Four in a Row Game
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504909040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919300 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999300 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π² Four in a Row Game (Connect Four / Grid Strategy Game)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Classification for Board Games
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Four in a Row" Game?
"Four in a Row," commercially known as Connect Four, is a classic two-player connection game. It is distinct from pinball, billiards, or automated amusement machines. In international trade, it falls under Table or Parlor Games.
The classification hinges on the design of the board and the nature of the game: 1. Standard Board Games: Games played on a grid, board, or mat using pieces (disks, counters, dice). 2. Exclusions: It is not a video game console (9504.30) nor an amusement machine operated by coins/tokens (9504.50/9504.90.90). It is a physical, manual strategy game.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a physical board with vertical slots and plastic disks β 9504.90.60.00
- If it is a digital/tablet app or electronic console β Different HS Code (not in )
- If it is an automated arcade cabinet β 9504.90.90.40 (Note: Standard Connect Four is not this)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided , the correct classification for a physical "Four in a Row" board game is:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Tax Rate (China to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
9504.90.60.00 |
Chess, checkers, parchisi, backgammon, darts and other games played on boards of a special design... mah-jong and dominoes... | β Correct for Physical Four in a Row Boards & Sets | 0.0% |
π Why this Code?
- "Four in a Row" is a game played on a board of a special design (typically a 7x6 grid with vertical slots).
- It falls under the sub-heading: "Chess, checkers, parchisi, backgammon, darts and other games played on boards of a special design... (including their boards)."
- The explicitly lists9504.90.60.00for these types of board games.
- The other codes in (9504.90.90.40for bowling balls;4421.91.93.00/4421.99.93.00for theatrical scenery) are incorrect for this product.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 (and onwards)
π― HS Code: 9504.90.60.00 β Board Games (Including Four in a Row)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Standard $800 threshold applies if shipped via postal/courier, but bulk freight still pays 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9504.90.60.00 β No additional USITC or IEEPA footnotes apply |
π Explanation:
- Unlike electronics or components, traditional board games are often excluded from major US-China trade tariffs.
- The confirmstotal_tax: "0.0%"for this code.
- No additional taxes are added for Section 301 or IEEPA on this specific item.
- This is a zero-tariff advantage!
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Physical Board Game, Four in a Row, Plastic Disks & Vertical Grid Board" |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must list HS Code 9504.90.60.00 and description: "Board Games for Table/Parlor Use" |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the board, disks, and packaging to prove it is not an electronic device |
| β Packaging List | βοΈ | Specify contents: e.g., "1 Board, 21 Plastic Discs (Red/Yellow), 1 Box" |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ | Must declare "Made in China" if applicable |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mnemonics)
π₯ βBoard Game, Not Machine, Zero Tax, No Hinder!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Four in a Row set | 9504.90.60.00 "Board Game for Table Use" |
"Toy for Children" β May attract scrutiny "Game Console" β Incorrect Code |
| Electronic/Digital Version | Not in | Misclassified as 9504.90.60.00 β Risk of Audit |
| Mixed Box (Board Game + Toys) | Primary Purpose Test If game is main item β 9504.90.60.00 |
Splitting items incorrectly β Higher taxes on parts |
π Key Advice:
- Do NOT describe it as "Amusement Machine" or "Coin-op Game."
- Do NOT classify it under9504.90.90.40(Bowling Balls/Arcade) β this is a major error leading to 7.5% tax + delays.
- Emphasize "Board of Special Design" in the description.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Boards | Provide design files to prove it is a "special design board" |
| Large Promotional Sets | If packed with non-game items, declare separately to avoid mixed valuation |
| Digital/Electronic Versions | Not covered in . These may fall under 9504.30 (Video Game Consoles) or 8543 (Electronic Instruments) |
| Thematic Scenery (Wooden Sets) | If the "game" is actually decorative wooden scenery (e.g., a wooden model city used for display), it might fall under 4421.99.93.00 (25% tax). Ensure it is functional as a game. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.90.60.00 |
0% | No special certs | Zero tax advantage |
| π¨π³ China | 9504.90.60.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | Standard import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9503.00.90 |
0% (GSP may apply) | CE | No US-style surtaxes |
| π¬π§ UK | 9503.00.90 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9503.00.90 |
0% | PSE (if electronic) | Low duty on board games |
π Conclusion:
- USA offers 0% duty for this specific HS Code, making it highly competitive.
- Avoid misclassification into9504.90.90.40(7.5% tax) β this is a common error for "games" that are not pinball or bowling.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from the Field)
β Mistake 1: Classifying "Four in a Row" under 9504.90.90.40 (Other Bowling/Amusement Machines)
π Consequence: 7.5% tax instead of 0%. Unnecessary cost.
β Mistake 2: Describing it as "Electronic Game" when it is physical
π Consequence: Audit risk. Customs may reclassify and demand proof.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Special Design Board" description
π Consequence: Customs may classify as "Toys" (9503) β potentially higher duties or different regulatory requirements.
β Correct Approach:
"Four in a Row Board Game, Plastic Disks & Grid Board, Tabletop Parlor Game, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Board Game, Zero Tax, No Surcharge, Don't Confuse with Arcade!"
πΉ "HS Code 9504.90.60.00 is the Gold Standard for Board Games in the US!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product includes digital elements (e.g., an app to score), ensure the primary function is the physical board game. If it's primarily a console, itβs not covered here. For pure physical games, 9504.90.60.00 is your best friend.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the exact HS Code
9504.90.60.00.
π Zero tax means 100% profit margin preservation!
β¨ Smart Classification, Smarter Business!
πΌ Your Board Game Deserves a Zero-Tax Entry!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.