HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.50 – Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings
HS code 9608.50 is the 6-digit subheading for pen and pencil sets, of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings. It is used for ballpoint and mechanical pencil sets, fountain pen and rollerball sets, executive pen sets, gift writing sets and desk pen sets.
What HS 9608.50 covers
This HS code specifically covers sets containing two or more writing instruments that fall under the previous subheadings of 9608 (e.g., a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil, or a fountain pen and a rollerball). These sets are often marketed as gifts, executive accessories, or coordinated stationery items, appealing to consumers looking for matching writing tools or a premium presentation. Importers include gift shops, luxury retailers, corporate promotional product suppliers, and high-end stationery stores. Exporters are typically manufacturers of writing instruments who package their products into curated sets, often focusing on design coherence, material quality, and attractive packaging. Key trade factors include the combination of instruments, the quality and brand of each item, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the set. This category often sees higher unit values due to the combined value and presentation of multiple items.
- Covers
- Ballpoint and mechanical pencil sets
- Fountain pen and rollerball sets
- Executive pen sets
- Gift writing sets
- Desk pen sets
- Coordinated pen and pencil sets
- Luxury writing instrument sets
- Promotional pen sets
- Examples
- Parker IM Pen & Pencil Set
- Cross Calais Pen & Pencil Set
- Waterman Hemisphere Gift Set
- Montblanc Meisterstück Set
- Lamy Studio Set
Codes often confused with 9608.50
Common mistake. This code is distinct from individual pens or pencils (e.g., 960810, 960840) because it specifically covers *sets* of such items. It should also not be confused with sets containing items from other chapters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960850 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 China $147M 76% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $13M 6.7% of world exports
- 3 Germany $7.0M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $192M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $13M 11% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $12M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $8.4M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $120M 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 9608.50
Brazil does not split HS 9608.50: its NCM code is 9608.50.00.
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 9608.50
What is HS code 960850?
HS code 960850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings. This HS code specifically covers sets containing two or more writing instruments that fall under the previous subheadings of 9608 (e.g., a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil, or a fountain pen and a rollerball). These sets are often marketed as gifts, executive accessories, or coordinated stationery items, appealing to consumers looking for matching writing tools or a premium presentation. Importers include gift shops, luxury retailers, corporate promotional product suppliers, and high-end stationery stores. Exporters are typically manufacturers of writing instruments who package their products into curated sets, often focusing on design coherence, material quality, and attractive packaging. Key trade factors include the combination of instruments, the quality and brand of each item, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the set. This category often sees higher unit values due to the combined value and presentation of multiple items.
What products fall under HS code 960850?
Ballpoint and mechanical pencil sets, Fountain pen and rollerball sets, Executive pen sets, Gift writing sets, Desk pen sets, Coordinated pen and pencil sets, Luxury writing instrument sets, Promotional pen sets
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960850?
This code is distinct from individual pens or pencils (e.g., 960810, 960840) because it specifically covers *sets* of such items. It should also not be confused with sets containing items from other chapters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960850 in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 76% of world exports), the Netherlands ($13M) and Germany ($7.0M). World exports came to about $192M, 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 960850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960850 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($13M, 11% of world imports), the Netherlands ($12M) and France ($8.4M). World imports came to about $120M, 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 960850 structured?
HS code 960850 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960850?
In Brazil, HS code 960850 is NCM 9608.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.