HS Code 9612Typewriter, similar ribbons, inked, otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes
2 six-digit codes · Heading 12 of 20 in Chapter 96 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
Use this page to learn what fits each code and how to avoid the wrong heading.
Heading 9612 splits exactly two ways. Goods answering to “Typewriter, similar ribbons, inked, otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes” classify either at 961210 or at 961220, and the wording in the table below is the whole of what separates them. The heading is number 12 of 20 in Chapter 96, Miscellaneous manufactured articles, which runs to 49 six-digit codes in all.
What HS code 9612 covers
In plain words, this heading holds two kinds of goods. One is a ribbon that carries ink and leaves a mark on paper. The other is a pad that holds ink for stamping.
The ribbon can be loose, on a spool or in a cartridge. What matters is that it is inked or otherwise made ready to leave an impression. Buyers often search for these goods as typewriter ribbons, printer ribbons, inked ribbons or ribbon cartridges. Ink pads are also called stamp pads. A pad may be inked or dry, and it may come in a box or without one.
Other tariff systems use the same four digits. You may see HSN code 9612 in India or HTS 9612 in the United States. The goods behind the number are the same.
Difference between 961210 and 961220
The rule is simple. Look at what the item does. A cushion that you press a stamp onto is a pad.
If you are still unsure after reading the table above, test your product in the HS code classifier.
- Choose 961210 for a ribbon.
- Choose 961220 for an ink pad.
Where 9612 sits in the HS hierarchy
The Harmonized System works like a tree. The first two digits name the chapter, here Chapter 96. The first four digits name the heading. Six digits name the exact code.
Classification runs from the top down. You pick the chapter, then the heading, then the six-digit code. Each country may then add more digits for its own tariff, so duty depends on the importing country and its national line.
How 9612 differs from nearby headings
Several neighbours deal with writing and marking, so read each wording with care.
Pens and their parts belong in HS 9608. Pencils, crayons, pastels and chalks belong in HS 9609. None of these is a ribbon or a pad.
Hand stamps are the closest trap. Date, numbering and sealing stamps that you work by hand sit in HS 9611. The pad you press them on is a 961220 item. A stamp and its pad can be sold in one set yet fall under two headings.
Find importers and exporters of ribbons and ink pads
Once you know the code, you can look for the companies that trade in it. EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries.
Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Nearby headings in Chapter 96
- 9606Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button moulds and…5 codes
- 9607Slide fasteners and parts thereof3 codes
- 9608Pens; ball-point, felt tipped, other porous tipped pens; fountain pens…8 codes
- 9609Pencils (not of heading no. 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing…3 codes
- 9610Slates and boards, with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not framed1 code
- 9611Stamps; date, numbering, sealing stamps and the like (including devices for…1 code
- 9613Cigarette lighters and other lighters, whether or not mechanical or…4 codes
- 9614Smoking pipes (including pipe bowls) and cigar or cigarette holders, and…1 code
- 9615Combs, hair-slides and similar; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips and…3 codes
- 9616Scent sprays and similar toilet sprays and mounts and heads therefor…2 codes
- 9617Vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels, complete with cases; parts thereof…1 code
- 9618Tailors' dummies and other lay figures; automata and other animated displays…1 code
Who ships under 9612?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 2 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XX: Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles, chapters 94–96.
HS Code 9612: common questions
What is HS 9612?
It is a four-digit heading for goods that make marks, namely inked ribbons and ink pads. It belongs to Chapter 96.
What does HS 9612 include?
It includes ribbons for typewriters and similar machines, and pads that hold ink. Each has its own six-digit code.
What is the difference between HS 961210 and 961220?
A ribbon is a strip fed through a machine, and it goes under 961210. A pad is a cushion for a stamp, and it goes under 961220.
What is the parent category of HS 9612?
The parent is Chapter 96. Above the chapter is Section XX.
Are hand-operated rubber stamps classified under 9612?
No. Hand stamps are in heading 9611. Only the ink pad used with a stamp falls under 961220.
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