Product classification
HS code for Calligraphy brushes: 9603.30
Brushes, artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics.
Classification of calligraphy brushes under HS 9603.30
Calligraphy brushes are classified under HS code 9603.30, which covers artists' brushes, writing brushes, and similar brushes used for the application of cosmetics. This classification is part of the broader category for brooms, brushes, and mops. The specific subheading 9603.30 is designated for brushes used in fine arts and writing, distinguishing them from industrial cleaning brushes or household paint brushes. Calligraphy brushes, often characterized by their soft hair (natural animal hair or synthetic fiber) and specialized handles (often bamboo, wood, or plastic), are designed for the controlled application of ink. The classification remains consistent regardless of the specific style of calligraphy—be it Western, Chinese, or Japanese—as the functional design of the brush head for writing and artistic expression is the primary determinant for customs purposes. The HS code applies to the complete brush assembly, consisting of the tuft of hair and the handle.
- Covers
- Traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes (Maobi)
- Japanese Sumi-e brushes
- Fine-tipped writing brushes
- Ink wash painting brushes
- Synthetic fiber calligraphy brushes
- Bamboo-handled writing brushes
- Also under 9603.30
- Winsor & Newton Series 7
- da Vinci Maestro
- Real Techniques brushes
- Sigma Beauty brushes
- MAC Cosmetics brushes
Codes often confused with 9603.30
Common mistake. Calligraphy brushes are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9603.40, which is intended for paint, distemper, varnish, or similar brushes used for building maintenance or industrial painting. They may also be confused with 9603.90, the residual category for other brushes. If the handle is made of precious metal, it might be incorrectly assigned to Chapter 71, but General Interpretative Rules usually keep them in 9603.30 based on their function.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960330 (the code used for calligraphy brushes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960330 (the code used for calligraphy brushes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 960330, not only calligraphy brushes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $299M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $103M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $67M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $783M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $289M 26% of world imports
- 2 France $100M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $60M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 calligraphy brushes
Brazil classifies calligraphy brushes under NCM 9603.30.00: HS 9603.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about calligraphy brushes
What is the HS code for Calligraphy brushes?
The HS code for Calligraphy brushes is 960330 (Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics). The HS code for calligraphy and writing brushes is 9603.30.
How do I classify Calligraphy brushes for customs?
Calligraphy brushes is classified under HS code 960330 — Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are calligraphy pens classified under the same code?
No, calligraphy pens (fountain pens or felt-tips) are classified under HS code 9608, while brushes remain under 9603.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of calligraphy brushes (HS 960330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960330 (the code used for calligraphy brushes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($299M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($103M) and France ($67M). World exports came to about $783M, 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 calligraphy brushes (HS 960330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960330 (the code used for calligraphy brushes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($289M, 26% of world imports), France ($100M) and Germany ($60M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Calligraphy brushes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960330 for Calligraphy brushes 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 calligraphy brushes in Brazil?
In Brazil, calligraphy brushes (HS 960330) is classified under NCM 9603.30.00.