Product classification
HS code for Ink ribbon: 9612.10
Ribbons, for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges.
Classification of ink ribbon under HS 9612.10
Ink ribbons are classified under HS code 9612.10. This classification is found in Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9612 specifically includes typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. The classification 9612.10 is designated for the ribbons themselves. These products are essential for impact printing technologies and thermal transfer processes. To fall under this code, the ribbon must be "prepared" for giving an impression, which usually means it is impregnated with ink or coated with a heat-sensitive pigment. This code applies regardless of the material of the ribbon (nylon, polyester, or film) as long as its primary purpose is to transfer an image or text onto a substrate through a printing mechanism.
- Covers
- Typewriter ribbons
- Dot-matrix printer ribbons
- Thermal transfer ribbons (TTR)
- Inked fabric ribbons for calculators
- Point-of-sale (POS) terminal ribbons
- Also under 9612.10
- Brother Typewriter Ribbons
- Olympia Typewriter Ribbons
- Epson ERC-30/34/38 ribbons (for POS)
- IBM Selectric Ribbons
- Pelikan Typewriter Ribbons
Codes often confused with 9612.10
Common mistake. Ink ribbons are often misclassified under HS code 3215.90, which covers printing ink. However, 3215 is for liquid or paste ink, whereas 9612 is for ink already applied to a carrier ribbon. Another common error is using 8443.99, which covers parts and accessories of printers. While a ribbon is used in a printer, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that articles specifically named in other headings (like 9612) take precedence over general "parts" categories. Plastic film ribbons without ink are also sometimes wrongly classified under Chapter 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961210 (the code used for ink ribbon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961210 (the code used for ink ribbon) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 961210, not only ink ribbon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $241M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $240M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $214M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $157M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $96M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 ribbon
Brazil classifies ink ribbon under NCM 9612.10.00: HS 9612.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ink ribbon
What is the HS code for Ink ribbon?
The HS code for Ink ribbon is 961210 (Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges). The HS code for inked ribbons, including those in cartridges or on spools, is 9612.10.
How do I classify Ink ribbon for customs?
Ink ribbon is classified under HS code 961210 — Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include thermal transfer ribbons?
Yes, thermal transfer ribbons used in barcode printers are classified under 9612.10 because they are prepared for giving impressions via heat.
Which countries are the top exporters of ink ribbon (HS 961210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961210 (the code used for ink ribbon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($241M, 16% of world exports), China ($240M) and France ($214M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 ribbon (HS 961210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961210 (the code used for ink ribbon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($157M, 10% of world imports), China ($113M) and France ($96M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 ribbon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961210 for Ink ribbon 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 ribbon in Brazil?
In Brazil, ink ribbon (HS 961210) is classified under NCM 9612.10.00.