HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.10 – Pens; ball point
HS code 9608.10 is the 6-digit subheading for pens, ball point. It is used for retractable ballpoint pens, stick ballpoint pens, gel ballpoint pens, fine point ballpoint pens and medium point ballpoint pens.
What HS 9608.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers ballpoint pens, a ubiquitous writing instrument characterized by a small ball bearing at its tip that dispenses oil-based ink. This category represents a massive segment of the global stationery market, catering to students, professionals, and general consumers worldwide. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, educational institutions, and corporate promotional product suppliers. Exporters are typically large-scale pen manufacturers, often with automated production lines capable of high volumes. Key trade considerations involve ink quality, tip size, barrel design, branding, and environmental aspects like refillability or recycled materials. The market is highly competitive, with both premium and economy brands vying for market share, and trade flows are influenced by global consumption patterns and manufacturing efficiencies.
- Covers
- Retractable ballpoint pens
- Stick ballpoint pens
- Gel ballpoint pens
- Fine point ballpoint pens
- Medium point ballpoint pens
- Ergonomic ballpoint pens
- Promotional ballpoint pens
- Multi-color ballpoint pens
- Examples
- Bic Cristal
- Paper Mate InkJoy
- Pilot G2
- Parker Jotter
- Cross Century II
Codes often confused with 9608.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 960820 (felt-tipped pens) and 960830 (fountain pens) due to its specific ballpoint mechanism. It's also separate from 960860, which covers only ballpoint refills.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $401M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $250M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $441M 15% of world imports
- 2 France $211M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $188M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 9608.10
Brazil does not split HS 9608.10: its NCM code is 9608.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9608.10
What is HS code 960810?
HS code 960810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pens; ball point. This HS code specifically covers ballpoint pens, a ubiquitous writing instrument characterized by a small ball bearing at its tip that dispenses oil-based ink. This category represents a massive segment of the global stationery market, catering to students, professionals, and general consumers worldwide. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, educational institutions, and corporate promotional product suppliers. Exporters are typically large-scale pen manufacturers, often with automated production lines capable of high volumes. Key trade considerations involve ink quality, tip size, barrel design, branding, and environmental aspects like refillability or recycled materials. The market is highly competitive, with both premium and economy brands vying for market share, and trade flows are influenced by global consumption patterns and manufacturing efficiencies.
What products fall under HS code 960810?
Retractable ballpoint pens, Stick ballpoint pens, Gel ballpoint pens, Fine point ballpoint pens, Medium point ballpoint pens, Ergonomic ballpoint pens, Promotional ballpoint pens, Multi-color ballpoint pens
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960810?
This code is distinct from 960820 (felt-tipped pens) and 960830 (fountain pens) due to its specific ballpoint mechanism. It's also separate from 960860, which covers only ballpoint refills.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 33% of world exports), Japan ($401M) and France ($250M). World exports came to about $3.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 960810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960810 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($441M, 15% of world imports), France ($211M) and Germany ($188M). World imports came to about $2.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 960810 structured?
HS code 960810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960810?
In Brazil, HS code 960810 is NCM 9608.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.