9612.20.00.00 - Ink pads

This HTS classification, 9612.20.00.00, specifically covers ink pads. An ink pad is understood to be a device containing ink, designed to transfer ink to another surface, typically for stamping purposes. This includes both inked and uninked pads, regardless of whether they are presented with or without a box. The fundamental characteristic is their function as an ink reservoir for impression-making.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 9612.10 (Typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges), is crucial. While both fall under the broader category of items used for producing impressions, ink pads are distinct in their physical form and direct application. Ribbons are continuous strips of inked material intended for mechanical imprinting, whereas ink pads are standalone reservoirs of ink.

As a leaf node within the HTS, 9612.20.00.00 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code relies on accurately identifying the item as an ink pad, irrespective of its specific ink type, substrate material (e.g., felt, foam), or the method of inking. The primary consideration remains its purpose as a tool for applying ink via direct contact.