Product classification
HS code for Playing cards: 9504.40
Games, playing cards.
Classification of playing cards under HS 9504.40
Playing cards are classified under HS code 9504.40 within the international Harmonized System. This classification is situated within Chapter 95, which encompasses toys, games, and sports requisites, including their parts and accessories. Specifically, heading 9504 is designated for video game consoles and machines, articles for funfair, table or parlour games, including pintables, billiards, special tables for casino games, and automatic bowling alley equipment. Subheading 9504.40 is the specific international designation for playing cards of all kinds. The classification is determined by the primary function of the product as an article for a parlour game. Whether the cards are manufactured from paperboard, laminated paper, or various types of plastics, they remain within this code as long as they are intended for use in card games. This includes standard 52-card decks, as well as specialized decks used for specific games like bridge or poker. The material composition is considered secondary to the intended use as a game component under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Even if the cards feature high-quality printing or artistic designs, their functional nature as a game accessory dictates their placement in Chapter 95 rather than Chapter 49.
- Covers
- Standard 52-card playing decks
- Tarot cards used for gaming or divination
- Collectible card games (CCGs) when sold as complete game sets
- Bridge, poker, and baccarat decks
- Plastic-coated or 100% plastic playing cards
- Miniature playing cards
- Also under 9504.40
- Bicycle playing cards
- Hoyle playing cards
- Theory11 luxury playing cards
- Fournier playing cards
- Copag casino cards
Codes often confused with 9504.40
Common mistake. Playing cards are frequently misclassified under HS code 4823, which covers other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, and webs of cellulose fibers. This occurs because the cards are often made of paperboard; however, the functional use as a game takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 4901 or 4911 for printed matter. While cards are printed, Chapter 49 specifically excludes articles of Chapter 95. Additionally, specialized gambling equipment like roulette wheels or slot machines must be classified under 9504.30 or 9504.90, not 9504.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 950440 (the code used for playing cards), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 950440 (the code used for playing cards) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 950440, not only playing cards.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $1.1B 27% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $563M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $540M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $512M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $477M 13% of world imports
- 3 France $321M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 playing cards
Brazil classifies playing cards under NCM 9504.40.00: HS 9504.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about playing cards
What is the HS code for Playing cards?
The HS code for Playing cards is 950440 (Games; playing cards). The universal HS code for playing cards is 9504.40.
How do I classify Playing cards for customs?
Playing cards is classified under HS code 950440 — Games; playing cards. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic playing cards classified differently than paper ones?
No, both plastic and paper playing cards are classified under 9504.40 as the classification is based on the product's function as a game rather than its material composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of playing cards (HS 950440)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 950440 (the code used for playing cards) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.1B, 27% of world exports), the Netherlands ($563M) and the United States ($540M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 playing cards (HS 950440)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 950440 (the code used for playing cards) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($512M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($477M) and France ($321M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 Playing cards the same in all countries?
The base HS code 950440 for Playing cards 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 playing cards in Brazil?
In Brazil, playing cards (HS 950440) is classified under NCM 9504.40.00.