classification of ping pong balls under HS 9506.40
Ping pong balls, or table-tennis balls, are classified under HS code 9506.40. This classification falls under Chapter 95, which covers toys, games, and sports requisites. Specifically, heading 9506 applies to articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports, or outdoor games. Subheading 9506.40 is dedicated exclusively to articles and equipment for table-tennis. Because ping pong balls are essential components of the sport, they are grouped here rather than under general ball headings or toy headings. The material composition, whether traditional celluloid or modern non-flammable plastics (poly balls), does not change the classification as long as they are designed for table-tennis play. Customs officials look for compliance with standard sport dimensions (usually 40mm) and weight to distinguish these from novelty items. Even if the balls are intended for recreational use rather than professional competition, they remain under this code because their primary design and function are for the sport of table tennis. The classification is robust across international borders as part of the Harmonized System's commitment to grouping sports equipment by the specific activity they serve.
- Covers
- Celluloid table tennis balls
- Plastic (poly) ping pong balls
- Competition-grade 3-star balls
- Training and practice table tennis balls
- Colored ping pong balls for recreational play
- Also under 9506.40
- Butterfly Centrefold 25 Table
- STIGA Pro Carbon Racket
- JOOLA Inside 15 Table
- DHS Hurricane 3 Rubber
- Donic Waldner Legend Carbon
Codes often confused with 9506.40
Common mistake. Ping pong balls are often misclassified under 9503.00 as general toys, especially when sold in multi-packs for children. However, because they are specific to a recognized sport, 9506.40 takes precedence. They are also sometimes confused with 9506.69, which is the residual category for other sports balls (like inflatable balls), but the specific subheading for table-tennis equipment (9506.40) is more specific and must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 950640 (the code used for ping pong balls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 950640 (the code used for ping pong balls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 950640, not only ping pong balls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $147M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $51M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $43M 12% of world exports
World total: $369M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $37M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $36M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 China $33M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $371M 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 ping pong balls
Brazil classifies ping pong balls under NCM 9506.40.00: HS 9506.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ping pong balls
What is the HS code for Ping pong balls?
The HS code for Ping pong balls is 950640 (Table-tennis articles and equipment). The HS code for ping pong balls is 9506.40, which covers articles and equipment for table-tennis.
How do I classify Ping pong balls for customs?
Ping pong balls is classified under HS code 950640 — Table-tennis articles and equipment. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ping pong balls classified as toys or sports equipment?
Under the Harmonized System, ping pong balls are classified as sports equipment under heading 9506, specifically 9506.40, rather than as toys under heading 9503.
Which countries are the top exporters of ping pong balls (HS 950640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 950640 (the code used for ping pong balls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($51M) and Japan ($43M). World exports came to about $369M, 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 ping pong balls (HS 950640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 950640 (the code used for ping pong balls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 9.9% of world imports), Germany ($36M) and China ($33M). World imports came to about $371M, 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 Ping pong balls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 950640 for Ping pong 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 ping pong balls in Brazil?
In Brazil, ping pong balls (HS 950640) is classified under NCM 9506.40.00.