---
title: "9608 HSN Code | HSN Code for Ball point pens, markers, pencils in India"
description: "Know more about 9608 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 9608 covering Ball point pens, markers, pencils."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9608/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 9608: Ball point pens, markers, pencils

Ball point pens; felt tipped and other poroustipped pens and markers; fountain pens; stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; pen holders, pencil holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609

Part of [Chapter 96: Miscellaneous Manufactured Items](https://busy.in/hsn/chapter-96/).

- Current GST rate: 5%
- Earlier GST rate: 18%

## HSN codes

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 96081011 | [High-Value Liquid Ink Pen (>$100)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081011/) |
| 96081012 | [Precious Metal Liquid Ink Pen](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081012/) |
| 96081019 | [Ballpoint Pens With Liquid Ink (Rolling Ball)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081019/) |
| 96081091 | [High-Value Ballpoint Pens (>$100)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081091/) |
| 96081092 | [Ball Point Pens (Precious Metal Body/Cap)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081092/) |
| 96081099 | [Ballpoint Pens](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96081099/) |
| 96082000 | [Felt-tipped pens](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96082000/) |
| 96083011 | [Fountain pens – High value (≥US$100)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083011/) |
| 96083012 | [Precious Metal Fountain Pen](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083012/) |
| 96083019 | [Other fountain pens](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083019/) |
| 96083021 | [Stylograph pens – High value (≥US$100)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083021/) |
| 96083022 | [Stylograph pens – Precious metal body or cap](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083022/) |
| 96083029 | [Stylograph Pens: Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083029/) |
| 96083091 | [High-Value Fountain & Stylograph Pens](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083091/) |
| 96083092 | [Fountain pens – Precious metal body or cap](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083092/) |
| 96083099 | [Fountain pens: Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96083099/) |
| 96084000 | [Propelling Or Sliding Pencils](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96084000/) |
| 96085000 | [Sets from two or more sub-headings](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96085000/) |
| 96086010 | [Liquid Ink Pen Refill](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96086010/) |
| 96086090 | [Refills for Ballpoint Pens: Ink Reservoir & Ball Point](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96086090/) |
| 96089110 | [Pen nibs](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089110/) |
| 96089120 | [Porous Tip Pen Nib (Felt/Plastic)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089120/) |
| 96089130 | [Other : Pen nibs and nib points: Other pen nibs](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089130/) |
| 96089191 | [Other : Pen nibs and nib points: other: Of metal](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089191/) |
| 96089199 | [Other : Pen nibs and nib points: other: Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089199/) |
| 96089910 | [Pen/pencil holders, similar holders](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089910/) |
| 96089990 | [Writing Accessories (Other)](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96089990/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 9608

It includes Ball point pens, markers, pencils

### Does packaging or branding change how GST applies to Ball point pens, markers, pencils?

Yes. Many food/agri goods are treated differently when sold as pre‑packaged & labelled retail packs versus loose/open packs. If Ball point pens, markers, pencils is sold in small pouches (e.g., 500 g) with an MRP and label, record that on the invoice. Loose bulk bags often follow a different treatment.

### Can reverse charge ever apply to transactions involving Ball point pens, markers, pencils?

Reverse charge in goods is notified only for specific categories. Most regular B2B sales of Ball point pens, markers, pencils are forward charge. Check the current notifications for any special cases before deciding.

### Any special steps when selling Ball point pens, markers, pencils through an e‑commerce platform?

Ensure registration requirements are met and reconcile the operator’s TCS statements with your GSTR‑2B/3B. Map SKU descriptions to HSN to reduce mismatches and returns.

### How should I document Ball point pens, markers, pencils sent for job work?

Use a delivery challan for sending Ball point pens, markers, pencils to the job worker. Declare movement in your records and reconcile when the goods return. If the job worker raises a service invoice, classify it under SAC; your goods remain under the original HSN.

### What should my invoice and records include for Ball point pens, markers, pencils?

Include HSN, exact description, pack size/grade, quantity, and if pre‑packaged & labelled. Maintain purchase specs, test reports (where relevant), and job‑work challans for audit trail.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 (FY 2024-25)

Source: TradeStat EIDB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Values in ₹ Crore (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25).

- Exports: ₹2,140 Cr (+10.32% YoY) — 0.0578% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹663 Cr (−3.34% YoY) — 0.0109% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: ₹1,477 Cr (Surplus); surplus rank #155 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 96: 34.51% of its exports; import side 11.68%
- Rank within Chapter 96: #1 of 20 by export value; import-side #2

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: 6.30% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #257 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +33.98% in FY 2021-22
- Contribution to Ch. 96: 34.51% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 9608

7-year export and import data, FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, in ₹ Crore. Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, TradeStat EIDB.

| FY | Exports (₹ Cr) | Exp share | Exp YoY | Exp % of Ch. 96 | Imports (₹ Cr) | Imp share | Imp YoY | Imp % of Ch. 96 | Trade balance | Exp rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FY 2018-19 | 1,482.74 | 0.0646% | — | 34.30% | 497.54 | 0.0139% | — | 10.97% | +985.20 | #226 |
| FY 2019-20 | 1,461.64 | 0.0662% | −1.42% | 33.13% | 463.51 | 0.0138% | −6.84% | 10.86% | +998.13 | #226 |
| FY 2020-21 | 1,099.91 | 0.0511% | −24.75% | 28.38% | 234.57 | 0.0081% | −49.39% | 5.40% | +865.34 | #290 |
| FY 2021-22 | 1,473.64 | 0.0470% | +33.98% | 28.92% | 413.44 | 0.0090% | +76.25% | 7.82% | +1,060.20 | #283 |
| FY 2022-23 | 1,958.98 | 0.0541% | +32.93% | 32.03% | 600.22 | 0.0104% | +45.18% | 9.85% | +1,358.76 | #249 |
| FY 2023-24 | 1,939.48 | 0.0536% | −1.00% | 32.39% | 685.87 | 0.0122% | +14.27% | 11.20% | +1,253.61 | #255 |
| FY 2024-25 | 2,139.67 | 0.0578% | +10.32% | 34.51% | 662.95 | 0.0109% | −3.34% | 11.68% | +1,476.72 | #257 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports 6.30%/yr, imports 4.90%/yr (consistently Surplus)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 export-import analysis

### Consistent export growth: 6.30% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 have grown at a compound annual rate of 6.30% over 7 fiscal years, rising from ₹1,482.74 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹2,139.67 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 ranked #257 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 ranks #257 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 96, it ranks #1 of 20. By trade surplus, it ranks #155 of 1233.

### FY 2021-22 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 was recorded in FY 2021-22, when exports surged by 33.98% over the prior year.

### India maintains a trade surplus of ₹1,476.72 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's exports of ₹2,139.67 Cr exceeded imports of ₹662.95 Cr, resulting in a trade surplus of ₹1,476.72 Crore — ranking #155 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 4.90% CAGR signals stable import dependency for Ball point pens, markers, pencils

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 have grown at 4.90% CAGR, reaching ₹662.95 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 contributes 34.51% of Chapter 96 exports — ranked #1

Among the 20 sub-chapters under Chapter 96, HSN Sub-Chapter 9608 ranks #1 by export value — accounting for 34.51% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 11.68% share (rank #2).

## Related Sub-Chapters in Chapter 96

Ranked by export value (FY 2024-25).

| Rank | HSN Sub-Chapter | Exports (FY 2024-25) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| #1 | HSN Sub-Chapter 9608: Ball point pens, markers, pencils (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹2,140 Cr |
| #2 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9602: Carving materials](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9602/) | ₹1,341 Cr |
| #3 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9603: Brooms, Brushes, Hand-operated sweepers](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9603/) | ₹956 Cr |
| #4 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9609: Writing instruments](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9609/) | ₹476 Cr |
| #5 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9619: Sanitary pads & similar articles](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9619/) | ₹371 Cr |
| #6 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9606: Buttons & fasteners](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9606/) | ₹222 Cr |
| #7 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9607: Slide Fasteners](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9607/) | ₹169 Cr |
| #8 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9614: Smoking pipes & cigar holders](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9614/) | ₹104 Cr |
| #9 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9601: Worked animal materials & carvings](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9601/) | ₹83 Cr |
| #10 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 9615: Hair Accessories](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9615/) | ₹81 Cr |

## Other sub-chapters

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 9601 | [Worked animal materials & carvings](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9601/) |
| 9602 | [Carving materials](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9602/) |
| 9603 | [Brooms, Brushes, Hand-operated sweepers](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9603/) |
| 9604 | [Hand sieves & riddles](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9604/) |
| 9605 | [Personal toilet travel sets](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9605/) |
| 9606 | [Buttons & fasteners](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9606/) |
| 9607 | [Slide Fasteners](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9607/) |
| 9609 | [Writing instruments](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9609/) |
| 9610 | [Slates & Boards with writing surfaces](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9610/) |
| 9611 | [Stamps, hand-operated composing sticks](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9611/) |
| 9612 | [Inked Ribbons & Ink-pads](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9612/) |
| 9613 | [Lighters & parts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9613/) |
| 9614 | [Smoking pipes & cigar holders](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9614/) |
| 9615 | [Hair Accessories](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9615/) |
| 9616 | [Scents, Sprays, Powder-Puffs](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9616/) |
| 9617 | [Vacuum flasks & vessels](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9617/) |
| 9618 | [Tailors dummies & displays](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9618/) |
| 9619 | [Sanitary pads & similar articles](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9619/) |
| 9620 | [Monopods, bipods, tripods & similar](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9620/) |