What is the correct HS code for importing & exporting trading cards?

[LP099]

As per the title.

What would be the correct HS code for exporting & importing trading cards e.g pokemon, yugioh & others.

When researching online, there are quite a few different answers to this.

Thanks!

 

[Socio South West]

On the Gov.uk site https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/find_commodity? a search of the word 'card' gave trading cards as an option and a clear code 9504908000

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[LP099]

Yes, but the classifcation reads as follows:

• Video game consoles and machines, table or parlour games, including pintables, 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
• > Other > Other

Trading cards aren't mentioned anywhere in that description and definitely don't fit in that classification. Perhaps it falls into "other"?

I may have to contact HMRC to confirm.

 

[Customs Geek]

The classification will depend on exactly what these cards are. The tariff schedule cannot possibly mention every specific item.
The ‘other’ categories in classification are used when you have excluded the specifically mentioned item.

If the trading cards have any sort of play or entertainment value then they get classified as toys and games . There is a specific heading for playing cards which includes all sorts of playing cards. These are classified as parlour games.
You do need to get your head around the sometimes old fashioned terminology used in the tariff schedule.

If they are purely to collect as a set then you may need to consider printed matter in heading 4911.

I won’t repeat the link provided by Socio South West.

 

[LP099]

The classification will depend on exactly what these cards are. The tariff schedule cannot possibly mention every specific item.
The ‘other’ categories in classification are used when you have excluded the specifically mentioned item.

If the trading cards have any sort of play or entertainment value then they get classified as toys and games . There is a specific heading for playing cards which includes all sorts of playing cards. These are classified as parlour games.
You do need to get your head around the sometimes old fashioned terminology used in the tariff schedule.

If they are purely to collect as a set then you may need to consider printed matter in heading 4911.

I won’t repeat the link provided by Socio South West.

I spoke with HMRC via their webchat service.

Here is the response I received:

"AS they are trading card game the code i would recommend is 9504400000 but if you need legal certainty you will need to apply for a ATaR Ruling".

I also thought it would be classified under code 9504400000, which is the code for playing cards. My reasoning is because they are trading cards which are made for playing, but can also serve a second purpose, which is collecting.

I doubt an ATaR Ruling is necessary. Playing cards seem to be a necessary fit for trading cards such as pokemon or yugioh, which are basically a type of children's playing card game.

Appreciate both users responses, if anyone disagreed with myself and HMRC's opinion on the correct code, please feel free to share your thoughts

 

[DontAsk]

My reasoning is because they are trading cards which are made for playing,

That's the primary use.

but can also serve a second purpose, which is collecting.

Lots of things become collectible, sometimes with a nudge from the manufacturer (limited editions, etc), but that's down to the buyers.

 

[LP099]

That's the primary use.

Lots of things become collectible, sometimes with a nudge from the manufacturer (limited editions, etc), but that's down to the buyers.

Indeed. Which is why I agree with HMRC's reponse that the commodity code would be classed as "playing cards" 9504400000.

 

[Customs Geek]

Indeed. Which is why I agree with HMRC's reponse that the commodity code would be classed as "playing cards" 9504400000.

Based on your comments about use I would agree.
I would nt bother with an ATaR unless you wanted legal certainty. They can be a bit of a pain as once you have one you have to quote their reference no on your imports of that particular good.