Product classification
HS code for Writing set: 9608.50
Pen and pencil sets, of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings.
Classification of writing set under HS 9608.50
The classification of a writing set under HS code 9608.50 is determined by the specific structure of Heading 9608 and the General Interpretative Rules (GIR). Heading 9608 covers a wide range of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, and propelling pencils. Subheading 9608.50 is a unique provision designed to capture sets of articles that are drawn from two or more of the preceding subheadings (9608.10 to 9608.40). According to GIR 3(b), which deals with goods put up in sets for retail sale, products are often classified by the component that gives them their essential character. However, 9608.50 provides a specific legal heading for these combinations, which takes precedence over the general rules of essential character when the set consists purely of instruments from the specified subheadings. For a product to qualify for this code, it must contain at least two different types of instruments, such as a ballpoint pen paired with a mechanical pencil or a fountain pen paired with a felt-tip marker. The inclusion of a presentation box, case, or sleeve does not change this classification, provided the container is of a kind normally sold with such articles and does not give the whole set a different character. This code ensures that gift sets and professional writing kits are tracked accurately in international trade, reflecting their nature as composite goods rather than individual components.
- Covers
- Sets containing a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil
- Sets containing a fountain pen and a felt-tipped marker
- Gift sets with multiple types of pens (e.g., rollerball and stylus pens)
- Professional drafting sets containing various propelling pencils and technical pens
- Also under 9608.50
- Parker IM Pen & Pencil Set
- Cross Calais Pen & Pencil Set
- Waterman Hemisphere Gift Set
- Montblanc Meisterstück Set
- Lamy Studio Set
Codes often confused with 9608.50
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 9608.10, which is often used for sets that only contain ballpoint pens. If a set contains only one type of instrument, it must be classified under that specific instrument's code. Another confusion arises with HS code 4820.10, which covers stationery sets that include paper or notebooks; if the paper is the dominant component, the set may move out of Chapter 96 entirely.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960850 (the code used for writing set), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960850 (the code used for writing set) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 960850, not only writing set.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $147M 76% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $13M 6.7% of world exports
- 3 Germany $7.0M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $192M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $13M 11% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $12M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $8.4M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $120M 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 writing set
Brazil classifies writing set under NCM 9608.50.00: HS 9608.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about writing set
What is the HS code for Writing set?
The HS code for Writing set is 960850 (Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings). The HS code for a writing set consisting of two or more different types of pens or pencils from subheadings 9608.10 to 9608.40 is 9608.50.
How do I classify Writing set for customs?
Writing set is classified under HS code 960850 — Pen and pencil sets; of articles from two or more of the foregoing sub-headings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sets with erasers or rulers?
If the set includes minor accessories like erasers or rulers, it may still fall under 9608.50, but if those items are substantial, the set might be classified under GIR 3(b) based on its essential character.
Which countries are the top exporters of writing set (HS 960850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960850 (the code used for writing set) in UN Comtrade data were China ($147M, 76% of world exports), the Netherlands ($13M) and Germany ($7.0M). World exports came to about $192M, 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 writing set (HS 960850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960850 (the code used for writing set) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($13M, 11% of world imports), the Netherlands ($12M) and France ($8.4M). World imports came to about $120M, 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 Writing set the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960850 for Writing set 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 writing set in Brazil?
In Brazil, writing set (HS 960850) is classified under NCM 9608.50.00.