HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9612.10 – Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges
HS code 9612.10 is the 6-digit subheading for ribbons, for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. It is used for typewriter ribbons, calculator ribbons, cash register ribbons, telex machine ribbons and dot matrix printer ribbons (impact).
What HS 9612.10 covers
This HS code covers inked ribbons for typewriters and similar impact printing devices, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. Despite the widespread adoption of digital printing, these ribbons remain essential consumables for vintage typewriters, certain specialized industrial printers, and some point-of-sale (POS) systems that rely on impact printing technology. They are designed to transfer ink to paper through mechanical striking. International trade in these ribbons caters to niche markets, collectors, repair shops, and specific industrial applications globally. Importers are often specialized stationery suppliers or distributors of vintage office equipment, while exporters are manufacturers with expertise in ink formulation, ribbon material (e.g., nylon, silk), and precision winding. Key considerations include ribbon material durability, ink quality, and compatibility with specific machine models. The demand, though specialized, ensures continued production and trade.
- Covers
- Typewriter ribbons
- Calculator ribbons
- Cash register ribbons
- Telex machine ribbons
- Dot matrix printer ribbons (impact)
- Carbon ribbons
- Fabric ribbons
- Examples
- Brother Typewriter Ribbons
- Olympia Typewriter Ribbons
- Epson ERC-30/34/38 ribbons (for POS)
- IBM Selectric Ribbons
- Pelikan Typewriter Ribbons
Codes often confused with 9612.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from printer cartridges for inkjet or laser printers (8443.99) which use different printing technologies and are not 'ribbons for giving impressions.' It also differs from uninked textile ribbons (5806.32).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 961210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 961210 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 $241M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $240M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $214M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $157M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $96M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 9612.10
Brazil does not split HS 9612.10: its NCM code is 9612.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9612.10
What is HS code 961210?
HS code 961210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. This HS code covers inked ribbons for typewriters and similar impact printing devices, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. Despite the widespread adoption of digital printing, these ribbons remain essential consumables for vintage typewriters, certain specialized industrial printers, and some point-of-sale (POS) systems that rely on impact printing technology. They are designed to transfer ink to paper through mechanical striking. International trade in these ribbons caters to niche markets, collectors, repair shops, and specific industrial applications globally. Importers are often specialized stationery suppliers or distributors of vintage office equipment, while exporters are manufacturers with expertise in ink formulation, ribbon material (e.g., nylon, silk), and precision winding. Key considerations include ribbon material durability, ink quality, and compatibility with specific machine models. The demand, though specialized, ensures continued production and trade.
What products fall under HS code 961210?
Typewriter ribbons, calculator ribbons, cash register ribbons, telex machine ribbons, dot matrix printer ribbons (impact), carbon ribbons, fabric ribbons
What are common misclassifications for HS code 961210?
This code is distinct from printer cartridges for inkjet or laser printers (8443.99) which use different printing technologies and are not 'ribbons for giving impressions.' It also differs from uninked textile ribbons (5806.32).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 961210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 961210 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($241M, 16% of world exports), China ($240M) and France ($214M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 961210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 961210 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($157M, 10% of world imports), China ($113M) and France ($96M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 961210 structured?
HS code 961210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) 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 961210?
In Brazil, HS code 961210 is NCM 9612.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.