Worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material, and articles of these materials (including articles obtained by molding)
5 declarable lines
Heading 9601 covers worked ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving material, and articles made from them. It is split first by ivory at 9601.10 and then by other material or article type under 9601.90: shell, coral cameos, bone/horn/hoof/whalebone/quill, and other.
Products in this heading
- Carved ivory figurine
- Carved bone figurine
- Horn toggle
- Mother-of-pearl inlay piece
- Worked shell disc for inlay
- Coral cameo blank suitable for jewelry
- Whalebone carving
How to choose the right subheading
- Material of the article: ivory goes to 9601.10, shell to 9601.90.20, coral cameos to 9601.90.40, and bone/horn/hoof/whalebone/quill to 9601.90.60.
- For 9601.90, identify whether the item is worked shell, a coral cameo suitable for jewelry, a bone/horn/hoof/whalebone/quill article, or another animal carving material.
- Check whether the item is a finished button, comb, or set jewelry article that belongs in another heading.
- Confirm the item is made of animal carving material, not plastic, wood, metal, or another common substitute.
- For mixed materials, use the component that gives the article its essential character and then match it to the listed line.
Often confused with
- Heading 9606Bone buttons or button blanks
Buttons and button blanks have their own heading even when made of bone.
- Heading 9615Horn combs or hair-slides
Combs and hair-slides are classified in heading 9615, not as articles of horn.
- Heading 3926Plastic imitation ivory figurine
Plastic articles are classified in Chapter 39, not as animal carving material.
- Heading 4420Wood carved figurine
Wood ornaments and carvings fall under heading 4420.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for a carved bone figurine?
Carved articles of bone are classified under 9601.90.60.00, which has a general (MFN) rate of Free.
What is the duty on a coral cameo suitable for jewelry?
Coral, cut but not set, and cameos suitable for use in jewelry are classified under 9601.90.40.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 2.1%.
How do I classify a worked mother-of-pearl shell blank?
Worked shell and articles of shell are classified under 9601.90.20.00, which has a general (MFN) rate of Free. If the item is an animal carving material not named in the more specific lines, use 9601.90.80.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.