Product classification
HS code for Graphite lead: 9609.20
Pencil leads, black or coloured.
Classification of graphite lead under HS 9609.20
Graphite leads are classified under HS code 9609.20. This classification falls under Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9609 specifically includes pencils, crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, and writing or drawing chalks. The subheading 9609.20 is reserved for pencil leads of all types, whether they are black or colored. These leads are typically manufactured by mixing finely ground graphite with a clay binder and firing them at high temperatures, though colored leads use pigments and wax instead of graphite. The classification applies to the lead itself as a standalone component. This includes leads intended for use in the manufacture of traditional wooden pencils as well as finished leads packaged for use in mechanical or clutch pencils. The essential character of the product is its function as a writing or drawing medium that is not yet encased in a rigid outer sheath.
- Covers
- Mechanical pencil lead refills
- Graphite leads for wooden pencil manufacturing
- Colored pencil leads
- Thick graphite drawing leads for artists
- Water-soluble graphite leads
- Also under 9609.20
- Pentel Ain Stein leads
- Uni Kuru Toga leads
- Faber-Castell Polychromos leads
- Rotring Tikky leads
- Pilot Neox Graphite leads
Codes often confused with 9609.20
Common mistake. Graphite leads are often confused with HS code 9609.10, which is for pencils with leads encased in a rigid sheath (like standard wooden pencils). If the lead is already inside the wood or plastic body, it must be classified under 9609.10. Another misclassification is 3801.10, which covers bulk artificial graphite; however, once the graphite is shaped and prepared specifically for writing as a "lead," it must move to Chapter 96.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960920 (the code used for graphite lead), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960920 (the code used for graphite lead) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 7.8% 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 960920, not only graphite lead.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $32M 40% of world exports
- 2 Japan $12M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 13% of world exports
World total: $80M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $6.6M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $6.4M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$6.1M 7.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $84M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 graphite lead
Brazil classifies graphite lead under NCM 9609.20.00: HS 9609.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about graphite lead
What is the HS code for Graphite lead?
The HS code for Graphite lead is 960920 (Pencil leads; black or coloured). The HS code for pencil leads, including graphite and colored varieties, is 9609.20.
How do I classify Graphite lead for customs?
Graphite lead is classified under HS code 960920 — Pencil leads; black or coloured. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 9609.20 include mechanical pencils?
No, the mechanical pencil itself is classified under 9608.40, while the replacement leads used inside them are classified under 9609.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of graphite lead (HS 960920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960920 (the code used for graphite lead) in UN Comtrade data were China ($32M, 40% of world exports), Japan ($12M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $80M, 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 graphite lead (HS 960920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960920 (the code used for graphite lead) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($6.6M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($6.4M) and Vietnam (about $6.1M). World imports came to about $84M, 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 Graphite lead the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960920 for Graphite lead 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 graphite lead in Brazil?
In Brazil, graphite lead (HS 960920) is classified under NCM 9609.20.00.