Product classification
HS code for Ballpoint pen refill: 9608.60
Pens, ball-point, refills comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir.
Classification of ballpoint pen refill under HS 9608.60
HS code 960860 specifically covers "Pens; ball-point, refills comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir." This classification is precise, identifying the item not as a complete writing instrument, but as a component part designed to replenish the ink and ballpoint mechanism of a ballpoint pen. The key elements for this classification are its function as a refill, its specific design incorporating both the ballpoint and ink reservoir, and its intended use exclusively with ballpoint pens. This ensures proper distinction from other writing instrument parts or ink cartridges for different pen types. The code acknowledges the integrated nature of the ballpoint and ink supply as a single, replaceable unit.
- Covers
- Standard ballpoint pen refills
- Gel ink ballpoint pen refills
- Oil-based ink ballpoint pen refills
- Pressurized ballpoint pen refills
- Fine-point, medium-point, and broad-point ballpoint pen refills
- Retractable ballpoint pen refills
- Also under 9608.60
- Parker Quinkflow Refills
- Pilot G2 Refills
- Cross Ballpoint Refills
- Fisher Space Pen Refills
- Montblanc Ballpoint Refills
Codes often confused with 9608.60
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs when distinguishing between a complete pen and its refill, or between different types of pen refills. HS code 960810 is for "Ballpoint pens." The distinction is that 960810 refers to the complete writing instrument, whereas 960860 is specifically for the refill component. Importers must ensure the product is clearly identified as a standalone refill. Another potential confusion is with HS code 960830, which covers "Fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens." While also writing instruments, these are distinct from ballpoint pens, and their refills (e.g., ink cartridges for fountain pens) would fall under different subheadings, such as 960899 for other parts, as 960860 is specific to ballpoint pen refills with an integrated ball point and ink reservoir.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960860 (the code used for ballpoint pen refill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960860 (the code used for ballpoint pen refill) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 14% 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 960860, not only ballpoint pen refill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $69M 36% of world exports
- 2 China $27M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $25M 13% of world exports
World total: $193M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $25M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $25M 14% of world imports
- 3 Germany $15M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $171M 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 refill
Brazil classifies ballpoint pen refill under NCM 9608.60.00: HS 9608.60 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 refill
What is the HS code for Ballpoint pen refill?
The HS code for Ballpoint pen refill is 960860 (Pens; ball-point, refills comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir). The HS code for ballpoint pen refills, which include both the ballpoint mechanism and the ink reservoir, is 960860. This code is specifically designed for these replacement components of ballpoint pens, ensuring accurate classification for trade and customs purposes.
How do I classify Ballpoint pen refill for customs?
Ballpoint pen refill is classified under HS code 960860 — Pens; ball-point, refills comprising the ball point and ink-reservoir. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ink cartridges for fountain pens classified under 960860?
No, ink cartridges for fountain pens are not classified under 960860. HS code 960860 is exclusively for ballpoint pen refills. Ink cartridges for fountain pens would typically be classified under 960899, which covers "Other parts" of pens, or potentially under other specific headings if they contain a writing point, due to their different design and function.
Which countries are the top exporters of ballpoint pen refill (HS 960860)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960860 (the code used for ballpoint pen refill) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($69M, 36% of world exports), China ($27M) and France ($25M). World exports came to about $193M, 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 refill (HS 960860)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960860 (the code used for ballpoint pen refill) in UN Comtrade data were France ($25M, 14% of world imports), China ($25M) and Germany ($15M). World imports came to about $171M, 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 refill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960860 for Ballpoint pen refill 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 refill in Brazil?
In Brazil, ballpoint pen refill (HS 960860) is classified under NCM 9608.60.00.