HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 96.11 – Stamps; date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating by hand; hand operated composing sticks and printing sets
What HS 96.11 covers
Heading 9611 covers hand-operated stamps, including date, numbering, and sealing stamps, along with similar devices designed for producing impressions. This classification also extends to hand-operated devices for printing or embossing labels, as well as hand-operated composing sticks and printing sets. The defining characteristic of items under this heading is their manual operation for the purpose of creating an impression, print, or embossment. It explicitly excludes industrial printing machinery or other automated devices. The scope is broad, ranging from simple rubber stamps for office use to specialized wax sealing stamps for crafts, and even historical items like composing sticks used in manual typography. Key sub-categories include various types of stamps (self-inking, traditional, embossing) and small-scale, manual printing tools. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, ensuring correct application of duties and taxes, and compliance with any specific regulations related to materials or intellectual property for custom stamps. This heading highlights a niche within Chapter 96, covering miscellaneous manufactured articles that facilitate administrative, craft, and specialized printing tasks through manual means, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern applications.
- Covers
- Self-inking date stamps
- Manual numbering stamps
- Rubber stamps
- Wax sealing stamps
- Hand-operated embossing seals
- Custom logo stamps
- Craft stamps
- Alphabet and number printing sets (hand-operated)
- Hand-held label embossers
- Pre-inked stamps
- Traditional wooden handle stamps
- Signature stamps
- Notary seals (hand-operated)
- Composing sticks for hand-setting type
- Inspection stamps
- Multi-purpose office stamps
- Dry seals
- Pocket stamps
- Stamping kits
- Adjustable date stamps.
- Examples
A stationery wholesaler in Canada imports a container of assorted self-inking date stamps and manual numbering stamps from Taiwan via ocean freight for distribution to office supply stores nationwide. A small craft business in Germany imports hand-operated wax sealing stamps and custom rubber stamps from India via air cargo, catering to the growing personalization and artisanal markets. A US craft supply chain imports a diverse range of hand-held label embossers and alphabet printing sets from China, transported by sea to West Coast ports for national retail distribution. An architectural firm in the UAE imports specialized hand-operated embossing seals from the UK for official document authentication, typically via express courier due to their specific requirements. A South African office equipment supplier imports bulk quantities of pre-inked stamps from Vietnam for corporate and government clients, using ocean freight.
Subheadings under 96.11 1
Codes often confused with 96.11
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing items in 9611 with industrial printing machinery (8443) or even simple hand tools (8205). Heading 9611 is strictly for *hand-operated* devices specifically designed for making impressions or small-scale printing/embossing, not automated or large-scale printing equipment. For instance, an electronic label printer (8443) is distinct from a hand-held label embosser (9611). While some stamps are made of plastic, classifying them under a general plastics heading like 3926 would be incorrect, as the specific function of making impressions defines their classification here. The 'hand-operated' criterion is paramount.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9611, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9611 in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $68M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $64M 22% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $26M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $35M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $28M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Austria $18M 6.2% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $295M 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.
Questions about HS 96.11
What is HS code 9611?
HS code 9611 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stamps; date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating by hand; hand operated composing sticks and printing sets. Heading 9611 covers hand-operated stamps, including date, numbering, and sealing stamps, along with similar devices designed for producing impressions. This classification also extends to hand-operated devices for printing or embossing labels, as well as hand-operated composing sticks and printing sets. The defining characteristic of items under this heading is their manual operation for the purpose of creating an impression, print, or embossment. It explicitly excludes industrial printing machinery or other automated devices. The scope is broad, ranging from simple rubber stamps for office use to specialized wax sealing stamps for crafts, and even historical items like composing sticks used in manual typography. Key sub-categories include various types of stamps (self-inking, traditional, embossing) and small-scale, manual printing tools. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, ensuring correct application of duties and taxes, and compliance with any specific regulations related to materials or intellectual property for custom stamps. This heading highlights a niche within Chapter 96, covering miscellaneous manufactured articles that facilitate administrative, craft, and specialized printing tasks through manual means, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern applications.
What products fall under HS code 9611?
Self-inking date stamps, manual numbering stamps, rubber stamps, wax sealing stamps, hand-operated embossing seals, custom logo stamps, craft stamps, alphabet and number printing sets (hand-operated), hand-held label embossers, pre-inked stamps, traditional wooden handle stamps, signature stamps, notary seals (hand-operated), composing sticks for hand-setting type, inspection stamps, multi-purpose office stamps, dry seals, pocket stamps, stamping kits, adjustable date stamps.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9611?
A common misclassification involves confusing items in 9611 with industrial printing machinery (8443) or even simple hand tools (8205). Heading 9611 is strictly for *hand-operated* devices specifically designed for making impressions or small-scale printing/embossing, not automated or large-scale printing equipment. For instance, an electronic label printer (8443) is distinct from a hand-held label embosser (9611). While some stamps are made of plastic, classifying them under a general plastics heading like 3926 would be incorrect, as the specific function of making impressions defines their classification here. The 'hand-operated' criterion is paramount.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9611?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9611 in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($68M, 23% of world exports), China ($64M) and Hong Kong ($26M). World exports came to about $299M, 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 9611?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9611 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($35M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($28M) and Austria ($18M). World imports came to about $295M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 9611 structured?
HS code 9611 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.