HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9609.10 – Pencils and crayons; with leads encased in sheath
HS code 9609.10 is the 6-digit subheading for pencils and crayons, with leads encased in sheath. It is used for wooden graphite pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal pencils and wax crayons.
What HS 9609.10 covers
This HS code covers traditional pencils and crayons where the writing or coloring core is encased in a protective sheath, typically made of wood. These fundamental stationery items are traded globally for a wide range of uses, from educational and artistic endeavors to office and industrial applications. International trade involves manufacturers supplying these products to educational institutions, art supply stores, office supply distributors, and general retailers worldwide. Importers include large-scale distributors and retail chains, while exporters are often companies with extensive manufacturing capabilities in writing instruments. Key aspects include the quality of the lead or wax, the type of wood used for encasing, lead hardness grades (e.g., HB, 2B), and compliance with safety standards, especially for children's products. The global demand for these items remains consistently high.
- Covers
- Wooden graphite pencils
- Colored pencils
- Watercolor pencils
- Charcoal pencils
- Wax crayons
- Grease pencils
- Carpenter's pencils
- Examples
- Faber-Castell Polychromos
- Staedtler Noris
- Prismacolor Premier
- Crayola Crayons
- Derwent Coloursoft
Codes often confused with 9609.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with pencil leads sold separately (9609.20) or pastels and drawing charcoals (9609.90) which lack a full encasing sheath. It is distinct from mechanical pencils, which are classified under 9608.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960910, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960910 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $586M 46% of world exports
- 2 Germany $148M 12% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $74M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $207M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $112M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 France $46M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 9609.10
Brazil does not split HS 9609.10: its NCM code is 9609.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9609.10
What is HS code 960910?
HS code 960910 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pencils and crayons; with leads encased in sheath. This HS code covers traditional pencils and crayons where the writing or coloring core is encased in a protective sheath, typically made of wood. These fundamental stationery items are traded globally for a wide range of uses, from educational and artistic endeavors to office and industrial applications. International trade involves manufacturers supplying these products to educational institutions, art supply stores, office supply distributors, and general retailers worldwide. Importers include large-scale distributors and retail chains, while exporters are often companies with extensive manufacturing capabilities in writing instruments. Key aspects include the quality of the lead or wax, the type of wood used for encasing, lead hardness grades (e.g., HB, 2B), and compliance with safety standards, especially for children's products. The global demand for these items remains consistently high.
What products fall under HS code 960910?
Wooden graphite pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, charcoal pencils, wax crayons, grease pencils, carpenter's pencils
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960910?
This code can be confused with pencil leads sold separately (9609.20) or pastels and drawing charcoals (9609.90) which lack a full encasing sheath. It is distinct from mechanical pencils, which are classified under 9608.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960910?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960910 in UN Comtrade data were China ($586M, 46% of world exports), Germany ($148M) and Brazil ($74M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 960910?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960910 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($207M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($112M) and France ($46M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 960910 structured?
HS code 960910 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960910?
In Brazil, HS code 960910 is NCM 9609.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.