Pokemon Set
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🎮 Pokémon Trading Card Set & Game Accessories
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Pokémon Set"?
A Pokémon Set refers to a packaged collection of trading cards, game components, and accessories used in the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), including:
- Base Pokémon cards (e.g., Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo)
- Expansion sets (e.g., Sword & Shield, Scarlet & Violet)
- Playmats, dice, damage counters, coin tossers, and storage boxes
- Pokémon-themed board games (e.g., Pokémon Go, Pokémon TCG: Duel, Pokémon Snap)
- Special game boards, card sleeves, and play accessories
- Sets combining multiple games (e.g., Pokémon TCG + Dice Game + Playmat)
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the set contains only cards and basic accessories, it's classified under 9504.90.60.00
- If it includes non-traditional game components (e.g., electronic parts, digital interfaces), it may fall under 9504.90.90.80 → 7.5% additional tariff
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Use Case | Inclusion of Electronic Components? |
|---|---|---|---|
9504.90.60.00 |
Board games, including chess, checkers, backgammon, darts, and other games on special boards; Pokémon TCG sets, card games, and related accessories (e.g., dice, counters, sleeves, playmats) | Standard Pokémon trading card sets, starter decks, booster packs, game accessories | ✅ No electronic components |
9504.90.90.80 |
Other games, including combinations of games, or games with non-standard components; "Other Other" category | Pokémon sets with digital integration, app-linked cards, electronic dice, or non-standard game machines | ❌ Yes (if electronic parts present) |
🔍 Key Insight:
- Pure physical card games (no electronics) → 9504.90.60.00
- Hybrid sets with digital apps, NFC chips, or electronic components → 9504.90.90.80 → 7.5% additional tariff
💰 Three, 2026 Updated Tariff Breakdown (With Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN), Vietnam (VN), Mexico (MX), etc.
✅ Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (or as per latest USCB updates)
🎯 1. 9504.90.60.00 — Pokémon Sets (Physical Cards & Accessories)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | ✅ Yes (up to $800 per shipment) |
| Legal Basis | US Tariff Schedule: 9504.90.60.00 – "Other games, including board games, dice, counters, and accessories" |
📌 Explanation:
- This is a zero-duty category for standard physical Pokémon trading card sets. - Includes booster packs, starter decks, playmats, dice, and storage boxes. - No extra tariffs if the product is purely physical and non-electronic.
🎯 2. 9504.90.90.80 — "Other Other" (Hybrid or Electronic-Integrated Sets)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Duty | +7.5% (from U.S. Trade Act Section 301) |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 7.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | ❌ No (denied for this HS code) |
| Legal Basis | USITC: 9504.90.90.80 → USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 301 Tariff List |
📌 Critical Warning:
- This code applies to Pokémon sets with electronic components, such as: - App-linked cards (e.g., Pokémon TCG: Digital Companion) - NFC-enabled cards (e.g., Pokémon GO integration) - Electronic dice or digital counters - Hybrid game sets combining physical cards with tablets or apps - Even minor electronic integration triggers this 7.5% additional tariff. - No de minimis exemption → even small shipments are taxed.
🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state: "Pokémon Trading Card Game Set, Physical Only, No Electronics" |
| ✅ Product Specifications | ✔️ | List all components: cards, dice, counters, playmat, sleeves |
| ✅ Product Photos (with packaging) | ✔️ | Show no wires, batteries, or digital screens |
| ✅ Certifications (FCC, CE, RoHS) | ✔️ | Only if electronics are present |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail contents, quantities, and materials |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Can reduce tariffs if from FTA partner (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) |
| ✅ Sample Card or Game Board | ✔️ | For customs inspection (optional but helpful) |
✅ 2.申报技巧 (Declaration Tips – Key Phrases to Use)
🔥 "Physical-only Pokémon TCG Set, No Electronic Components, No App Integration"
✅ Use this exact phrase in the description to avoid triggering 301 tariffs.
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pokémon booster pack | 9504.90.60.00 |
Using 9504.90.90.80 → 7.5% extra tax |
| Pokémon set with NFC cards | 9504.90.90.80 |
Using 9504.90.60.00 → underreporting, risk of audit |
| Hybrid game with tablet app | 9504.90.90.80 |
Claiming "no electronics" → misclassification |
| Starter deck with playmat & dice | 9504.90.60.00 |
Splitting into "dice + mat" → higher tax on parts |
✅ 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Pokémon set with app integration | Declare as 9504.90.90.80, pay 7.5% extra duty |
| Set from Vietnam or Mexico | Apply for FTA certificate → may qualify for 0% tariff |
| Bulk shipment (100+ sets) | Request Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) from USCB |
| Custom-designed Pokémon game | Consult a customs attorney – may qualify for "other game" classification |
| Used or vintage Pokémon cards | Still classified under same HS code – no duty reduction |
🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 9504.90.60.00 (physical) / 9504.90.90.80 (electronic) |
0% (physical) / 7.5% (electronic) | FCC (if electronic) | No de minimis for electronic sets |
| 🇨🇳 China | 9504.90.60.00 |
5% | CCC (if electronic) | No 301 tariff |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 9504.90.60.00 |
0% (if CE certified) | CE | No additional tariffs |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 9504.90.60.00 |
5% | RCM | No 301-style tariffs |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 9504.90.60.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional duties |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with an additional 7.5% tariff on hybrid Pokémon sets. - Physical-only sets are duty-free in the US. - Origin matters: Vietnam/Mexico sets may avoid 301 tariffs.
📌 Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Pitfalls)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a NFC-enabled Pokémon card set as 9504.90.60.00
👉 Result: Underreporting → duty deficiency, penalties, seizure
❌ Mistake 2: Splitting a Pokémon set into "dice", "playmat", "cards" for separate declaration
👉 Result: Each part may be taxed at 89.5% (if misclassified as "other" game parts)
❌ Mistake 3: Not including "no electronics" in the product description
👉 Result: Customs flags the shipment → delay, audit, or 7.5% tax bill
❌ Mistake 4: Using "Pokémon Game Set" without specifying physical vs. digital
👉 Result: Misclassification → refund denied, penalties applied
✅ Correct Approach:
Use this exact description:
"Pokémon Trading Card Game Set – Physical Cards, Dice, Counters, Playmat, No Electronics, No App Integration, Model XYZ, 2026 Release"
🎯 Seven, Final Verdict: Smart Importing Starts with Accurate HS Code
🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:
🔹 "If it’s just cards and dice →
9504.90.60.00→ 0% tariff"
🔹 "If it has NFC, app, or digital parts →9504.90.90.80→ 7.5% extra"
🔹 "No de minimis for electronic sets – even a small shipment is taxed!"
📌 Pro Tip:
📞 Request a Pre-Clearance Ruling (Advance Ruling) from U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) before shipping hybrid Pokémon sets.
🚀 This avoids costly audits, delays, and penalties.
📣 Act Now!
📦 Send your product photos, specs, and packaging details to a licensed customs broker
✅ Get your HS Code confirmed before shipment
💼 Save thousands in tariffs and avoid customs drama!
✨ Professional Customs, Precise Classification, Smooth Shipping!
💼 Your Pokémon sets deserve a zero-hassle journey to the market!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.