The toy industry is massive, from dolls and puzzles to electric cars and board games, billions of dollars worth of toys are traded globally every year.
But here’s the catch: whether you’re importing toys from China or exporting them from India, you need the correct HS codes. Using the wrong code can lead to delays, penalties, or higher customs duties.
This guide will help you understand HS codes for toys, why they matter, and give you a table so you can always find the right classification.
What Are HS Codes?
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are 6-digit numbers standardized by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Customs authorities use them for:
- Classifying goods
- Calculating import/export duties
- Maintaining global trade statistics
For toys, the main heading is:
HS Code 9503 – Toys
HSN Codes for Toys – Chapter 95
Toys fall under Chapter 95: Toys, Games, and Sports Requisites; Parts and Accessories Thereof.
Key HS classifications include:
- 9503.00 – Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars, dolls, puzzles, toys of all kinds
- 9503.00.10 – Dolls
- 9503.00.21 – Stuffed toys (plush animals, teddy bears)
- 9503.00.29 – Other toys representing animals or non-human creatures
- 9503.00.30 – Electric trains, construction sets, scale models
- 9503.00.40 – Toys operated by coin, battery, or electric motor
- 9503.00.90 – Other toys not classified elsewhere
Why Correct Classification Matters
Imagine you’re shipping battery-operated toy cars:
- If you classify them under 9503.00.40, customs clearance is smooth.
- If you misclassify under general toys (9503.00.90), you may face incorrect duty charges or shipment delays.
Correct HSN codes = faster customs clearance + accurate duty payments.
| HS Code | Category | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9503 | Toys | Various | Tricycles, dolls, puzzles, stuffed toys, scale models, etc. |
| 9503.00.10 | Dolls | Non-electric | Dolls representing humans, including accessories |
| 9503.00.21 | Stuffed Toys | Plush / Soft | Teddy bears, stuffed animals, and plush toys |
| 9503.00.29 | Other Toys | Animal / Creature | Toys representing animals or non-human creatures |
| 9503.00.30 | Construction Sets & Models | Plastic / Metal | Building sets, scale models, and electric train sets |
| 9503.00.40 | Battery/Electric Toys | Electronic | Toys operated by coin, battery, or motor |
| 9503.00.41 | Battery/Electric Toys | RC | Remote-controlled cars, helicopters, drones |
| 9503.00.42 | Battery/Electric Toys | Electric trains | Electric trains and accessories |
| 9503.00.50 | Wheeled Toys | Non-motorized | Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars, and similar ride-on toys |
| 9503.00.52 | Wheeled Toys | Motorized | Motorized ride-on toys for children |
| 9503.00.60 | Puzzles & Educational Toys | Puzzles | Jigsaw puzzles of all kinds |
| 9503.00.61 | Educational Toys | STEM / Learning | Educational kits, learning boards, interactive games |
| 9503.00.62 | Puzzles | Mechanical | Brain teasers and mechanical puzzles |
| 9503.00.70 | Other Toys | Musical | Toy musical instruments |
| 9503.00.71 | Other Toys | Toy weapons | Toy guns, swords, bows, and similar toys |
| 9503.00.72 | Other Toys | Inflatable | Inflatable toys (beach balls, pool toys) |
| 9503.00.73 | Other Toys | Outdoor / Water | Water toys and outdoor play toys |
| 9503.00.90 | Other Toys | Various | Toys not specified elsewhere in this heading |
Key Takeaways
- Toys are classified under HS Code 9503.
- Subcategories depend on whether the toy is a doll, stuffed toy, construction set, electric toy, or other.
- Correct HS classification avoids penalties, shipment delays, and miscalculated duties.
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are 6-digit numbers standardized by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Customs authorities use them for: Classifying goods, a crucial step in determining the applicable regulations and tariffs for your toy shipments. Calculating import and export duties, ensuring you pay the correct amount and avoid potential penalties. Maintaining global trade statistics, which helps governments and organizations track the flow of goods and make informed decisions about trade policies. This standardized system ensures that toys are classified consistently across borders, simplifying international trade and minimizing misunderstandings.
