HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.91 – Pens; nibs and nib points
HS code 9608.91 is the 6-digit subheading for pens, nibs and nib points. It is used for fountain pen nibs, calligraphy nibs, dip pen nibs, rollerball pen tips and ballpoint pen tips.
What HS 9608.91 covers
This HS code specifically covers the intricate components of writing instruments: pen nibs and nib points. These are the functional tips that deliver ink to paper, ranging from the delicate steel or gold nibs of fountain pens to the precise ballpoint tips of rollerball pens. International trade in these items is driven by both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) sourcing parts for pen assembly and the aftermarket for replacement or upgrade components. Major importers include pen manufacturers, stationery distributors, and specialized craft suppliers, while exporters are often precision engineering firms or large-scale writing instrument component producers. Key aspects to consider are the material composition (e.g., stainless steel, iridium-tipped gold), the fineness of the point, and the specific design required for different ink delivery systems. The quality and consistency of these parts are crucial for the overall writing experience.
- Covers
- Fountain pen nibs
- Calligraphy nibs
- Dip pen nibs
- Rollerball pen tips
- Ballpoint pen tips
- Technical drawing pen nibs
- Glass pen nibs
- Examples
- Lamy Z50 nib
- Pilot Custom 74 nib
- Jowo #6 nib
- Bock 250 nib
- Zebra G-nib
Codes often confused with 9608.91
Common mistake. This code can be confused with complete pens (e.g., 9608.10 for ballpoint pens or 9608.30 for fountain pens) if the item is not clearly identified as a separate component. It is also distinct from other pen parts like caps or barrels, which fall under 9608.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960891, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960891 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 16% 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 Japan $61M 55% of world exports
- 2 India $18M 17% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $12M 11% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $16M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $14M 14% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$9.6M 9.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $103M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 9608.91
Brazil does not split HS 9608.91: its NCM code is 9608.91.00.
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 9608.91
What is HS code 960891?
HS code 960891 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pens; nibs and nib points. This HS code specifically covers the intricate components of writing instruments: pen nibs and nib points. These are the functional tips that deliver ink to paper, ranging from the delicate steel or gold nibs of fountain pens to the precise ballpoint tips of rollerball pens. International trade in these items is driven by both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) sourcing parts for pen assembly and the aftermarket for replacement or upgrade components. Major importers include pen manufacturers, stationery distributors, and specialized craft suppliers, while exporters are often precision engineering firms or large-scale writing instrument component producers. Key aspects to consider are the material composition (e.g., stainless steel, iridium-tipped gold), the fineness of the point, and the specific design required for different ink delivery systems. The quality and consistency of these parts are crucial for the overall writing experience.
What products fall under HS code 960891?
Fountain pen nibs, calligraphy nibs, dip pen nibs, rollerball pen tips, ballpoint pen tips, technical drawing pen nibs, glass pen nibs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960891?
This code can be confused with complete pens (e.g., 9608.10 for ballpoint pens or 9608.30 for fountain pens) if the item is not clearly identified as a separate component. It is also distinct from other pen parts like caps or barrels, which fall under 9608.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960891?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960891 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($61M, 55% of world exports), India ($18M) and Thailand ($12M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 960891?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960891 in UN Comtrade data were India ($16M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($14M) and Vietnam (about $9.6M). World imports came to about $103M, 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 960891 structured?
HS code 960891 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960891?
In Brazil, HS code 960891 is NCM 9608.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.