HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.40 – Pencils; propelling or sliding
HS code 9608.40 is the 6-digit subheading for pencils, propelling or sliding. It is used for mechanical pencils, propelling pencils, drafting pencils, automatic pencils and clutch pencils.
What HS 9608.40 covers
This HS code covers mechanical pencils, also known as propelling or sliding pencils. These instruments use replaceable lead refills that are advanced or retracted by a mechanism, eliminating the need for sharpening. They are widely favored by students, artists, architects, and engineers for their consistent line width, precision, and convenience. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, art and drafting supply stores, and educational institutions. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of writing instruments, often with expertise in precision engineering for the internal mechanisms. Key trade considerations include lead size (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), barrel material, ergonomic design, and features like lead cushioning or rotating mechanisms. The global demand for precision writing and drawing tools drives the trade in these versatile pencils.
- Covers
- Mechanical pencils
- Propelling pencils
- Drafting pencils
- Automatic pencils
- Clutch pencils
- Fine-lead mechanical pencils
- Side-click mechanical pencils
- Twist-advance mechanical pencils
- Examples
Pentel P205, Uni Kuru Toga, Rotring 600, Faber-Castell Grip 2011, Pilot Dr. Grip
Codes often confused with 9608.40
Common mistake. This code should not be confused with 960910 (pencils, crayons, pencil leads), which covers traditional wood-cased pencils and separate pencil leads. The key is the mechanical, refillable nature of the propelling pencil.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960840, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960840 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% 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 $81M 29% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $55M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $48M 17% of world exports
World total: $283M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $82M 32% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $18M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $15M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $259M 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 9608.40
Brazil does not split HS 9608.40: its NCM code is 9608.40.00.
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 9608.40
What is HS code 960840?
HS code 960840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pencils; propelling or sliding. This HS code covers mechanical pencils, also known as propelling or sliding pencils. These instruments use replaceable lead refills that are advanced or retracted by a mechanism, eliminating the need for sharpening. They are widely favored by students, artists, architects, and engineers for their consistent line width, precision, and convenience. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, art and drafting supply stores, and educational institutions. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of writing instruments, often with expertise in precision engineering for the internal mechanisms. Key trade considerations include lead size (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), barrel material, ergonomic design, and features like lead cushioning or rotating mechanisms. The global demand for precision writing and drawing tools drives the trade in these versatile pencils.
What products fall under HS code 960840?
Mechanical pencils, Propelling pencils, Drafting pencils, Automatic pencils, Clutch pencils, Fine-lead mechanical pencils, Side-click mechanical pencils, Twist-advance mechanical pencils
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960840?
This code should not be confused with 960910 (pencils, crayons, pencil leads), which covers traditional wood-cased pencils and separate pencil leads. The key is the mechanical, refillable nature of the propelling pencil.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960840?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960840 in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 29% of world exports), Mexico ($55M) and Japan ($48M). World exports came to about $283M, 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 960840?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960840 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($82M, 32% of world imports), Mexico ($18M) and Türkiye ($15M). World imports came to about $259M, 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 960840 structured?
HS code 960840 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960840?
In Brazil, HS code 960840 is NCM 9608.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.