Product classification
HS code for Mechanical pencil: 9608.40
Pencils, propelling or sliding.
Classification of mechanical pencil under HS 9608.40
Mechanical pencils, also known as propelling or sliding pencils, are classified under HS code 9608.40. This classification is part of heading 9608, which covers various writing instruments including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, and markers. A mechanical pencil is defined by its internal mechanism that advances a replaceable solid pigment core (lead) through a small hole at the tip. This distinguishes it from traditional wood-cased pencils classified under 9609. The mechanical nature refers to the internal components—such as clutches, springs, or screw mechanisms—that allow the user to extend the lead as it wears down. The classification applies regardless of the material of the barrel (plastic, metal, or even precious metal) and regardless of whether the pencil is sold individually or as part of a set. It is important to note that the lead refills themselves are classified separately. The classification is based on the presence of the propelling mechanism, which is the defining characteristic of the product under GRI 1.
- Covers
- Click-top mechanical pencils
- Twist-action propelling pencils
- Clutch pencils (lead holders)
- Sliding-lead pencils
- Drafting mechanical pencils
- Also under 9608.40
Pentel P205, Uni Kuru Toga, Rotring 600, Faber-Castell Grip 2011, Pilot Dr. Grip
Codes often confused with 9608.40
Common mistake. Mechanical pencils are often misclassified under 9609.10, which is the code for pencils with leads encased in a rigid sheath (standard wooden pencils). Another common error is 9608.10, which is for ballpoint pens, especially when the pencil is part of a pen-and-pencil set. In sets, each item should generally be classified under its own subheading unless they form a retail set under GRI 3(b). Additionally, the lead refills for mechanical pencils are frequently misclassified here, but they must be placed under 9609.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960840 (the code used for mechanical pencil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960840 (the code used for mechanical pencil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% 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 960840, not only mechanical pencil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $81M 29% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $55M 20% of world exports
- 3 Japan $48M 17% of world exports
World total: $283M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $82M 32% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $18M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $15M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $259M 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 mechanical pencil
Brazil classifies mechanical pencil under NCM 9608.40.00: HS 9608.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mechanical pencil
What is the HS code for Mechanical pencil?
The HS code for Mechanical pencil is 960840 (Pencils; propelling or sliding).
How do I classify Mechanical pencil for customs?
Mechanical pencil is classified under HS code 960840 — Pencils; propelling or sliding. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for mechanical pencils?
The HS code for mechanical (propelling or sliding) pencils is 9608.40.
Are the lead refills included in this HS code?
No, pencil leads are classified separately under HS code 9609.20. Code 9608.40 only applies to the pencil body and its internal mechanism.
Which countries are the top exporters of mechanical pencil (HS 960840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960840 (the code used for mechanical pencil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 29% of world exports), Mexico ($55M) and Japan ($48M). World exports came to about $283M, 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 mechanical pencil (HS 960840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960840 (the code used for mechanical pencil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($82M, 32% of world imports), Mexico ($18M) and Türkiye ($15M). World imports came to about $259M, 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 Mechanical pencil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960840 for Mechanical pencil 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 mechanical pencil in Brazil?
In Brazil, mechanical pencil (HS 960840) is classified under NCM 9608.40.00.