Ink pad hs code
ink pad classified under HS code 9612.20
Ink pads; whether or not inked, with or without boxes
Chapter Note
1.- This Chapter does not cover :
(a) Pencils for cosmetic or toilet uses (Chapter 33);
(b) Articles of Chapter 66 (for example, parts of umbrellas or walking-sticks);
(c) Imitation jewellery (heading 71.17);
(d) Parts of general use, as defined in Note 2 to Section XV, of base metal (Section XV), or similar
goods of plastics (Chapter 39);
(e) Cutlery or other articles of Chapter 82 with handles or other parts of carving or moulding materials;
heading 96.01 or 96.02 applies, however, to separately presented handles or other parts of such
articles;
(f) Articles of Chapter 90 (for example, spectacle frames (heading 90.03), mathematical drawing pens
(heading 90.17), brushes of a kind specialised for use in dentistry or for medical, surgical or
veterinary purposes (heading 90.18));
(g) Articles of Chapter 91 (for example, clock or watch cases);
(h) Musical instruments or parts or accessories thereof (Chapter 92);
(ij) Articles of Chapter 93 (arms and parts thereof);
(k) Articles of Chapter 94 (for example, furniture, luminaires and lighting fittings);
(l) Articles of Chapter 95 (toys, games, sports requisites); or
(m) Works of art, collectors' pieces or antiques (Chapter 97).
2.- In heading 96.02 the expression “vegetable or mineral carving material” means :
(a) Hard seeds, pips, hulls and nuts and similar vegetable materials of a kind used for carving (for
example, corozo and dom);
(b) Amber, meerschaum, agglomerated amber and agglomerated meerschaum, jet and mineral
substitutes for jet.
3.- In heading 96.03 the expression “prepared knots and tufts for broom or brush making” applies only to
unmounted knots and tufts of animal hair, vegetable fibre or other material, which are ready for
incorporation without division in brooms or brushes, or which require only such further minor processes
as trimming to shape at the top, to render them ready for such incorporation.
4.- Articles of this Chapter, other than those of headings 96.01 to 96.06 or 96.15, remain classified in the
Chapter whether or not composed wholly or partly of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal,
of natural or cultured pearls, or precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed).
However, headings 96.01 to 96.06 and 96.15 include articles in which natural or cultured pearls,
precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed), precious metal or metal clad with
precious metal constitute only minor constituents.
Product Overview
Product Overview
Ink pads classified under HS Code 961220 are defined as devices comprising a resilient material saturated with ink, designed to transfer ink impressions onto paper or other substrates, primarily for stamping and marking purposes. Typically rectangular or circular in shape, these ink pads measure between 50 to 150 mm in length or diameter and feature a foam or felt surface impregnated with oil-based, water-based, or pigment inks, processed to ensure uniform ink distribution and fast drying times. The HS Code 961220 encompasses subcategories including self-inking pads, pre-inked pads, and traditional saturable pads, differentiated by ink retention mechanism and reusability. These ink pads are extensively utilized across food service for date and batch coding, retail for price marking, and processing industries for quality control and packaging verification. Their market positioning emphasizes durability, consistent ink transfer, and compliance with food-safe and environmentally regulated inks, providing importers and exporters with reliable products that meet stringent operational and regulatory requirements.
HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications
The HS Code 961220 falls under Chapter 96: “Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles,” Heading 9612: “Typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads,” with Subheading 961220 specifying “Ink pads.” This classification is justified by the product’s design and functional purpose to supply ink for impression devices without incorporating printing machinery. Trade considerations include packaging in moisture-resistant, sealed containers to prevent ink evaporation and contamination, with typical shipping units comprising cartons of 50 to 200 pads, depending on size and ink type. Preservation methods adhere to maintaining stable ink viscosity and preventing microbial growth, often involving the use of inert atmospheres or preservatives in the ink composition. Quality standards align with ISO 9001 manufacturing protocols and comply with WTO sanitary and phytosanitary measures where applicable, ensuring traceability and conformity with international customs documentation. This classification facilitates accurate tariff application, import/export compliance, and streamlined customs clearance processes for global trade professionals.
