Product classification
HS code for Pen caps: 9608.99
Pens and pencils, duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips.
Classification of pen caps under HS 9608.99
Pen caps are classified under HS code 9608.99. This classification falls within Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9608 specifically includes ball-point pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, and their parts. According to Note 2 to Chapter 96, parts of the articles of this heading are to be classified within the heading itself unless they are more specifically described elsewhere. Since pen caps are essential components designed specifically for the protection and preservation of pen nibs and ink, they are categorized under the "parts" subheading 9608.99. This follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that components of writing instruments are grouped with the finished products they support. The material of the cap (plastic, metal, or lacquer) does not change this classification, as the functional identity as a pen part is the primary determinant.
- Covers
- Plastic caps for ball-point pens
- Metal caps for fountain pens
- Replacement caps for felt-tip markers
- Pen clips (often imported attached to caps)
- Protective sleeves for stylos
- Also under 9608.99
- Parker Jotter barrel
- Lamy Safari cap
- Montblanc Meisterstück clip
- Rotring 600 mechanism
- Fisher Space Pen refill casing
Codes often confused with 9608.99
Common mistake. Pen caps are sometimes misclassified based on their material composition. For example, a plastic pen cap might be incorrectly assigned to 3926.90 (other articles of plastics), or a steel cap to 7326.90 (other articles of iron or steel). However, because the cap is an identifiable part of a pen, Chapter 96's specific heading for pens (9608) takes precedence over general material headings. Another error is using 9608.91, which is reserved specifically for pen nibs and nib points, not the caps.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pen caps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960899 (the code used for pen caps) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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 960899, not only pen caps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $118M 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $34M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Japan $31M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $340M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $40M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $40M 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $37M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $380M 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 codes for pen caps
Brazil splits HS 9608.99 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9608.99.81Porous tips for felt-tip or porous-tip pens
- 9608.99.89Other parts of pens and pencils
- 9608.99.90Duplicating stylos, pen-holders and pencil-holders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pen caps
What is the HS code for Pen caps?
The HS code for Pen caps is 960899 (Pens and pencils; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips). The HS code for pen caps is 9608.99, which covers parts of pens and pencils not elsewhere specified.
How do I classify Pen caps for customs?
Pen caps is classified under HS code 960899 — Pens and pencils; duplicating stylos, pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, parts of the articles of heading 9608, including caps and clips. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the clip on the cap?
Yes, 9608.99 includes both caps and clips as they are considered parts of the writing instruments described in heading 9608.
Which countries are the top exporters of pen caps (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960899 (the code used for pen caps) in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 35% of world exports), the United States ($34M) and Japan ($31M). World exports came to about $340M, 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 caps (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pen caps) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($40M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($40M) and Mexico ($37M). World imports came to about $380M, 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 caps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960899 for Pen caps 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 caps in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960899 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for pen caps depends on the product's details: 9608.99.81 (Porous tips for felt-tip or porous-tip pens), 9608.99.89 (Other parts of pens and pencils), 9608.99.90 (Duplicating stylos, pen-holders and pencil-holders).