Product classification
HS code for Water ski: 9506.29
Water sport equipment, water-skis, surf-boards and other water-sport equipment, excluding sailboards.
Classification of water ski under HS 9506.29
Water skis are classified under HS code 9506.29. Chapter 95 covers articles for sports and outdoor games. Heading 9506 is the broad category for physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, and other sports equipment. Subheading 9506.29 is a residual category for water-sport equipment that does not fall under sailboards (9506.21). The classification is determined by the item's design for use on water by an individual athlete or hobbyist. This includes the physical boards or skis used for propulsion across a water surface while being towed by a vessel. The material composition (wood, plastic, or composite) does not change the heading, as the functional use for water sports is the primary classification driver under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1. This code ensures that personal sporting equipment is distinguished from commercial amusement park installations or industrial maritime equipment.
- Covers
- Slalom water skis
- Trick and jump skis
- Wakeboards and kneeboards
- Wakesurf boards
- Pairs of beginner water skis
- Also under 9506.29
O'Brien Water Skis, Channel Islands Surfboards, Red Paddle Co. SUPs, Ronix Wakeboards, Hobie Kayaks
Codes often confused with 9506.29
Common mistake. Water skis are often confused with HS code 9506.21, which is strictly for sailboards (windsurfers). Another common error is using HS code 9506.11, which is reserved for snow skis. Importers must also distinguish these from surfboards, though surfboards also fall under 9506.29, they are often separated at the statistical suffix level (10-digit code) in various national tariffs. Finally, they should not be classified under 3926 as general plastic articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 950629 (the code used for water ski), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 950629 (the code used for water ski) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 950629, not only water ski.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $949M 45% of world exports
- 2 Italy $115M 5.5% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $114M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $334M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $140M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $132M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 water ski
Brazil classifies water ski under NCM 9506.29.00: HS 9506.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about water ski
What is the HS code for Water ski?
The HS code for Water ski is 950629 (Water sport equipment; water-skis, surf-boards and other water-sport equipment, excluding sailboards).
How do I classify Water ski for customs?
Water ski is classified under HS code 950629 — Water sport equipment; water-skis, surf-boards and other water-sport equipment, excluding sailboards. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for water skis?
The HS code for water skis and most wakeboarding equipment is 9506.29.
Are life jackets classified with water skis?
No, life jackets are classified according to their constituent material, typically under heading 6307 for textile articles or 3926 for plastic-based vests.
Which countries are the top exporters of water ski (HS 950629)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 950629 (the code used for water ski) in UN Comtrade data were China ($949M, 45% of world exports), Italy ($115M) and the Netherlands ($114M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 water ski (HS 950629)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 950629 (the code used for water ski) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($334M, 19% of world imports), France ($140M) and Germany ($132M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Water ski the same in all countries?
The base HS code 950629 for Water ski 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 water ski in Brazil?
In Brazil, water ski (HS 950629) is classified under NCM 9506.29.00.