Product classification
HS code for Marker pen: 9608.20
Pens, felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers.
Classification of marker pen under HS 9608.20
Marker pens are classified under HS code 9608.20. This code is found in Chapter 96, which encompasses miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9608 covers a wide range of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers, fountain pens, and duplicating stylos. Subheading 9608.20 specifically targets felt-tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. This includes a variety of modern writing and drawing tools that utilize a reservoir of ink and a tip made of porous material like felt, fiber, or bonded plastics. The classification is straightforward based on the physical characteristics of the tip and the ink delivery system. It does not distinguish between permanent, erasable, or highlighting inks, as long as the tip is porous. The construction usually involves a plastic or metal body containing an ink-saturated core that feeds the tip through capillary action. This code applies to individual markers as well as sets of markers, provided they are the primary item in the set.
- Covers
- Permanent markers
- Whiteboard (dry-erase) markers
- Highlighters and fluorescent markers
- Felt-tip drawing pens
- Also under 9608.20
- Sharpie Permanent Markers
- Crayola Washable Markers
- Stabilo Boss Highlighters
- Posca Paint Markers
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Codes often confused with 9608.20
Common mistake. Marker pens are sometimes misclassified under 9608.10, which is specifically for ballpoint pens. The distinction lies in the tip; ballpoint pens use a rotating ball, while markers use a stationary porous tip. Another misclassification is 9609.10, which covers pencils and crayons. If the instrument uses liquid or gel ink through a porous tip, it must stay in 9608.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960820 (the code used for marker pen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960820 (the code used for marker pen) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 960820, not only marker pen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 48% of world exports
- 2 Germany $298M 11% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $172M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $417M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $162M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $142M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 marker pen
Brazil classifies marker pen under NCM 9608.20.00: HS 9608.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about marker pen
What is the HS code for Marker pen?
The HS code for Marker pen is 960820 (Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers). The HS code for marker pens, including felt-tip and porous-tip markers, is 9608.20.
How do I classify Marker pen for customs?
Marker pen is classified under HS code 960820 — Pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are highlighters classified under the same code as markers?
Yes, highlighters are considered porous-tipped markers and are classified under HS code 9608.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of marker pen (HS 960820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960820 (the code used for marker pen) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 48% of world exports), Germany ($298M) and Mexico ($172M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 marker pen (HS 960820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960820 (the code used for marker pen) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($417M, 18% of world imports), France ($162M) and Germany ($142M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 Marker pen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960820 for Marker 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 marker pen in Brazil?
In Brazil, marker pen (HS 960820) is classified under NCM 9608.20.00.