HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.30 – Pens; fountain, stylograph and other pens
HS code 9608.30 is the 6-digit subheading for pens, fountain, stylograph and other pens. It is used for fountain pens, stylograph pens, rollerball pens (non-ballpoint), dip pens and calligraphy pens.
What HS 9608.30 covers
This HS code encompasses fountain pens, stylograph pens, and other specialized pens that don't fall under ballpoint or felt-tipped categories. Fountain pens, known for their elegant writing experience and use of liquid ink, often hold a premium position in the market, appealing to collectors, professionals, and those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship. Stylograph pens, used for technical drawing, are also included. Importers are typically luxury goods retailers, specialized stationery shops, art supply stores, and corporate gift suppliers. Exporters are often manufacturers with a strong heritage in fine writing instruments, focusing on precision engineering, material quality (e.g., precious metals, resins), and design aesthetics. Trade in this category is influenced by brand reputation, material value, and the enduring appeal of classic writing tools, often involving smaller volumes but higher unit values compared to mass-market pens.
- Covers
- Fountain pens
- Stylograph pens
- Rollerball pens (non-ballpoint)
- Dip pens
- Calligraphy pens
- Technical drawing pens
- Luxury pens
- Executive pens
- Examples
- Montblanc Meisterstück
- Lamy Safari
- Parker Sonnet
- Waterman Expert
- Rotring Isograph
Codes often confused with 9608.30
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 960810 (ballpoint pens) and 960820 (felt-tipped pens) due to its specific ink delivery systems, particularly the nib of a fountain pen or the technical precision of a stylograph.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960830, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960830 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 Germany $143M 38% of world exports
- 2 China $45M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $30M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $376M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $45M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $38M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 China $35M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $393M 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 9608.30
Brazil does not split HS 9608.30: its NCM code is 9608.30.00.
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 9608.30
What is HS code 960830?
HS code 960830 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pens; fountain, stylograph and other pens. This HS code encompasses fountain pens, stylograph pens, and other specialized pens that don't fall under ballpoint or felt-tipped categories. Fountain pens, known for their elegant writing experience and use of liquid ink, often hold a premium position in the market, appealing to collectors, professionals, and those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship. Stylograph pens, used for technical drawing, are also included. Importers are typically luxury goods retailers, specialized stationery shops, art supply stores, and corporate gift suppliers. Exporters are often manufacturers with a strong heritage in fine writing instruments, focusing on precision engineering, material quality (e.g., precious metals, resins), and design aesthetics. Trade in this category is influenced by brand reputation, material value, and the enduring appeal of classic writing tools, often involving smaller volumes but higher unit values compared to mass-market pens.
What products fall under HS code 960830?
Fountain pens, Stylograph pens, Rollerball pens (non-ballpoint), Dip pens, Calligraphy pens, Technical drawing pens, Luxury pens, Executive pens
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960830?
This code is distinct from 960810 (ballpoint pens) and 960820 (felt-tipped pens) due to its specific ink delivery systems, particularly the nib of a fountain pen or the technical precision of a stylograph.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960830?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960830 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($143M, 38% of world exports), China ($45M) and Japan ($30M). World exports came to about $376M, 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 960830?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960830 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($45M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($38M) and China ($35M). World imports came to about $393M, 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 960830 structured?
HS code 960830 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960830?
In Brazil, HS code 960830 is NCM 9608.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.