---
title: "9609 HSN Code | HSN Code for Writing instruments in India"
description: "Know more about 9609 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 9609 covering Writing instruments."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9609/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 9609: Writing instruments

Pencils (including propelling or sliding pencils) , crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks

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

- Current GST rate: 5%
- Earlier GST rate: 12%

## HSN codes

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 96091000 | [Pencils and crayons](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96091000/) |
| 96092000 | [Pencil Leads, Black Or Coloured](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96092000/) |
| 96099010 | [Slate Pencils and Chalk Sticks](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96099010/) |
| 96099020 | [Pencils](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96099020/) |
| 96099030 | [Other Pastels/Charcoals/Chalks](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96099030/) |
| 96099090 | [Other Drawing, Writing & Marking Supplies](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-96099090/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 9609

It includes Writing instruments

### Any special steps when selling Writing instruments 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.

### Does packaging or branding change how GST applies to Writing instruments?

Yes. Many food/agri goods are treated differently when sold as pre‑packaged & labelled retail packs versus loose/open packs. If Writing instruments 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.

### How do I bill a kit or combo that includes Writing instruments?

Prefer separate lines per item with its HSN so each component follows its own tax treatment. If it is a naturally bundled supply, identify the principal supply and tax the whole bundle accordingly.

### If I repair and return Writing instruments, how should I charge GST?

Repair/service is a service supply (SAC). Parts and materials used are goods and may be billed separately with HSN. Mention both lines clearly to avoid mixing service and goods values.

### Does MRP, weight or pack size change GST treatment for Writing instruments?

Some entries use MRP/weight‑based conditions for classification. Keep pack size, retail marking and brand status on records and invoice to support the chosen HSN.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 (FY 2024-25)

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

- Exports: ₹476 Cr (+4.77% YoY) — 0.0128% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹183 Cr (+7.41% YoY) — 0.0030% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: ₹293 Cr (Surplus); surplus rank #299 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 96: 7.67% of its exports; import side 3.23%
- Rank within Chapter 96: #4 of 20 by export value; import-side #11

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: 15.71% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #540 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +41.70% in FY 2022-23
- Contribution to Ch. 96: 7.67% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 9609

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 | 198.20 | 0.0086% | — | 4.59% | 101.98 | 0.0028% | — | 2.25% | +96.22 | #608 |
| FY 2019-20 | 218.64 | 0.0099% | +10.31% | 4.96% | 88.85 | 0.0026% | −12.88% | 2.08% | +129.79 | #579 |
| FY 2020-21 | 210.26 | 0.0098% | −3.83% | 5.42% | 45.24 | 0.0016% | −49.08% | 1.04% | +165.02 | #597 |
| FY 2021-22 | 281.67 | 0.0090% | +33.96% | 5.53% | 78.58 | 0.0017% | +73.70% | 1.49% | +203.09 | #599 |
| FY 2022-23 | 399.12 | 0.0110% | +41.70% | 6.53% | 166.80 | 0.0029% | +112.27% | 2.74% | +232.32 | #561 |
| FY 2023-24 | 454.12 | 0.0126% | +13.78% | 7.58% | 170.44 | 0.0030% | +2.18% | 2.78% | +283.68 | #545 |
| FY 2024-25 | 475.76 | 0.0128% | +4.77% | 7.67% | 183.07 | 0.0030% | +7.41% | 3.23% | +292.69 | #540 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports 15.71%/yr, imports 10.24%/yr (consistently Surplus)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 export-import analysis

### Consistent export growth: 15.71% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 have grown at a compound annual rate of 15.71% over 7 fiscal years, rising from ₹198.20 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹475.76 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 ranked #540 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 ranks #540 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 96, it ranks #4 of 20. By trade surplus, it ranks #299 of 1233.

### FY 2022-23 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 was recorded in FY 2022-23, when exports surged by 41.70% over the prior year.

### India maintains a trade surplus of ₹292.69 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's exports of ₹475.76 Cr exceeded imports of ₹183.07 Cr, resulting in a trade surplus of ₹292.69 Crore — ranking #299 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 10.24% CAGR signals rising demand for Writing instruments

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 have grown at 10.24% CAGR, reaching ₹183.07 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 contributes 7.67% of Chapter 96 exports — ranked #4

Among the 20 sub-chapters under Chapter 96, HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 ranks #4 by export value — accounting for 7.67% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 3.23% share (rank #11).

## 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](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9608/) | ₹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 (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹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/) |
| 9608 | [Ball point pens, markers, pencils](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-9608/) |
| 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/) |