Find HS Code and trade information for wooden chess

Wooden Chess

Wooden chess refers to chess sets where the pieces are crafted from wood. These sets encompass a broad range of styles, materials, and craftsmanship levels, from simple, mass-produced sets to highly detailed, hand-carved collector’s items.

Material

The wood used varies significantly. Common choices include:

• Boxwood: A dense, pale wood often used for white pieces due to its light color and fine grain.
• Ebony: A dark, heavy wood frequently used for black pieces, providing a strong contrast to boxwood.
• Rosewood: Offers a reddish-brown hue and is valued for its attractive grain patterns.
• Maple: A lighter wood, sometimes stained to achieve desired colors.
• Other Woods: Bud wood, sheesham, sandalwood, and various fruitwoods (like olive or pear) are also employed.
• Weighted vs. Unweighted: Pieces can be solid wood, hollow with weighted interiors (typically with metal), or entirely lightweight. Weighting affects the feel and balance of the pieces.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a wooden chess set is to facilitate the game of chess, a two-player strategy board game played on a checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. Beyond gameplay, wooden chess sets often serve as:

• Decorative Objects: Sets, particularly those with ornate designs, are frequently displayed as art pieces.
• Collector's Items: Rare or historically significant sets can be valuable collectibles.
• Gifts: Wooden chess sets are traditional gifts, often signifying intellectual engagement and strategic thinking.

Function

The function of each piece remains consistent across all chess sets, regardless of material:

• King: The most important piece; its capture results in a loss.
• Queen: The most powerful piece, able to move any number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
• Rook: Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
• Bishop: Moves any number of squares diagonally.
• 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.
• Pawn: Moves one square forward (except for its initial move, where it can move one or two squares) and captures diagonally forward one square.

Usage Scenarios

• Casual Play: Sets are used for friendly games between family and friends.
• Tournament Play: Standardized sets are required for official chess tournaments. These typically adhere to specific size and weight regulations.
• Chess Clubs: Chess clubs utilize sets for regular meetings and competitions.
• Instructional Purposes: Sets are used to teach beginners the rules and strategies of chess.
• Display: Sets are often displayed in homes, offices, or collections as decorative items.

Common Types

• Staunton Chess Set: The most widely recognized and commonly used design for chess pieces, standardized in the mid-19th century. It features a distinctive, easily recognizable shape.
• French Chess Set: Characterized by its more ornate and stylized pieces.
• German Chess Set: Typically features larger, more robust pieces.
• Soviet/Russian Chess Set: Known for its simple, functional design.
• Themed Sets: Sets featuring pieces designed around historical figures, fantasy characters, or other themes.
• Travel Sets: Smaller, often magnetic sets designed for portability.
• Collector's Sets: Sets made from rare materials or featuring unique designs, often with limited production runs.

Wooden chess falls under articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games. Specifically, it is categorized as a game 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). It specifically includes chess, checkers, parchisi, backgammon, darts and other games played on boards of a special design, and parts thereof.

  • 95: Chapter 95 signifies articles for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or other sports.
  • 04: Heading 04 denotes articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or other sports.
  • 906000: Subheading 906000 further specifies other games. The tax rate is a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 0.0%, and a 30% additional tariff after April 2, 2025. The total tariff is 30.0%.

• 4419909100: This HS code covers tableware and kitchenware, of wood, other, other. While not a primary classification, wooden chess sets could be considered under this code if marketed as decorative items or part of a kitchenware collection.

  • 44: Chapter 44 signifies wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal.
  • 19: Heading 19 denotes wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewelry or cutlery and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling within chapter 94.
  • 909100: Subheading 909100 further specifies other. The tax rate is a base tariff of 3.2%, an additional tariff of 7.5%, and a 30% additional tariff after April 2, 2025. The total tariff is 40.7%.

• 4420190000: This HS code covers wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewelry or cutlery and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling within chapter 94; statuettes and other ornaments, other. If the chess set is highly decorative and considered an ornament, this code may apply.

  • 44: Chapter 44 signifies wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal.
  • 20: Heading 20 denotes wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases for jewelry or cutlery and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling within chapter 94.
  • 190000: Subheading 190000 further specifies statuettes and other ornaments, other. The tax rate is a base tariff of 3.2%, an additional tariff of 0.0%, and a 30% additional tariff after April 2, 2025. The total tariff is 33.2%.

It is recommended to carefully consider the primary function and marketing of the wooden chess set to determine the most accurate HS code. If the chess set is primarily sold as a game, 9504906000 is the most appropriate code. If it is marketed as a decorative item, 4419909100 or 4420190000 may be more suitable.