Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering articles of carving or molding materials, brooms and brushes, sieves, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hair slides, scent sprays, powder puffs, vacuum flasks, mannequins, mobiles, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses or are made of multiple materials, making it difficult to classify them under other chapters by material, so they are concentrated here. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, office supplies, or handicrafts, and are clearly distinguished from toys, games, and sports equipment of Chapter 95. Heading 9612 covers typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons (inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions), and ink pads (whether or not inked). Specifically includes: typewriter ribbons, computer printer ribbons, ribbon spools, ink pads, stamp pads, etc. However, it excludes inks for inked ink pads (classified under Chapter 32) or uninked ink pads (classified by material). This heading mainly targets consumables for office and printing purposes. Code 961220 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 96 indicate Chapter 96 miscellaneous articles; digits 3-4, 12, indicate heading 9612, i.e., typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons and ink pads; digits 5-6, 20, indicate subheading 961220, specifically ink pads. Therefore, 961220 specifically refers to ink pads (whether or not inked), while 961210 refers to typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons. The subheading division is based on the function of the goods: ribbons are used for printing equipment, and ink pads are used for manual stamping. Ink pads are classified under 961220 because their function is as inked or uninked pads used for stamping, and they are goods explicitly listed under heading 9612. The adjacent code 961210 is for ribbons, used for typewriters or printers, and differs in function from ink pads. Other codes that may be confused, such as 961100 (date stamps, seals, etc.), are related to stamping, but seals themselves are classified under 9611, while ink pads as accessories are classified under 9612.
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering articles of carving or molding materials, brooms and brushes, sieves, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hair slides, scent sprays, powder puffs, vacuum flasks, mannequins, mobiles, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses or are made of multiple materials, making it difficult to classify them under other chapters by material, so they are concentrated here. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods, office supplies, or handicrafts, and are clearly distinguished from toys, games, and sports equipment of Chapter 95.
Heading
Heading 9612 covers typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons (inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions), and ink pads (whether or not inked). Specifically includes: typewriter ribbons, computer printer ribbons, ribbon spools, ink pads, stamp pads, etc. However, it excludes inks for inked ink pads (classified under Chapter 32) or uninked ink pads (classified by material). This heading mainly targets consumables for office and printing purposes.
Digit Breakdown
Code 961220 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 96 indicate Chapter 96 miscellaneous articles; digits 3-4, 12, indicate heading 9612, i.e., typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons and ink pads; digits 5-6, 20, indicate subheading 961220, specifically ink pads. Therefore, 961220 specifically refers to ink pads (whether or not inked), while 961210 refers to typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons. The subheading division is based on the function of the goods: ribbons are used for printing equipment, and ink pads are used for manual stamping.
Classification Basis
Ink pads are classified under 961220 because their function is as inked or uninked pads used for stamping, and they are goods explicitly listed under heading 9612. The adjacent code 961210 is for ribbons, used for typewriters or printers, and differs in function from ink pads. Other codes that may be confused, such as 961100 (date stamps, seals, etc.), are related to stamping, but seals themselves are classified under 9611, while ink pads as accessories are classified under 9612.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately describe them as ink pads or stamp pads, avoiding the use of the general term office supplies. Material: The main material of the ink pad, such as plastic housing, sponge or fiber pad, metal parts, etc. Material affects classification, but ink pads themselves are already specified by the heading. Whether inked: Clearly state whether the ink pad has been impregnated with ink. Whether inked or uninked, it is classified under 961220, but this affects the completeness of the declaration elements. Brand: The brand or trademark of the ink pad. If there is no brand, it may be declared as unbranded. The brand helps customs confirm the intellectual property status. Model: The product model or specifications of the ink pad, such as size, color, etc., to facilitate customs identification of the specific goods. Use: The main use of the ink pad, such as office stamping, date stamping, toy stamps, etc. Use affects the subheading, but 961220 is already clear. Packaging specifications: The packaging method of the ink pad, such as single pack, set, boxed, etc., which affects the taxable unit. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Ink pad (inked)
HS code: 9612200000
Material: Plastic housing, sponge pad
Brand: Deli
Model: DL-9876
Use: Office stamping
Packaging specifications: Single plastic bag
Declaration elements: 1. Product name: Ink pad; 2. Material: Plastic housing, sponge pad; 3. Whether inked: Yes; 4. Brand: Deli; 5. Model: DL-9876; 6. Use: Office stamping; 7. Packaging specifications: Single plastic bag. Incorrectly classifying ink pads under 961100 (seals), ignoring that ink pads are independent accessories. Failing to distinguish between inked and uninked, although both are classified under 961220, this affects declaration accuracy. Confusing ink pads with ink paste. Ink paste is classified under 3215 or other chapters, and attention is needed.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately describe them as ink pads or stamp pads, avoiding the use of the general term office supplies.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring them as ink paste, ink, or seals, resulting in misclassification.
Material
The main material of the ink pad, such as plastic housing, sponge or fiber pad, metal parts, etc. Material affects classification, but ink pads themselves are already specified by the heading.
⚠️ Confusing the material with ink and incorrectly declaring it as ink material.
Whether inked
Clearly state whether the ink pad has been impregnated with ink. Whether inked or uninked, it is classified under 961220, but this affects the completeness of the declaration elements.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether it is inked, leading to customs questioning.
Brand
The brand or trademark of the ink pad. If there is no brand, it may be declared as unbranded. The brand helps customs confirm the intellectual property status.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring another brand.
Model
The product model or specifications of the ink pad, such as size, color, etc., to facilitate customs identification of the specific goods.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Use
The main use of the ink pad, such as office stamping, date stamping, toy stamps, etc. Use affects the subheading, but 961220 is already clear.
⚠️ Declaring the use as printing, resulting in incorrect classification under ribbons.
Packaging specifications
The packaging method of the ink pad, such as single pack, set, boxed, etc., which affects the taxable unit.
⚠️ Confusing packaging specifications with quantity units.
Incorrectly classifying ink pads under 961100 (seals), ignoring that ink pads are independent accessories.
Failing to distinguish between inked and uninked, although both are classified under 961220, this affects declaration accuracy.
Confusing ink pads with ink paste. Ink paste is classified under 3215 or other chapters, and attention is needed.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criterion for classification is the essential function of the goods: an ink pad is a pad used for manual stamping, usually composed of a housing and an ink-absorbing pad, and is classified under 961220 whether or not inked. If the goods are seals themselves (including date stamps, hand stamps, etc.), they are classified under 961100; if they are typewriter ribbons or printer ribbons, they are classified under 961210; if they are ink paste (paste-like ink), they are classified as ink, usually under 3215. Therefore, classification must be determined based on the actual use and form of the goods. 961100 Date stamps, seals, etc.: 961100 covers seals, date stamps, hand stamps, etc. These are the stamping tools themselves, while 961220 is ink pads, i.e., the matching pads for seals. If the goods are seals, they are classified under 961100; if they are ink pads, they are classified under 961220. 961210 Typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons: 961210 covers inked or uninked ribbons used for typewriters, printers, and similar equipment. Ink pads are used for manual stamping, while ribbons are used for machine printing, with different functions. If the goods are ribbons, they are classified under 961210. 321590 Other inks: 321590 covers various inks, including ink for ink pads. If the goods are liquid ink used to refill ink pads, they are classified under 321590; but if they are impregnated ink pads, they are classified under 961220. 392610 Plastic office supplies: 392610 covers plastic office supplies, but ink pads, as goods explicitly listed under heading 9612, should be classified under 961220 first, even if their housing is plastic. Are the goods ink pads or stamp pads? Are they inked or uninked? Are they used for manual stamping rather than machine printing? Are they distinguished from seals themselves? Are they distinguished from ink or ribbons?
Basis
The core criterion for classification is the essential function of the goods: an ink pad is a pad used for manual stamping, usually composed of a housing and an ink-absorbing pad, and is classified under 961220 whether or not inked. If the goods are seals themselves (including date stamps, hand stamps, etc.), they are classified under 961100; if they are typewriter ribbons or printer ribbons, they are classified under 961210; if they are ink paste (paste-like ink), they are classified as ink, usually under 3215. Therefore, classification must be determined based on the actual use and form of the goods.
Confused Codes：
961100 - Date stamps, seals, etc.
961100 covers seals, date stamps, hand stamps, etc. These are the stamping tools themselves, while 961220 is ink pads, i.e., the matching pads for seals. If the goods are seals, they are classified under 961100; if they are ink pads, they are classified under 961220.
961210 - Typewriter ribbons or similar ribbons
961210 covers inked or uninked ribbons used for typewriters, printers, and similar equipment. Ink pads are used for manual stamping, while ribbons are used for machine printing, with different functions. If the goods are ribbons, they are classified under 961210.
321590 - Other inks
321590 covers various inks, including ink for ink pads. If the goods are liquid ink used to refill ink pads, they are classified under 321590; but if they are impregnated ink pads, they are classified under 961220.
392610 - Plastic office supplies
392610 covers plastic office supplies, but ink pads, as goods explicitly listed under heading 9612, should be classified under 961220 first, even if their housing is plastic.
Self-Check：
✓ Are the goods ink pads or stamp pads?
✓ Are they inked or uninked?
✓ Are they used for manual stamping rather than machine printing?
✓ Are they distinguished from seals themselves?
✓ Are they distinguished from ink or ribbons?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between an ink pad and ink paste? Are the HS codes the same? An ink pad is a pad impregnated with ink, usually with a housing, classified under 961220; ink paste is paste-like ink used for seals to dip into, classified under 3215 (ink category). The two have similar functions but different forms, and the HS codes are different. Which HS code should an uninked ink pad be classified under? An uninked ink pad is still classified under 961220, because heading 9612 explicitly includes ink pads, whether or not inked. However, it must be noted as uninked during declaration so customs can confirm. If seals and ink pads are imported together, how should they be declared? Seals are classified under 961100, and ink pads under 961220, and they should be declared separately. If sold as a set, they must be declared separately under their respective codes and cannot be combined under one classification. What are the customs declaration elements for ink pads? The main declaration elements include: product name, material, whether inked, brand, model, use, packaging specifications, etc. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs requirements. It is recommended to consult the Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China. How can I check the import tariff rate for 961220? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Usually, information such as country of origin and trade method is required to determine the applicable rate. Are the HS codes for ink pads and ribbons easily confused? They are easily confused because both belong to heading 9612. Ribbons are classified under 961210 for machine printing; ink pads are classified under 961220 for manual stamping. They can be distinguished based on actual use and form. What should be noted when selling ink pads through cross-border e-commerce? The HS code 961220 must be declared correctly, standardized declaration elements must be provided, and the destination country's tariffs and compliance requirements must be noted. Different countries may have different labeling or safety standards for ink pads, so it is advisable to learn about them in advance. If an ink pad has a toy nature, should it be classified under 9503? If the ink pad is part of a toy set and its main function is play, it may be classified under 9503. But if the ink pad itself is an office supply, even if used by children, it is still classified under 961220. Classification is based on the main function.
Q: What is the difference between an ink pad and ink paste? Are the HS codes the same?
A: An ink pad is a pad impregnated with ink, usually with a housing, classified under 961220; ink paste is paste-like ink used for seals to dip into, classified under 3215 (ink category). The two have similar functions but different forms, and the HS codes are different.
Q: Which HS code should an uninked ink pad be classified under?
A: An uninked ink pad is still classified under 961220, because heading 9612 explicitly includes ink pads, whether or not inked. However, it must be noted as uninked during declaration so customs can confirm.
Q: If seals and ink pads are imported together, how should they be declared?
A: Seals are classified under 961100, and ink pads under 961220, and they should be declared separately. If sold as a set, they must be declared separately under their respective codes and cannot be combined under one classification.
Q: What are the customs declaration elements for ink pads?
A: The main declaration elements include: product name, material, whether inked, brand, model, use, packaging specifications, etc. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs requirements. It is recommended to consult the Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 961220?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Usually, information such as country of origin and trade method is required to determine the applicable rate.
Q: Are the HS codes for ink pads and ribbons easily confused?
A: They are easily confused because both belong to heading 9612. Ribbons are classified under 961210 for machine printing; ink pads are classified under 961220 for manual stamping. They can be distinguished based on actual use and form.
Q: What should be noted when selling ink pads through cross-border e-commerce?
A: The HS code 961220 must be declared correctly, standardized declaration elements must be provided, and the destination country's tariffs and compliance requirements must be noted. Different countries may have different labeling or safety standards for ink pads, so it is advisable to learn about them in advance.
Q: If an ink pad has a toy nature, should it be classified under 9503?
A: If the ink pad is part of a toy set and its main function is play, it may be classified under 9503. But if the ink pad itself is an office supply, even if used by children, it is still classified under 961220. Classification is based on the main function.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.