Product classification
HS code for Typewriter ribbon: 9612.10
Ribbons, for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges.
Classification of typewriter ribbon under HS 9612.10
Typewriter ribbons are classified under HS code 9612.10 because they are specifically identified as ribbons for typewriters or similar machines that have been inked or otherwise prepared to produce impressions. This classification falls within Chapter 96, which encompasses miscellaneous manufactured articles. The primary criteria for this classification is that the ribbon must be ready for use in a mechanical device to transfer ink or a coloring agent onto a surface, typically paper. Whether the ribbon is made of textile materials, plastic film, or paper, and whether it is presented on spools or in cartridges, it remains under this heading as long as it is prepared for giving impressions. The mechanical housing, such as a plastic cartridge, is considered an integral part of the product for classification purposes, as it facilitates the ribbon's function within the typewriter or printer mechanism.
- Covers
- Nylon typewriter ribbons on plastic or metal spools
- Carbon film ribbons in plastic cartridges
- Silk ribbons inked for high-quality impressions
- Correction ribbons for electronic typewriters
- Inked ribbons for mechanical calculators and accounting machines
- Multi-strike film ribbons
- Also under 9612.10
- Brother Typewriter Ribbons
- Olympia Typewriter Ribbons
- Epson ERC-30/34/38 ribbons (for POS)
- IBM Selectric Ribbons
- Pelikan Typewriter Ribbons
Codes often confused with 9612.10
Common mistake. Typewriter ribbons are frequently misclassified under HS code 3215, which covers printing ink. While the ribbon contains ink, heading 3215 is reserved for ink in liquid or paste form, not ink impregnated into a carrier medium like a ribbon. Another common error is using HS code 3926 for plastic articles when the ribbon is housed in a plastic cartridge; however, General Interpretative Rule 1 dictates that the specific description in 9612 takes precedence over the general material composition. Additionally, empty spools or cartridges without the inked ribbon should be classified according to their constituent material, such as 3923 for plastic spools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961210 (the code used for typewriter ribbon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961210 (the code used for typewriter ribbon) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 961210, not only typewriter ribbon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $241M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $240M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $214M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $157M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $96M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 typewriter ribbon
Brazil classifies typewriter ribbon under NCM 9612.10.00: HS 9612.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about typewriter ribbon
What is the HS code for Typewriter ribbon?
The HS code for Typewriter ribbon is 961210 (Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges). The HS code for typewriter ribbons, whether on spools or in cartridges, is 9612.10.
How do I classify Typewriter ribbon for customs?
Typewriter ribbon is classified under HS code 961210 — Ribbons; for typewriters and the like, inked or otherwise prepared, for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to thermal transfer ribbons?
Yes, thermal transfer ribbons used in printers that operate on similar mechanical principles for giving impressions are generally classified under 9612.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of typewriter ribbon (HS 961210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961210 (the code used for typewriter ribbon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($241M, 16% of world exports), China ($240M) and France ($214M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 typewriter ribbon (HS 961210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961210 (the code used for typewriter ribbon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($157M, 10% of world imports), China ($113M) and France ($96M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Typewriter ribbon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961210 for Typewriter ribbon 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 typewriter ribbon in Brazil?
In Brazil, typewriter ribbon (HS 961210) is classified under NCM 9612.10.00.