HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.20 – Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers
HS code 9608.20 is the 6-digit subheading for pens, felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. It is used for felt-tip pens, permanent markers, whiteboard markers, highlighters and brush pens.
What HS 9608.20 covers
This HS code covers a broad range of writing and drawing instruments characterized by a porous tip, such as felt-tipped pens, markers, and highlighters. These instruments use water-based or alcohol-based inks and are popular for their vibrant colors, smooth application, and versatility in various artistic, educational, and office settings. Importers include stationery wholesalers, art supply stores, educational suppliers, and office product distributors. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with expertise in ink formulation and tip design. Key trade factors include ink permanence, tip shape (fine, chisel, brush), color range, and whether they are washable or permanent. The demand is driven by educational needs, artistic trends, and corporate presentation requirements, making it a dynamic category in the global stationery trade.
- Covers
- Felt-tip pens
- Permanent markers
- Whiteboard markers
- Highlighters
- Brush pens
- Fabric markers
- Art markers
- Calligraphy markers
- Examples
- Sharpie Permanent Markers
- Crayola Washable Markers
- Stabilo Boss Highlighters
- Posca Paint Markers
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Codes often confused with 9608.20
Common mistake. This code should not be confused with 960810 (ballpoint pens) or 960830 (fountain pens), as its defining characteristic is the porous, felt-like tip.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960820 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $1.4B 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $298M 11% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $172M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $417M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $162M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $142M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 9608.20
Brazil does not split HS 9608.20: its NCM code is 9608.20.00.
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 9608.20
What is HS code 960820?
HS code 960820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. This HS code covers a broad range of writing and drawing instruments characterized by a porous tip, such as felt-tipped pens, markers, and highlighters. These instruments use water-based or alcohol-based inks and are popular for their vibrant colors, smooth application, and versatility in various artistic, educational, and office settings. Importers include stationery wholesalers, art supply stores, educational suppliers, and office product distributors. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with expertise in ink formulation and tip design. Key trade factors include ink permanence, tip shape (fine, chisel, brush), color range, and whether they are washable or permanent. The demand is driven by educational needs, artistic trends, and corporate presentation requirements, making it a dynamic category in the global stationery trade.
What products fall under HS code 960820?
Felt-tip pens, Permanent markers, Whiteboard markers, Highlighters, Brush pens, Fabric markers, Art markers, Calligraphy markers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960820?
This code should not be confused with 960810 (ballpoint pens) or 960830 (fountain pens), as its defining characteristic is the porous, felt-like tip.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960820 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 48% of world exports), Germany ($298M) and Mexico ($172M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 960820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960820 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($417M, 18% of world imports), France ($162M) and Germany ($142M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 960820 structured?
HS code 960820 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960820?
In Brazil, HS code 960820 is NCM 9608.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.