Product classification

HS code for Ink pad: 9612.20

Ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes.

Classification of ink pad under HS 9612.20

Ink pads are classified under HS code 9612.20. This heading covers typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, and ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes. The classification is based on the product's use in manual stamping and marking operations. Chapter 96 is a miscellaneous chapter that captures various manufactured articles that do not fit into more specific material-based chapters. The inclusion of the phrase "whether or not inked" ensures that dry pads intended for use with separate ink bottles are still classified here, provided they are constructed as pads for stamps. The construction typically involves a felt or foam reservoir housed in a plastic or metal container. This classification is straightforward but requires distinguishing the pad from the ink itself or the stamp tool. It is a functional classification that groups office and stationery supplies together regardless of whether they are made of plastic, metal, or textile fibers.

Covers
  • Self-inking stamp pads
  • Replacement ink pads for date stamps
  • Dry felt pads for rubber stamps
  • Inked pads in plastic or metal cases
Also under 9612.20
  • Trodat Ink Pads
  • StazOn Ink Pads
  • VersaMark Ink Pads
  • Ranger Distress Ink Pads
  • Tsukineko Memento Ink Pads

Codes often confused with 9612.20

Common mistake. Ink pads are sometimes misclassified under HS code 3215.90, which covers printing ink and other inks. While the pad contains ink, the pad as a finished article is classified in Chapter 96. Another common error is HS code 9611.00, which covers the actual date, sealing, or numbering stamps. The pad is considered a separate accessory or part of the ribbon/inking category under 9612.20 rather than the stamp tool itself.

3215.90Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid9611.00Stamps; 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

Top exporters and importers of HS 961220 (the code used for ink pad), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961220 (the code used for ink pad) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 961220, not only ink pad.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $17M
  2. 2 Austria $11M
  3. 3 United States $3.5M

World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $9.5M
  2. 2 Germany $6.2M
  3. 3 France $4.1M

World total: $58M 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 ink pad

Brazil classifies ink pad under NCM 9612.20.00: HS 9612.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ink pad

What is the HS code for Ink pad?

The HS code for Ink pad is 961220 (Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes). The HS code for ink pads, whether or not they are pre-inked, is 9612.20.

How do I classify Ink pad for customs?

Ink pad is classified under HS code 961220 — Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the ink used to refill the pad?

No, liquid ink for refilling pads is classified under HS code 3215.90. HS code 9612.20 only applies to the physical pad assembly.

Which countries are the top exporters of ink pad (HS 961220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961220 (the code used for ink pad) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 30% of world exports), Austria ($11M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 ink pad (HS 961220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 961220 (the code used for ink pad) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.5M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($6.2M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $58M, 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 Ink pad the same in all countries?

The base HS code 961220 for Ink pad 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 ink pad in Brazil?

In Brazil, ink pad (HS 961220) is classified under NCM 9612.20.00.