HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 9612.20 – Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes

HS code 9612.20 is the 6-digit subheading for ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes. It is used for stamp pads (pre-inked), uninked stamp pads, craft ink pads, fingerprint ink pads and archival ink pads.

What HS 9612.20 covers

This HS code covers ink pads, whether or not inked, and with or without boxes. These essential accessories are used with traditional rubber stamps and other hand-operated marking devices. An ink pad typically consists of a porous material saturated with ink, often housed in a protective casing. They are widely used in offices, for crafting, in educational settings, and for various administrative tasks to apply ink to stamps before making an impression. International trade involves manufacturers supplying these consumables to stationery distributors, craft stores, and office supply retailers worldwide. Importers are often general stationery wholesalers, while exporters are manufacturers specializing in ink formulation and porous material technology. Key aspects include ink color variety, quick-drying properties, archival quality for important documents, and the longevity of the ink supply within the pad. They are a fundamental component of traditional stamping.

Covers
  • Stamp pads (pre-inked)
  • Uninked stamp pads
  • Craft ink pads
  • Fingerprint ink pads
  • Archival ink pads
  • Pigment ink pads
  • Dye ink pads
Examples
  • Trodat Ink Pads
  • StazOn Ink Pads
  • VersaMark Ink Pads
  • Ranger Distress Ink Pads
  • Tsukineko Memento Ink Pads

Codes often confused with 9612.20

Common mistake. This code should not be confused with liquid inks sold separately (3215.90) or complete self-inking stamps (9611.00) where the ink reservoir is integrated into the stamp mechanism. It also differs from sponges (9603.90).

3215.90Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid9611.00Stamps; 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 sets9603.90Brooms, brushes, mops, feather dusters, squeegees, hand operated mechanical floor sweepers; (not motorised), prepared knots and tufts for brooms or brush making n.e.c.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 961220, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 961220 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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. 1 China $17M
  2. 2 Austria $11M
  3. 3 United States $3.5M

World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $9.5M
  2. 2 Germany $6.2M
  3. 3 France $4.1M

World total: $58M 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 9612.20

Brazil does not split HS 9612.20: its NCM code is 9612.20.00.

  1. 9612.20.00 Ink padsAlmofadas de carimbo

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 9612.20

What is HS code 961220?

HS code 961220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes. This HS code covers ink pads, whether or not inked, and with or without boxes. These essential accessories are used with traditional rubber stamps and other hand-operated marking devices. An ink pad typically consists of a porous material saturated with ink, often housed in a protective casing. They are widely used in offices, for crafting, in educational settings, and for various administrative tasks to apply ink to stamps before making an impression. International trade involves manufacturers supplying these consumables to stationery distributors, craft stores, and office supply retailers worldwide. Importers are often general stationery wholesalers, while exporters are manufacturers specializing in ink formulation and porous material technology. Key aspects include ink color variety, quick-drying properties, archival quality for important documents, and the longevity of the ink supply within the pad. They are a fundamental component of traditional stamping.

What products fall under HS code 961220?

Stamp pads (pre-inked), uninked stamp pads, craft ink pads, fingerprint ink pads, archival ink pads, pigment ink pads, dye ink pads

What are common misclassifications for HS code 961220?

This code should not be confused with liquid inks sold separately (3215.90) or complete self-inking stamps (9611.00) where the ink reservoir is integrated into the stamp mechanism. It also differs from sponges (9603.90).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 961220?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 961220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 30% of world exports), Austria ($11M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 961220?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 961220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.5M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($6.2M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $58M, 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 961220 structured?

HS code 961220 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 961220?

In Brazil, HS code 961220 is NCM 9612.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.