Product classification
HS code for Fountain pen: 9608.30
Pens, fountain, stylograph and other pens.
Classification of fountain pen under HS 9608.30
Fountain pens are classified under HS code 9608.30. This classification falls within Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. The determination for this code is based on the mechanical nature of the writing instrument, specifically the presence of an internal ink reservoir and a metal nib that utilizes capillary action to deliver ink to the writing surface. Unlike ballpoint pens that use a rolling ball or felt-tip pens that use porous fibers, the fountain pen is distinguished by its nib and liquid ink system. This heading includes various types of fountain pens, ranging from those using disposable cartridges to those with integrated piston or vacuum filling mechanisms. The classification remains the same regardless of the material of the pen body—whether plastic, base metal, or precious metal—provided the primary function is that of a fountain pen. If the pen is made entirely of precious metal, it may still fall here under specific chapter notes that prioritize the functional heading of 9608 over Chapter 71.
- Covers
- Piston-fill fountain pens
- Cartridge-based fountain pens
- Vacuum-filler fountain pens
- Stylograph pens with ink reservoirs
- Calligraphy fountain pens
- Disposable fountain pens
- Demonstrator fountain pens with transparent bodies
- Also under 9608.30
- Montblanc Meisterstück
- Lamy Safari
- Parker Sonnet
- Waterman Expert
- Rotring Isograph
Codes often confused with 9608.30
Common mistake. Fountain pens are frequently confused with HS code 9608.10, which is strictly for ballpoint pens, or HS code 9608.20, which covers felt-tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. Another common error involves classifying high-end pens under Chapter 71 (7113) if they are made of gold or silver. However, Note 1 to Chapter 96 generally directs that writing instruments remain in 9608 even if they contain precious metal components. Additionally, separate pen nibs should not be classified here; they belong under HS code 9608.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960830 (the code used for fountain pen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960830 (the code used for fountain pen) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 960830, not only fountain pen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $143M 38% of world exports
- 2 China $45M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $30M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $376M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $45M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $38M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 China $35M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $393M 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 fountain pen
Brazil classifies fountain pen under NCM 9608.30.00: HS 9608.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fountain pen
What is the HS code for Fountain pen?
The HS code for Fountain pen is 960830 (Pens; fountain, stylograph and other pens). The specific HS code for fountain pens, including stylograph pens, is 9608.30.
How do I classify Fountain pen for customs?
Fountain pen is classified under HS code 960830 — Pens; fountain, stylograph and other pens. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the pen is sold with ink?
Generally, if the ink is contained within the pen or included as a standard retail set, the entire unit is classified under 9608.30. Bulk ink refills are classified separately under 3215.
Which countries are the top exporters of fountain pen (HS 960830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960830 (the code used for fountain pen) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($143M, 38% of world exports), China ($45M) and Japan ($30M). World exports came to about $376M, 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 fountain pen (HS 960830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960830 (the code used for fountain pen) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($45M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($38M) and China ($35M). World imports came to about $393M, 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 Fountain pen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960830 for Fountain 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 fountain pen in Brazil?
In Brazil, fountain pen (HS 960830) is classified under NCM 9608.30.00.