Ballpoint pens from India
India exported $149 million of ballpoint pens (HS 9608.10) in FY2025-26, down 10% on FY2024-25. The EU's average base duty is 3.7%, before India's GSP preference.
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $149MDown 10.2% on last year
- HS code
- 9608.10Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
Goods made in India pay a compound rate US import duty. Some rates here are compound, so check the lines below.
The US tariff line
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608.10.00.00 | Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609: Ball point pens | 0.8¢ each + 5.4% | – | – |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of ballpoint pens
India's exports to all countries under HS 9608.10, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 9608.10 is 3.7%, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0% to 1.4% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the HS code for ballpoint pens?
9608.10, under heading 9608 (Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export ballpoint pens?
Yes. India exported $149 million under HS 9608.10 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.