--- title: "New GST on Pen 2026: 5% Rate on Pens, Writing Instruments" description: "New GST rate on pens in 2026 is 5% on all types of pens, markers and writing instruments. Busy makes GST compliance easy with automatic rate application." canonical: "https://busy.in/gst-rates/pen/" author: "Nitin Bansal" published: "2025-05-15T10:28:15.000Z" category: "GST Rates" --- - The GST rate for pens and writing instruments in India is **18%** as per the applicable GST classification. - This 18% rate applies to ballpoint pens, fountain pens, gel pens, markers, and other writing instruments. - Luxury pens are also taxed at **18% GST**. - Mechanical pencils and coloured pencils attract **18% GST** under applicable classifications. - Retailers must register for GST if they cross the applicable turnover threshold and can claim eligible Input Tax Credit. # New GST on Pens in India: Product Type and Tax Slab Pens are essential tools used by students, professionals, and artists alike. Whether you’re buying a simple ballpoint pen or a luxury fountain pen, understanding how **gst on pen** works can help you make more informed purchases and ensure compliance in business. ## New GST Rate on Pens in India The revised GST rates applicable from **22 September 2025** are provided below for pens and common writing instruments (no compensation cess under the updated structure). ## What Is the New GST Rate on Pens? | Product Type | HSN Code | New GST Rate | | --- | --- | --- | | Ballpoint pens | 9608 | 18% | | Fountain pens | 9608 | 18% | | Gel pens | 9608 | 18% | | Marker / felt-tip pens | 9608 | 18% | | Other writing instruments | 9608 | 18% | Note: Under the streamlined slabs (5%, 18%, and 40% special), writing instruments continue at **18%**. ## What Is the Old GST Rate on Pens? ### (Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September) Pens are taxed under the [Goods and Services Tax](https://busy.in/gst/) system in India. However, the GST rate for pens depends on the type of pen. | Product Type | HSN Code | GST Rate | | --- | --- | --- | | Ballpoint pens | 9608 | 18% | | Fountain pens | 9608 | 18% | | Gel pens | 9608 | 18% | | Marker pens | 9608 | 18% | | Other writing instruments | 9608 | 18% | As you can see, **pen gst rate** is generally 18% for most types of pens sold in India. **Get a Free Trial –** [**Best Accounting Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/) Live Demo Available Today ## Raise Supplier POs for Pen Brands at Reorder Quantities Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users 4.6 Google Rating \* No credit card required ## Why Are Pens Taxed at 18%? Pens, being a common office and school supply, are categorized as stationery items under the GST system. The GST rate for most stationery items, including pens, is 18%, which is consistent across various types of writing instruments. Although this is a relatively high rate compared to some other stationery items, it helps maintain uniformity across all writing tools. ## GST on Other Writing Instruments - Highlighter pens are also taxed at 18% under HSN code 9608. - Mechanical pencils and colored pencils are subject to 12% GST under HSN code 9609. These variations are typically for specialized or multi-functional writing tools, not standard pens. **Get a Free Trial –** [**Best GST Accounting Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/gst-accounting/) ## GST on Luxury and High-End Pens Luxury or premium pens, like fountain pens from brands such as Montblanc or Parker, are taxed at the same 18% rate as regular pens. However, the price may be higher due to the brand value, and thus the total GST paid on these pens will be higher as well. Despite the luxury status, these pens do not attract any additional tax rate beyond the **pen gst rate** of 18%. ## GST for Retailers and Stationery Businesses - You need to charge GST at 18% on pens sold - If your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs, you must register for GST - You can claim [Input Tax Credit (ITC)](https://busy.in/gst/what-expenses-can-be-claimed-as-itc/) on the GST paid on purchases such as ink, packaging, and office supplies - Ensure your invoices reflect the correct HSN code and GST breakdown Proper invoicing and filing are key to staying compliant and avoiding penalties. **Explore a Free Demo of –** [**Best Inventory Management Software For Small Business**](https://busy.in/accounting-software/inventory-management/) ## Conclusion Understanding **gst on pen** helps you plan your stationery purchases or retail business more efficiently, ensuring compliance with tax laws and avoiding unnecessary costs. Whether you’re buying for personal use or running a stationery shop, knowing the **pen gst rate** is essential. ## About the author **Nitin Bansal** I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and LLB graduate with 10 years of experience in corporate auditing, taxation, and financial consulting. My expertise includes corporate audits, income tax planning, HSN code classification, and GST rate advisory. Through my blogs and articles, I aim to simplify corporate taxation, auditing, and GST compliance, making financial matters more accessible for professionals and business owners. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the GST rate on pens in India? The pen GST rate is **18%** for all types of pens, including ballpoint, fountain, and gel pens. ### Are luxury fountain pens taxed differently under GST? No. Even luxury fountain pens are taxed at **18%**, just like regular pens. ### Can I claim Input Tax Credit on pens for business use? Yes, businesses can claim **ITC** on pens and other stationery items used for business operations. ### Are highlighters taxed the same as pens? Yes, highlighter pens are also taxed at **18%** GST. ### Does the GST rate apply to all writing instruments? Yes, most writing instruments, including markers and gel pens, fall under the **18%** GST slab. ## Related articles - [New GST on Skincare Products: Rate, Branding & Retail Pricing](https://busy.in/gst-rates/skincare-products/) - [New GST on Industrial Machinery: Slabs, ITC & MSME Effect](https://busy.in/gst-rates/industrial-machinery/) - [New GST on Restaurant Meals: Dine-in, Takeaway & Delivery Compared](https://busy.in/gst-rates/restaurant-meals/) - [New GST on Kitchen Utensils: What’s Taxed and What’s Not?](https://busy.in/gst-rates/kitchen-utensils/) - [New GST on Online Education: Rate, Exemptions & EdTech Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/online-education/) - [New GST on Packaging Materials: Tax Implication Across Industries](https://busy.in/gst-rates/packaging-materials/) - [New GST on Digital Marketing Services: Tax Rates & Input Credit Explained](https://busy.in/gst-rates/digital-marketing-services/) - [New GST on Pesticides: Rates, Agri-Exemptions & Sector Impact](https://busy.in/gst-rates/pesticides/) - [New GST on Butter: From Dairy to Dining – What You Pay](https://busy.in/gst-rates/butter/) - [GST on Honey: Rate, Applicability & Industry Outlook](https://busy.in/gst-rates/honey/)