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95066100
TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTS REQUISITES; PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOFArticles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and paddling pools

Lawn-tennis balls

Standard EU duty
2.7%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
13 docs
Y935E012Y903Y946Y945Y821+7
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty2.7%-R2261/98
Preferences
AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 0%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

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BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

What are tennis balls covered by CN code 950661?

CN code 950661 covers tennis balls, which are sporting goods designed for use in lawn tennis and related racket sports. Tennis balls consist of a pressurised rubber core encased in a textile felt covering made from wool or synthetic fibre blends. The internal gas pressure gives the ball its characteristic bounce and playing properties. Products classified here must conform to dimensional and performance standards approved by governing bodies such as the International Tennis Federation. Imported tennis balls are subject to standard customs procedures and must comply with the technical and safety requirements applicable in the European Union market.

Applications and properties of tennis balls

Tennis balls are used in professional and recreational tennis on grass, clay, and hard courts. Their specifications vary depending on the playing surface and altitude, with distinct categories for high-altitude play. Product ranges include match-grade balls, training balls, and junior learning balls with reduced pressure. A standard tennis ball measures 6.54–6.86 cm in diameter and weighs between 56 and 59.4 grams. The felt covering ensures appropriate aerodynamics and grip on the court surface. The durability and quality of the materials used are critical to consistent performance during play and meet the expectations of both professional and recreational players.

Import and customs classification of tennis balls

Tennis balls imported from outside the European Union must be declared under CN code 950661. The customs declaration must include an accurate description of the goods, the country of origin, and the customs value determined in accordance with EU regulations. Customs value is typically established on the basis of the transaction price plus freight and insurance costs to the EU border. Importers should verify the applicable duty rates in the EU Combined Nomenclature tariff and check whether any trade defence measures apply for the relevant country of origin. VAT is charged in addition to any customs duty at the domestic rate. Products must comply with EU product safety legislation applicable to sporting goods.

Classification and import of tennis balls - subheading CN 9506 61

Subheading CN 9506 61 covers tennis balls. When importing into the EU, verify applicable duty rates in TARIC, check CE marking requirements (if applicable), and prepare the required customs documentation. Tariff classification should be based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR) of the Combined Nomenclature. If classification is uncertain, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority is recommended. Also verify whether the product is subject to import restrictions, sanctions, or licensing requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What products are covered by CN code 950661?
CN code 950661 covers tennis balls intended for lawn tennis and related sports. This includes pressurised and pressureless match balls, training balls, and junior balls, all characterised by a rubber core and a textile felt outer covering meeting the standards of relevant sporting organisations.
Are there specific import requirements for tennis balls entering the EU?
Yes, tennis balls imported into the EU must comply with product safety regulations, including REACH requirements governing chemical substances in consumer products. Additional conformity standards may apply to balls intended for official competitions, requiring documentation confirming compliance with federation specifications.
How is the customs value of tennis balls determined?
The customs value of tennis balls is generally based on the transaction value stated on the commercial invoice, to which freight and insurance costs up to the point of entry into the EU customs territory are added, in accordance with Article 70 of the Union Customs Code.
How to correctly classify tennis balls under CN 9506 61?
Tennis balls are classified under subheading CN 9506 61 based on the GIR of the Combined Nomenclature. Key criteria are the material, intended use, and functional characteristics of the product. If in doubt, applying for a BTI ruling is recommended.