Product classification
HS code for Pastels: 9609.90
Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk.
Classification of pastels under HS 9609.90
Pastels are classified under HS code 9609.90, which resides within Chapter 96 for miscellaneous manufactured articles. This heading specifically covers pencils (other than pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, and tailors' chalks. Pastels are drawing mediums consisting of pure powdered pigment and a binder. The classification 9609.90 is a residual category for these types of drawing instruments that are not specifically encased in wood (like standard pencils of 9609.10). The distinction is made based on the physical form and the intended use for writing or drawing. Unlike paints or inks, these items are solid sticks. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the pastels are professional artist grade or intended for children's use, provided they meet the physical description of the heading. The binder used—whether oil, wax, or gum—does not change the heading, though it may distinguish them from common chalks. This code ensures that solid-form drawing pigments are grouped together, separate from liquid mediums or mechanical writing instruments.
- Covers
- Soft pastels and hard pastels
- Oil pastels
- Drawing charcoals
- Writing or drawing chalks
- Tailors' chalks
- Also under 9609.90
- Sennelier Soft Pastels
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Pastels
- Nitram Academie Fusains charcoal
- Crayola Sidewalk Chalk
- Dritz Tailor's Chalk
Codes often confused with 9609.90
Common mistake. Pastels are frequently misclassified under 3213.10, which covers artists' colors in sets. While the pigments are similar, 3213 is for paints (tubes, pans, etc.), whereas 9609 is for solid sticks. They are also sometimes confused with 9608.20 (felt-tipped markers) or 9609.10 (pencils with leads encased in a rigid sheath). It is important to distinguish between 'crayons' and 'pastels,' though both generally fall under the 9609 heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960990 (the code used for pastels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960990 (the code used for pastels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 960990, not only pastels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $200M 54% of world exports
- 2 United States $21M 5.6% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $78M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $23M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 France $15M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $366M 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 pastels
Brazil classifies pastels under NCM 9609.90.00: HS 9609.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pastels
What is the HS code for Pastels?
The HS code for Pastels is 960990 (Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk). The HS code for pastels, drawing charcoals, and drawing chalks is 9609.90.
How do I classify Pastels for customs?
Pastels is classified under HS code 960990 — Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are oil pastels classified differently than soft pastels?
No, both oil pastels and soft pastels are classified under HS code 9609.90 as they are both solid drawing instruments composed of pigments and binders.
Which countries are the top exporters of pastels (HS 960990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960990 (the code used for pastels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($200M, 54% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $368M, 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 pastels (HS 960990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960990 (the code used for pastels) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($78M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($23M) and France ($15M). World imports came to about $366M, 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 Pastels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960990 for Pastels 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 pastels in Brazil?
In Brazil, pastels (HS 960990) is classified under NCM 9609.90.00.