Product classification
HS code for Felt tip pen: 9608.20
Pens, felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers.
Classification of felt tip pen under HS 9608.20
Felt tip pens and porous-tipped markers are classified under HS code 9608.20. This classification is based on the physical characteristics of the writing nib and the method of ink delivery. Heading 9608 covers a broad spectrum of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, fountain pens, and stylos. Subheading 9608.20 specifically identifies pens with a "felt tipped" or "other porous-tipped" mechanism. These instruments function through capillary action, where ink is drawn from a reservoir—often a fibrous bundle inside the barrel—through a porous nib made of compacted fibers, felt, or sintered plastics. This classification applies regardless of the intended use, whether for general writing, artistic drawing, or industrial marking. The essential character of the product is defined by the porous nature of the tip, which distinguishes it from metal-nibbed fountain pens or ball-bearing tipped pens. The classification remains consistent whether the ink is water-based, alcohol-based, or oil-based, and whether the pen is disposable or refillable.
- Covers
- Permanent markers
- Whiteboard and dry-erase markers
- Highlighters and fluorescent markers
- Fine-liner pens with porous tips
- Artistic felt-tip drawing pens
- Laundry markers
- Also under 9608.20
- Sharpie Permanent Markers
- Crayola Washable Markers
- Stabilo Boss Highlighters
- Posca Paint Markers
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Codes often confused with 9608.20
Common mistake. Felt tip pens are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9609.10, which is reserved for pencils and crayons with leads encased in a rigid sheath. They may also be confused with HS code 3213, which covers artists' colors in sets; however, if the color is contained within a pen-like delivery system with a porous tip, 9608.20 takes precedence as the more specific heading for the article.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960820 (the code used for felt tip pen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960820 (the code used for felt tip pen) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 960820, not only felt tip pen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $298M 11% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $172M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $417M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $162M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $142M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 felt tip pen
Brazil classifies felt tip pen under NCM 9608.20.00: HS 9608.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about felt tip pen
What is the HS code for Felt tip pen?
The HS code for Felt tip pen is 960820 (Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers). The HS code for felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers is 9608.20.
How do I classify Felt tip pen for customs?
Felt tip pen is classified under HS code 960820 — Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are highlighters classified under the same code as markers?
Yes, highlighters are considered porous-tipped markers and are classified under HS code 9608.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of felt tip pen (HS 960820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960820 (the code used for felt tip pen) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 48% of world exports), Germany ($298M) and Mexico ($172M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 felt tip pen (HS 960820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960820 (the code used for felt tip pen) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($417M, 18% of world imports), France ($162M) and Germany ($142M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 Felt tip pen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960820 for Felt tip 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 felt tip pen in Brazil?
In Brazil, felt tip pen (HS 960820) is classified under NCM 9608.20.00.