Product classification
HS code for Ballpoint pen: 9608.10
Pens, ball point.
Classification of ballpoint pen under HS 9608.10
A ballpoint pen is a writing instrument that dispenses oil-based ink through a small ball at its point. HS code 960810 is specifically designated for "Ball point pens." This classification is appropriate because heading 9608 covers "Pens; ball point; felt tipped or other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens; stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609; refills for ball point pens, comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir; ink cartridges, with or without nibs, for pens of heading 9608." The subheading 960810 precisely identifies ballpoint pens as a distinct category within this broad range of writing instruments, based on their unique ink delivery system and writing mechanism.
- Covers
- Retractable ballpoint pens
- Click-action ballpoint pens
- Stick ballpoint pens
- Multi-color ballpoint pens
- Promotional ballpoint pens
- Luxury ballpoint pens (if primarily a ballpoint mechanism)
- Disposable ballpoint pens
- Also under 9608.10
- Bic Cristal
- Paper Mate InkJoy
- Pilot G2
- Parker Jotter
- Cross Century II
Codes often confused with 9608.10
Common mistake. Ballpoint pens are often confused with felt-tipped pens or markers (HS code 960820). The key distinction is the writing mechanism: ballpoint pens use a rolling ball and oil-based ink, while felt-tipped pens use a porous tip and water-based or alcohol-based ink. Misclassification can occur if the specific writing technology is not accurately identified. Another common error is classifying them under HS code 960830, which covers fountain pens, stylograph pens, and other pens not specifically provided for elsewhere in 9608. A ballpoint pen, being explicitly covered by 960810, should not be classified under this more general category. Furthermore, while related, refills for ballpoint pens (comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir) have their own specific code, HS code 960860. The complete ballpoint pen, including its casing and mechanism, is classified under 960810.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960810 (the code used for ballpoint pen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960810 (the code used for ballpoint pen) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 960810, not only ballpoint pen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $401M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $250M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $441M 15% of world imports
- 2 France $211M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $188M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 ballpoint pen
Brazil classifies ballpoint pen under NCM 9608.10.00: HS 9608.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ballpoint pen
What is the HS code for Ballpoint pen?
The HS code for Ballpoint pen is 960810 (Pens; ball point).
How do I classify Ballpoint pen for customs?
Ballpoint pen is classified under HS code 960810 — Pens; ball point. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Ballpoint pens?
The HS code for Ballpoint pens is 960810. This code is part of Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles, and specifically identifies ballpoint pens as a distinct type of writing instrument.
How are ballpoint pens distinguished from other pens in the HS nomenclature?
Ballpoint pens are distinguished from other pens by their specific inclusion under HS code 960810. Other types of pens, such as felt-tipped pens (960820) or fountain pens (960830), have their own distinct subheadings within heading 9608, reflecting their different writing mechanisms and ink delivery systems. This precise classification ensures accurate identification based on the pen's fundamental design.
Which countries are the top exporters of ballpoint pen (HS 960810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960810 (the code used for ballpoint pen) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 33% of world exports), Japan ($401M) and France ($250M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of ballpoint pen (HS 960810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960810 (the code used for ballpoint pen) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($441M, 15% of world imports), France ($211M) and Germany ($188M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Ballpoint pen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960810 for Ballpoint pen is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for ballpoint pen in Brazil?
In Brazil, ballpoint pen (HS 960810) is classified under NCM 9608.10.00.