Product classification
HS code for Stamp pad: 9612.20
Ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes.
Classification of stamp pad under HS 9612.20
The classification of stamp pads under HS code 9612.20 is determined by the specific nomenclature of Chapter 96, which encompasses miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9612 is dedicated to typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, as well as ink pads. The sub-heading 9612.20 specifically identifies ink pads, whether or not they are currently saturated with ink, and regardless of whether they are housed in boxes or containers. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 9612 explicitly mentions ink pads, it takes precedence over more general headings. The material of the container, whether plastic, metal, or wood, does not alter this classification, provided the essential character remains that of an ink pad used for manual stamping operations.
- Covers
- Felt ink pads for hand stamps
- Foam-based stamp pads
- Pre-inked stamp pads in plastic cases
- Dry stamp pads intended for later inking
- Replacement ink pads for self-inking stamps
- Also under 9612.20
- Trodat Ink Pads
- StazOn Ink Pads
- VersaMark Ink Pads
- Ranger Distress Ink Pads
- Tsukineko Memento Ink Pads
Codes often confused with 9612.20
Common mistake. Stamp pads are frequently misclassified under HS code 3215, which covers printing ink. While the pad contains ink, the pad itself is a composite article where the applicator (the pad) is the primary component. Another common error is HS code 9611, which covers hand-operated date, sealing, or numbering stamps. If a stamp is sold as a set with a pad, GRI 3(b) for sets might apply, often leading to classification under the stamp's code, but the pad alone must remain in 9612.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961220 (the code used for stamp pad), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961220 (the code used for stamp pad) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 961220, not only stamp pad.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $17M 30% of world exports
- 2 Austria $11M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.5M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.5M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $6.2M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $4.1M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $58M 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 stamp pad
Brazil classifies stamp pad under NCM 9612.20.00: HS 9612.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stamp pad
What is the HS code for Stamp pad?
The HS code for Stamp pad is 961220 (Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes). The HS code for a stamp pad is 9612.20, which covers ink pads whether or not inked, with or without boxes.
How do I classify Stamp pad for customs?
Stamp pad is classified under HS code 961220 — Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the ink used to refill the pad?
No, liquid ink sold separately for refilling purposes is typically classified under heading 3215 as printing or writing ink.
Which countries are the top exporters of stamp pad (HS 961220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961220 (the code used for stamp pad) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17M, 30% of world exports), Austria ($11M) and the United States ($3.5M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 stamp pad (HS 961220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961220 (the code used for stamp pad) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.5M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($6.2M) and France ($4.1M). World imports came to about $58M, 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 Stamp pad the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961220 for Stamp pad 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 stamp pad in Brazil?
In Brazil, stamp pad (HS 961220) is classified under NCM 9612.20.00.