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9609 HSN Code: Writing instruments

HSN Sub Chapter 9609 represents Writing instruments under GST classification. This code helps businesses identify Writing instruments correctly for billing, taxation, and trade purposes. With HSN Sub Chapter 9609, companies can avoid errors in invoices, simplify compliance, and enable hassle-free import/export of Writing instruments.

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New GST Rate for HSN Code 9609

GST Rate for Writing instruments under HSN Code 9609. Understand current tax rates, exemptions, and legal classifications to ensure accurate billing and GST filing.

Chapter No

96

HSN Code

9609

HSN Description

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

New GST Rate

0% or 18%

Exempt for pencils, crayons, pastels, chalks and drawing charcoals; 18% for pencil leads, which the exemption does not name.

Old GST Rate

0% or 12%

Tariff HSN Codes under HSN Sub Chapter 9609

Following tariff HSN codes fall under Writing instruments.

Tariff HSN

96091000

Description

Pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a rigid sheath

Tariff HSN

96092000

Description

Pencil leads, black or coloured

Tariff HSN

96099010

Description

Other : Slate pencils and chalk sticks

Tariff HSN

96099020

Description

Other : Other pencils

Tariff HSN

96099030

Description

Other : Pastels, drawing charcoals and writing or drawing chalks and tailors chalks

Tariff HSN

96099090

Description

Other : Other

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India’s Trade Performance — HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 in FY 2025-26

TradeStat EIDB — Ministry of Commerce & Industry FY 2018-19–FY 2025-26 Values in ₹ Crore

India’s Exports

FY 2025-26

₹468 Cr

−1.63% vs FY 2024-25

0.0120% of India’s total exports

India’s Imports

FY 2025-26

₹217 Cr

+18.69% vs FY 2024-25

0.0032% of India’s total imports

Trade Balance

FY 2025-26

₹251 Cr

Trade Surplus

Surplus rank #310 of 1233 subchapters

% of Chapter 96

FY 2025-26

7.51%

Share of Chapter 96’s total exports in FY 2025-26

Import side: 3.80% of Chapter 96’s imports

Rank Within Chapter 96

FY 2025-26

#4 of 20

Position by export value among subchapters in Chapter 96

Import-side rank: #10 of 20

At a glance

13.06%

Export CAGR

FY 2018-19 → FY 2025-26 · 8 fiscal years

#564

National Export Rank

of 1233 subchapters by export value, FY 2025-26

+41.70%

Peak Growth Year

FY 2022-23 · strongest single-year move

7.51%

Contribution to Ch. 96

Share of Chapter 96 exports in FY 2025-26

India Export-Import Trade Statistics for HSN Sub-Chapter 9609

8-year export and import data, FY 2018-19 to FY 2025-26, in ₹ Crore. Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, TradeStat EIDB.

FY 2018-19 Exp. Rank #608

Balance

+96.22

Exports

198.20 ₹ Cr

0.0086% share

— YoY

4.59% of Ch. 96

Imports

101.98 ₹ Cr

0.0028% share

— YoY

2.25% of Ch. 96

FY 2019-20 Exp. Rank #579

Balance

+129.79

Exports

218.64 ₹ Cr

0.0099% share

+10.31% YoY

4.96% of Ch. 96

Imports

88.85 ₹ Cr

0.0026% share

−12.88% YoY

2.08% of Ch. 96

FY 2020-21 Exp. Rank #597

Balance

+165.02

Exports

210.26 ₹ Cr

0.0098% share

−3.83% YoY

5.42% of Ch. 96

Imports

45.24 ₹ Cr

0.0016% share

−49.08% YoY

1.04% of Ch. 96

FY 2021-22 Exp. Rank #599

Balance

+203.09

Exports

281.67 ₹ Cr

0.0090% share

+33.96% YoY

5.53% of Ch. 96

Imports

78.58 ₹ Cr

0.0017% share

+73.70% YoY

1.49% of Ch. 96

FY 2022-23 Exp. Rank #561

Balance

+232.32

Exports

399.12 ₹ Cr

0.0110% share

+41.70% YoY

6.53% of Ch. 96

Imports

166.80 ₹ Cr

0.0029% share

+112.27% YoY

2.74% of Ch. 96

FY 2023-24 Exp. Rank #545

Balance

+283.68

Exports

454.12 ₹ Cr

0.0126% share

+13.78% YoY

7.58% of Ch. 96

Imports

170.44 ₹ Cr

0.0030% share

+2.18% YoY

2.78% of Ch. 96

FY 2024-25 Exp. Rank #540

Balance

+292.69

Exports

475.76 ₹ Cr

0.0128% share

+4.77% YoY

7.67% of Ch. 96

Imports

183.07 ₹ Cr

0.0030% share

+7.41% YoY

3.23% of Ch. 96

FY 2025-26 Exp. Rank #564

Balance

+250.72

Exports

468.00 ₹ Cr

0.0120% share

−1.63% YoY

7.51% of Ch. 96

Imports

217.28 ₹ Cr

0.0032% share

+18.69% YoY

3.80% of Ch. 96

CAGR · 8-Year

Exports

13.06% /yr

Imports

11.41% /yr

Consistently Surplus
Chapter 96 total

reference, FY 2025-26

Export

₹6,228.58 Cr

Import

₹5,711.05 Cr

Trade Balance

+517.53

Peak export growth year Latest available data Not available YoY = change vs previous FY

Key Trade Insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 Export-Import Analysis

Consistent Export Growth: 13.06% CAGR Over 8 Years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 have grown at a compound annual rate of 13.06% over 8 fiscal years, rising from ₹198.20 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹468.00 Crore in FY 2025-26.

HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 Ranked #564 Among All 1233 Subchapters by Export Value

In FY 2025-26, HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 ranks #564 out of 1233 subchapters by total export value. Within Chapter 96, it ranks #4 of 20. By trade surplus, it ranks #310 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 ₹250.72 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 Goods

In FY 2025-26, India's exports of ₹468.00 Cr exceeded imports of ₹217.28 Cr, resulting in a trade surplus of ₹250.72 Crore — ranking #310 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

Import Growth of 11.41% CAGR Signals Rising Demand for Writing instruments

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 have grown at 11.41% CAGR, reaching ₹217.28 Crore in FY 2025-26.

HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 Contributes 7.51% of Chapter 96 Exports — Ranked #4

Among the 20 subchapters under Chapter 96, HSN Sub-Chapter 9609 ranks #4 by export value — accounting for 7.51% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2025-26. On the import side, it holds 3.80% share (rank #10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about HSN Sub Chapter 9609 and GST compliance.

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.

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Important Disclaimer

The above does not constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. We recommend consulting a professional tax consultant before acting on the information contained in this piece of content.

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