HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9608.99 – Pens and pencils; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips
HS code 9608.99 is the 6-digit subheading for pens and pencils, duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips. It is used for pen caps, pencil clips, pen barrels, mechanical pencil mechanisms and stylus holders.
What HS 9608.99 covers
This HS code serves as a broad category for various parts of pens and pencils, excluding nibs and leads, and includes specific types of holders. It encompasses items like pen caps, clips, barrels, mechanical pencil mechanisms, and duplicating stylos. The international trade in these components is vital for the global stationery industry, where manufacturers often source parts from specialized suppliers worldwide for assembly into finished writing instruments. Importers typically include pen and pencil assembly plants, stationery wholesalers, and distributors, while exporters are often manufacturers specializing in plastic molding, metal stamping, or precision component fabrication. Key considerations include material durability (plastics, metals), design aesthetics, and compatibility with other pen or pencil components. These parts contribute significantly to the functionality and branding of writing tools.
- Covers
- Pen caps
- Pencil clips
- Pen barrels
- Mechanical pencil mechanisms
- Stylus holders
- Duplicating stylos
- Pen refills (empty casings)
- Pencil extenders
- Examples
- Parker Jotter barrel
- Lamy Safari cap
- Montblanc Meisterstück clip
- Rotring 600 mechanism
- Fisher Space Pen refill casing
Codes often confused with 9608.99
Common mistake. This code is often confused with complete pens (e.g., 9608.10, 9608.20) or complete pencils (9609.10) if the items are not clearly identified as parts. Specific nibs (9608.91) and pencil leads (9609.20) are classified separately.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960899, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960899 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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 $118M 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $34M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Japan $31M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $340M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $40M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $40M 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $37M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $380M 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 codes for 9608.99 3
Brazil splits HS 9608.99 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9608.99.8 PartsPartes Group
- 9608.99.81 Porous tips for felt-tip or porous-tip pensPontas porosas para os artigos da subposição 9608.20
- 9608.99.89 Other parts of pens and pencilsOutras
- 9608.99.90 Duplicating stylos, pen-holders and pencil-holdersOutros
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 9608.99
What is HS code 960899?
HS code 960899 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pens and pencils; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips. This HS code serves as a broad category for various parts of pens and pencils, excluding nibs and leads, and includes specific types of holders. It encompasses items like pen caps, clips, barrels, mechanical pencil mechanisms, and duplicating stylos. The international trade in these components is vital for the global stationery industry, where manufacturers often source parts from specialized suppliers worldwide for assembly into finished writing instruments. Importers typically include pen and pencil assembly plants, stationery wholesalers, and distributors, while exporters are often manufacturers specializing in plastic molding, metal stamping, or precision component fabrication. Key considerations include material durability (plastics, metals), design aesthetics, and compatibility with other pen or pencil components. These parts contribute significantly to the functionality and branding of writing tools.
What products fall under HS code 960899?
Pen caps, pencil clips, pen barrels, mechanical pencil mechanisms, stylus holders, duplicating stylos, pen refills (empty casings), pencil extenders
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960899?
This code is often confused with complete pens (e.g., 9608.10, 9608.20) or complete pencils (9609.10) if the items are not clearly identified as parts. Specific nibs (9608.91) and pencil leads (9609.20) are classified separately.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960899?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960899 in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 35% of world exports), the United States ($34M) and Japan ($31M). World exports came to about $340M, 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 960899?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960899 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($40M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($40M) and Mexico ($37M). World imports came to about $380M, 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 960899 structured?
HS code 960899 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960899?
Brazil splits HS code 960899 into 3 NCM codes: 9608.99.81 (Porous tips for felt-tip or porous-tip pens), 9608.99.89 (Other parts of pens and pencils), 9608.99.90 (Duplicating stylos, pen-holders and pencil-holders). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.