Find HS Code and trade information for chess

Chess

Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is widely regarded as a challenging game of skill that develops strategic thinking, tactical prowess, and logical reasoning.

Material

A standard chess set comprises 32 pieces:

• Pawns (16): Eight pawns per player, representing foot soldiers.
• Rooks (4): Two rooks per player, resembling castles.
• Knights (4): Two knights per player, sculpted as horses.
• Bishops (4): Two bishops per player, often represented as miters.
• Queen (2): One queen per player, the most powerful piece.
• King (2): One king per player, the most important piece.

Boards are traditionally made of wood, often with alternating light and dark squares. Pieces are commonly crafted from wood, plastic, or metal.

Purpose

The primary goal in chess is to checkmate the opponent's king. Checkmate occurs when the king is under immediate attack (in "check") and there is no possible move to remove it from attack.

Function

Chess functions through a turn-based system where players alternate moving one piece at a time, following specific rules for each piece type.

• Pawn: Moves forward one square (or two on its first move), captures diagonally forward.
• Rook: Moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares.
• Knight: Moves in an "L" shape – two squares in one direction (horizontal or vertical) and then one square perpendicularly. It is the only piece that can jump over other pieces.
• Bishop: Moves diagonally any number of squares.
• Queen: Moves horizontally, vertically, or diagonally any number of squares.
• King: Moves one square in any direction.

Special moves include:

• Castling: A move involving the king and one rook, enhancing king safety and rook activity.
• En Passant: A special pawn capture that can occur under specific conditions.
• Pawn Promotion: When a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it is promoted to any other piece (except a king).

Usage Scenarios

• Recreational Play: Chess is enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels as a pastime and social activity.
• Competitive Tournaments: Organized tournaments range from local clubs to international championships, governed by organizations like FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs).
• Educational Tool: Chess is used in schools to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strategic planning.
• Online Play: Numerous platforms allow players to compete against others remotely.
• Analysis & Study: Chess is extensively analyzed using computer engines and databases to improve understanding and skill.

Common Types

• Standard Chess: The most common form, played with the rules described above.
• Rapid Chess: Games with shorter time controls (typically 10-60 minutes per player).
• Blitz Chess: Games with very short time controls (typically 3-5 minutes per player).
• Bullet Chess: Extremely fast-paced games (typically 1-2 minutes per player).
• Correspondence Chess: Games played over a longer period, allowing players time to analyze moves.
• Chess Variants: Numerous variations exist with altered rules, piece movements, or board setups (e.g., Chess960, Crazyhouse, Bughouse).

Chess is categorized as a table or parlor game, specifically falling under the classification of games played on boards of a special design.

Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 9504906000: This HS code covers video game consoles and machines, table or parlor games, including pinball machines, billiards, special tables for casino games and automatic bowling equipment, amusement machines operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by any other means of payment. The 'Other' subheading specifically includes chess, checkers, parchisi, backgammon, darts and other games played on boards of a special design, along with all parts thereof (including their boards); mah-jong and dominoes; any of the foregoing games in combination with each other, or with other games, packaged together as a unit in immediate containers of a type used in retail sales; poker chips and dice.
  • 95: Chapter 95 – Toys, games and sports equipment.
  • 04: Heading 95.04 – Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof.
  • 906000: Subheading 9504.90 – Other. This specifically covers chess as part of the 'Other' category of table or parlor games.

The applicable tax rate for this HS code is a base tariff of 0.0%, a surcharge of 0.0%, and an additional surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff rate of 30.0%.