Subheading 960891 of the Combined Nomenclature covers nibs for fountain pens and nib points — the writing tip element of a fountain pen through which ink flows onto paper. This includes nibs made of stainless steel, gold alloys (14 ct, 18 ct), titanium and platinum, including nibs with iridium or rhodium tip coating providing abrasion resistance. Classification under subheading 960891 applies to complete nibs (with feed, slit and ink channel) as well as nib points alone — separate hard-alloy tips that are soldered or mechanically attached to the nib body. The key classification criterion is the function of the element as an integral part of a fountain pen falling under subheading 960830: the nib must be designed to deliver ink by capillary action under controlled pressure. Nibs are spare parts for fountain pens and integral elements of calligraphy pens with interchangeable tipping. Complete fountain pens (subheading 960830) must be distinguished from nibs as parts (960891). Sets containing a nib together with other pen components (barrel, cap) are classified in accordance with GRI 3b based on the element conferring essential character. In case of doubt, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling and a review of the EBTI database are recommended.

Import of fountain pen nibs under subheading 960891 is subject to the general product safety requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), applicable from 13 December 2024. The importer must carry out a product risk assessment, retain technical documentation for at least 10 years and designate an EU-based responsible economic operator. Nibs made of metal alloys — particularly those containing gold, palladium, iridium or platinum — are subject to the restricted substances provisions of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Metal parts in skin contact may be subject to nickel release restrictions under entry 27 of Annex XVII to REACH. Nibs manufactured from multi-component materials (e.g. steel with gold coating) require verification of composition against SVHC substances on the ECHA Candidate List. The importer must hold an EORI number and lodge an electronic customs declaration with the correct 8-digit CN code in the AIS/IMPORT system. Required documentation includes a commercial invoice with goods description and customs value, a transport document (CMR, AWB or B/L) and a REACH compliance declaration. A valid proof of origin is required to apply preferential duty rates. MFN rates and all applicable trade measures must be verified in the European Commission TARIC database before each transaction.

MFN customs duty rates for subheading 960891 must be verified in the current European Commission TARIC database as they are subject to change. Fountain pen nibs are imported into the EU from Japan, Germany and various Asian countries, among others. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU FTAs (e.g. the EPA with Japan) or the GSP for developing countries, provided that rules of origin are satisfied and a valid proof is presented: EUR.1 certificate, REX registered exporter declaration or invoice declaration. A typical classification pitfall is confusing nibs (960891) with complete fountain pens (960830) or with other pen parts (960899). A nib is the specific writing tip part and is classified separately from barrels, caps and ink feeding mechanisms. Gold nibs should not be classified under Chapter 71 (articles of gold and jewellery) — their function as a mechanical writing element of a pen determines classification under Chapter 96. Importing nibs in bulk commercial packaging rather than as assembled pens does not change the CN code. All trade measures and applicable duty rates must be verified in the TARIC database of the European Commission.

Subheading CN 9608 91 covers nibs for fountain pens. When importing into the EU, verify applicable duty rates in TARIC, check CE marking requirements (if applicable), and prepare the required customs documentation. Tariff classification should be based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR) of the Combined Nomenclature. If classification is uncertain, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority is recommended. Also verify whether the product is subject to import restrictions, sanctions, or licensing requirements.