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95

Tariff Chapter 95

Travelling circuses and travelling menageries; amusement park rides and water park amusements; fairground amusements, including shooting galleries; travelling theatres

What does heading 9508 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 9508 covers travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment. Chapter 95 covers toys, games, sports goods and amusement articles. These products are mainly imported into the EU from China and Southeast Asian countries. EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.7%. Toys and children's articles must comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. CE marking and compliance with EN 71 safety standards (for toys) are required. Heading 9508 is part of Chapter 95 (furniture, toys, games, sports articles and miscellaneous manufactured articles) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 9508 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 9508 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 9508

These products are mainly imported into the EU from China and Southeast Asian countries. EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.7%. CE marking and compliance with EN 71 safety standards (for toys) are required. Duty rates range from 0% to 4.7%. Toys must comply with Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. CE marking and EN 71 compliance are required. Check chemical substance restrictions (phthalates, heavy metals). When importing goods under heading 9508 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 9508 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 9508 are subject to consumer product safety controls. Required documentation includes: CE certificates (toys - Directive 2009/48/EC), safety test reports, EN certificates for furniture. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 9508 - key considerations

Heading 9508 covers travelling fairs, circuses, travelling theatres, including carousels, roller coasters, and swings. Key: mobile/travelling entertainment attractions. Includes carousels, roller coasters, amusement trampolines, and motion simulators. Common mistake: permanent amusement park buildings are 9406; garden trampolines are 9506.

Frequently asked questions

What duty rates apply to travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment under heading 9508?
Customs duty rates for travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment under heading 9508 depend on the specific tariff subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN rates apply to imports from countries without preferential trade agreements. Preferential rates may be available under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the GSP scheme, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Current rates for heading 9508 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%.
What documents are required when importing travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment into the EU?
Importing travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment under heading 9508 into the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct CN classification and the importer's EORI number. Standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document and product specification. A certificate of origin is needed for preferential rates. Additional regulatory requirements depend on the product type and may include safety, conformity or quality control certificates. Imports are governed by the Union Customs Code (UCC).
What should be considered when classifying travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment under heading 9508?
Classification of goods under heading 9508 requires applying the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (CN). Key factors include the product's composition, intended use and level of processing. Heading 9508 covers travelling circuses, menageries, amusement park equipment - exact classification to the 6-, 8- or 10-digit subheading depends on the specific characteristics of the goods. In case of doubt, it is recommended to apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority. The EBTI database on the European Commission website can help with classifying similar goods. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.