HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9609.20 – Pencil leads; black or coloured
HS code 9609.20 is the 6-digit subheading for pencil leads, black or coloured. It is used for graphite pencil leads, colored pencil leads, mechanical pencil refills, polymer leads and charcoal leads (unencased).
What HS 9609.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers pencil leads, whether black (graphite) or colored, designed for use in mechanical pencils or as standalone drawing implements. These leads, typically made from a mixture of graphite, clay, and polymers for black leads, or pigments and binders for colored leads, are crucial consumables for continuous writing and drawing without the need for sharpening. International trade involves specialized manufacturers supplying these leads to stationery brands, educational suppliers, and art material distributors across the globe. Importers are often mechanical pencil manufacturers, stationery retailers, and art supply stores, while exporters are specialized lead producers with expertise in material science. Key considerations include lead diameter (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), hardness grades (e.g., HB, 2B), and the vibrancy and lightfastness of colored leads. The precision and consistency of these leads are paramount for quality writing and drawing.
- Covers
- Graphite pencil leads
- Colored pencil leads
- Mechanical pencil refills
- Polymer leads
- Charcoal leads (unencased)
- Pastel leads
- Examples
- Pentel Ain Stein leads
- Uni Kuru Toga leads
- Faber-Castell Polychromos leads
- Rotring Tikky leads
- Pilot Neox Graphite leads
Codes often confused with 9609.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from complete pencils (9609.10) which have leads encased in wood, and from drawing charcoals (9609.90) which are typically thicker and less refined. It also differs from ink refills for pens (9608.60).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960920, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960920 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 7.8% 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 $32M 40% of world exports
- 2 Japan $12M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 13% of world exports
World total: $80M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $6.6M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $6.4M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$6.1M 7.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $84M 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 9609.20
Brazil does not split HS 9609.20: its NCM code is 9609.20.00.
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 9609.20
What is HS code 960920?
HS code 960920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pencil leads; black or coloured. This HS code specifically covers pencil leads, whether black (graphite) or colored, designed for use in mechanical pencils or as standalone drawing implements. These leads, typically made from a mixture of graphite, clay, and polymers for black leads, or pigments and binders for colored leads, are crucial consumables for continuous writing and drawing without the need for sharpening. International trade involves specialized manufacturers supplying these leads to stationery brands, educational suppliers, and art material distributors across the globe. Importers are often mechanical pencil manufacturers, stationery retailers, and art supply stores, while exporters are specialized lead producers with expertise in material science. Key considerations include lead diameter (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), hardness grades (e.g., HB, 2B), and the vibrancy and lightfastness of colored leads. The precision and consistency of these leads are paramount for quality writing and drawing.
What products fall under HS code 960920?
Graphite pencil leads, colored pencil leads, mechanical pencil refills, polymer leads, charcoal leads (unencased), pastel leads
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960920?
This code is distinct from complete pencils (9609.10) which have leads encased in wood, and from drawing charcoals (9609.90) which are typically thicker and less refined. It also differs from ink refills for pens (9608.60).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960920?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960920 in UN Comtrade data were China ($32M, 40% of world exports), Japan ($12M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $80M, 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 960920?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960920 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($6.6M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($6.4M) and Vietnam (about $6.1M). World imports came to about $84M, 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 960920 structured?
HS code 960920 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960920?
In Brazil, HS code 960920 is NCM 9609.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.