Product classification
HS code for Pencil 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 pencil holder under HS 9608.99
The classification of pencil holders under HS code 9608.99 is reserved for articles that function as part of a writing instrument or as a specialized holder for the writing lead itself. This heading falls within Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Specifically, 9608.99 includes pen-holders, pencil-holders, and similar holders, as well as parts of the articles of heading 9608. This classification is appropriate for items like clutch pencils (without the lead), specialized drafting holders, and extenders that allow a user to continue using a short pencil stub. It is important to distinguish these functional holders, which are held in the hand during the act of writing, from stationary containers used to store pencils on a desk. The Harmonized System treats items that are essential components or direct accessories to the writing process differently than general office furniture or storage solutions.
- Covers
- Mechanical pencil bodies (without lead)
- Clutch pencil holders
- Pencil extenders or lengtheners
- Specialized holders for charcoal or pastels
- Replacement caps and clips for pencil holders
- 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 HS code 3926.10 (for plastic) or 7326.90 (for metal), which are used for desk-top pencil cups or organizers. These are storage containers, not "pencil-holders" in the sense of heading 9608. Additionally, 9609.10 is sometimes incorrectly used; that code is specifically for pencils with lead already encased in a rigid sheath. HS code 9608.99 should only be used for the holder mechanism or the part that grips the writing medium.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pencil holder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960899 (the code used for pencil 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 pencil 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 pencil 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 pencil holder
What is the HS code for Pencil holder?
The HS code for Pencil 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 a functional pencil holder or extender is 9608.99.
How do I classify Pencil holder for customs?
Pencil 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.
Does this code apply to a pencil cup for my desk?
No, a pencil cup is classified based on its material, such as 3926.10 for plastic or 4420.90 for wood, as it is considered a desk accessory rather than a writing instrument part.
Which countries are the top exporters of pencil holder (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960899 (the code used for pencil 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 pencil holder (HS 960899)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960899 (the code used for pencil 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 Pencil holder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960899 for Pencil 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 pencil holder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960899 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for pencil 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).