Product classification
HS code for Pen holder: 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 holder under HS 9608.99
Pen holders, pencil holders, and similar holders are classified under HS code 960899. This classification falls within Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9608 is dedicated to ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, and other writing instruments, as well as their parts and accessories. Subheading 960899 is a residual category for "other" items within this heading, which explicitly includes pen-holders and pencil-holders. It is important to distinguish between a "pen holder" as a component of a writing instrument (the shaft that holds a nib or lead) and a "pen holder" as a piece of desk furniture (a cup or stand). HS code 960899 refers to the former—the actual handle or barrel designed to hold a writing element. This includes items like calligraphy dip pen handles or pencil extenders. The classification is based on the functional relationship of the holder to the writing process rather than its role as an organizational tool.
- Covers
- Calligraphy dip pen handles
- Pencil extenders or lengtheners
- Replacement barrels for pens
- Holders for drawing nibs
- Pen caps and clips
- Parts of writing instruments not elsewhere specified
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with desk organizers and pen stands. If the item is a plastic cup or stand designed to sit on a desk and hold multiple pens, it is classified under 392610 (plastic office supplies). If it is made of base metal, it falls under 830400 (office equipment like desk-top filing trays and pen trays). Importers often use 960899 for these items incorrectly. Additionally, if the holder is part of a complete pen already fitted with a nib or ballpoint mechanism, it is classified as the pen itself (e.g., 960810) rather than a holder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pen holder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960899 (the code used for pen holder) 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 holder.
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 holder
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 holder
What is the HS code for Pen holder?
The HS code for Pen holder 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-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders (the handles/barrels) is 960899.
How do I classify Pen holder for customs?
Pen holder 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.
Is a desk-top pen stand classified under 960899?
No, a desk-top stand or cup for holding pens is typically classified by its material, such as 392610 for plastic or 830400 for metal office accessories.
Which countries are the top exporters of pen holder (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960899 (the code used for pen holder) 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 holder (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pen holder) 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 holder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960899 for Pen holder 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 holder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960899 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for pen holder 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).