Product classification
HS code for Hand stamp: 9611.00
Stamps, date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating by hand, hand operated composing sticks and printing sets.
Classification of hand stamp under HS 9611.00
Hand stamps are classified under HS code 9611.00 because they are specifically identified as hand-operated devices for printing, embossing, or numbering. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 9611 is a specific provision that covers stamps designed for operating by hand, including those with moving parts like date or numbering stamps. The classification applies regardless of the material of the stamp—whether it is constructed from rubber, plastic, or metal—provided the device is manually actuated by the user. This heading also includes hand-operated composing sticks and printing sets which incorporate such stamps. The primary factor for this classification is the manual nature of the tool and its specific function in marking or labeling surfaces through physical contact. Furthermore, the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for 9611 clarify that these devices often contain a small ink pad or are designed to be used with one, but the mechanical assembly for stamping is the defining characteristic. This code is essential for distinguishing simple manual marking tools from complex industrial printing machinery found in other chapters.
- Covers
- Self-inking rubber hand stamps for office use
- Manual date and time stamps with rotating wheels
- Hand-operated numbering machines for sequential document marking
- Sealing stamps designed for creating wax impressions
- Hand-operated embossing tools for creating raised labels
- Manual composing sticks for hand-setting type in traditional printing
- Small printing sets containing hand stamps and interchangeable characters for retail sale
- Also under 9611.00
- Trodat Printy stamps
- Shiny S-827 date stamp
- Colop Classic Line stamps
- Dymo Organizer Xpress label maker (manual)
- Speedball Block Printing Kit
Codes often confused with 9611.00
Common mistake. Hand stamps are frequently misclassified under HS code 8443, which covers industrial printing machinery and office-grade mechanical printers. However, 8443 is reserved for automated or complex mechanical systems, whereas 9611 is specific to tools designed for manual operation. Another common error is using HS code 9612, which covers typewriter ribbons and ink pads. While an ink pad may be used with a hand stamp, the stamp itself remains under 9611. If the stamp is part of a toy set intended for children, it might be classified under 9503, but professional or functional hand stamps must stay in Chapter 96. Additionally, electronic handheld label makers are often confused with manual embossers, but electronic versions fall under 8472.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961100 (the code used for hand stamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961100 (the code used for hand stamp) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 961100, not only hand stamp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $68M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $64M 22% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $26M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $35M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $28M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Austria $18M 6.2% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $295M 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 hand stamp
Brazil classifies hand stamp under NCM 9611.00.00: HS 9611.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hand stamp
What is the HS code for Hand stamp?
The HS code for Hand stamp is 961100 (Stamps; date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating by hand; hand operated composing sticks and printing sets). The HS code for hand stamps, including date, numbering, and sealing stamps designed for manual operation, is 9611.00.
How do I classify Hand stamp for customs?
Hand stamp is classified under HS code 961100 — Stamps; date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating by hand; hand operated composing sticks and printing sets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the ink pad used with the stamp?
No, separate ink pads are classified under HS code 9612.10. However, if the stamp is a self-inking model where the pad is an integral part of the device, the entire unit is classified under 9611.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of hand stamp (HS 961100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961100 (the code used for hand stamp) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($68M, 23% of world exports), China ($64M) and Hong Kong ($26M). World exports came to about $299M, 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 hand stamp (HS 961100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961100 (the code used for hand stamp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($35M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($28M) and Austria ($18M). World imports came to about $295M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Hand stamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961100 for Hand stamp 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 hand stamp in Brazil?
In Brazil, hand stamp (HS 961100) is classified under NCM 9611.00.00.