Product classification
HS code for Pen and pencil set: 9608.50
Pen and pencil sets, of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings.
Classification of pen and pencil set under HS 9608.50
A pen and pencil set is classified under HS code 960850. This classification is unique because it specifically addresses sets of articles from two or more of the subheadings within heading 9608. Heading 9608 covers a variety of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens (960810), felt-tipped pens (960820), fountain pens (960830), and mechanical pencils (960840). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 3(b) regarding goods put up in sets for retail sale, products that consist of different components are classified together if they meet specific criteria. However, heading 9608 provides a specific subheading (960850) for these sets, which takes precedence. To qualify for this code, the set must contain at least two different types of instruments from the 9608 subheadings. For example, a box containing one ballpoint pen and one mechanical pencil is a 960850 item. If the set only contained two ballpoint pens, it would be classified under 960810 as a simple quantity of ballpoint pens.
- Covers
- Ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil sets
- Fountain pen and rollerball pen sets
- Felt-tip marker and ballpoint pen combinations
- Sets containing a stylus pen and a mechanical pencil
- Gift sets with multiple types of 9608 writing instruments
- Also under 9608.50
- Parker IM Pen & Pencil Set
- Cross Calais Pen & Pencil Set
- Waterman Hemisphere Gift Set
- Montblanc Meisterstück Set
- Lamy Studio Set
Codes often confused with 9608.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using the code for a single component, such as 960810 (ballpoint pens) or 960840 (mechanical pencils), for the entire set. This is incorrect if the set contains diverse instruments. Another error involves HS code 960910, which covers pencils with leads encased in a rigid sheath (traditional wooden pencils). If a set contains a wooden pencil and a ballpoint pen, it may not fall under 960850 because wooden pencils are in heading 9609, not 9608. Such mixed sets from different headings are often classified under GRI 3 based on the essential character.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960850 (the code used for pen and pencil set), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960850 (the code used for pen and pencil set) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 11% 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 960850, not only pen and pencil set.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $147M 76% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $13M 6.7% of world exports
- 3 Germany $7.0M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $192M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $13M 11% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $12M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $8.4M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $120M 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 pen and pencil set
Brazil classifies pen and pencil set under NCM 9608.50.00: HS 9608.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pen and pencil set
What is the HS code for Pen and pencil set?
The HS code for Pen and pencil set is 960850 (Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings). The HS code for a set containing writing instruments from two or more subheadings of heading 9608 (like a ballpoint and a mechanical pencil) is 960850.
How do I classify Pen and pencil set for customs?
Pen and pencil set is classified under HS code 960850 — Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the set only contains two ballpoint pens?
If the set contains only one type of instrument, such as two ballpoint pens, it should be classified under the specific code for that instrument (960810) rather than the set code 960850.
Which countries are the top exporters of pen and pencil set (HS 960850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960850 (the code used for pen and pencil set) in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 76% of world exports), the Netherlands ($13M) and Germany ($7.0M). World exports came to about $192M, 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 pen and pencil set (HS 960850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960850 (the code used for pen and pencil set) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($13M, 11% of world imports), the Netherlands ($12M) and France ($8.4M). World imports came to about $120M, 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 Pen and pencil set the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960850 for Pen and pencil set 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 pen and pencil set in Brazil?
In Brazil, pen and pencil set (HS 960850) is classified under NCM 9608.50.00.