China is the largest producer of writing tools in the world. For buyers globally, purchasing from pen manufacturers in china is usually the most logical way to get both low costs and many different product designs. You might be searching for fancy fountain pens, everyday office supplies, or promotional giveaway items. Whatever you need, the china pen industry has a vast supply network ready to fulfill every requirement.
However, many factories are spread across the country, making it tough to find the best china pen manufacturer. This detailed guide names the leading pen manufacturers in china. It also explains the 8 main manufacturing locations and gives essential advice for importing.
1. The 8 Core Production Bases for Chinese Pens
To buy the best china ballpoint pen or china ink pen products effectively, you first need to understand where the industry is located. Pen making in China is highly concentrated in certain regions. Each region has specific strengths, advantages, and is suited to different types of buyers.
(1) Ningbo: The Stationery Giant
Ningbo is widely seen as one of China’s strongest export bases for stationery and writing tools.The city has a well-developed supply chain and is home to hundreds of mid- and large-size manufacturers, many of which ship their products straight to major global retailers and supermarket groups. A large share of these pen and stationery suppliers are based in Ninghai County, Yinzhou District, and Beilun—areas that have been active in this field for many years and benefit from smooth logistics and close access to the port.
Factories in Ningbo focus heavily on large-scale production, making the region a practical choice for buyers who need big volumes while still keeping an eye on product consistency. Local makers cover a wide stretch of work, from OEM and ODM pen projects to putting together complete stationery sets used in schools, offices, and promotional markets. This combination of manufacturing scale, long experience, and a deep industry base is what keeps Ningbo a dependable sourcing option for many importers.
Common pen categories produced in Ningbo include:
Ballpoint pens & gel pens (mass market, promotional, branded retail)
Mechanical pencils and replacement lead sets
Highlighters and neon marker sets
Children’s coloring pens (washable markers, fiber-tip pens)
Erasable pens and office signing pens
Stationery gift sets combining pens, rulers, notebooks, and accessories
Ningbo has a large-scale production capacity. In certain industrial clusters, a single district can house between 80 and 150 manufacturers. This setup lets buyers find a complete range of stationery products without needing to look elsewhere. Many factories here use automated assembly lines throughout their production processes. This allows them to manage millions of units every month while maintaining consistent quality across different batches.
For major retail chains, hypermarkets, school supply brands, and promotional distributors, Ningbo stands out as one of China's most efficient regions. It is well-suited for bulk pen purchases, multi-product stationery packaging, and fast handling of container-level shipments.
(2) Tonglu: China's Pen Town
Tonglu is near Hangzhou. It is famous and known as the "Town of Chinese Pens." It is the most concentrated place in the world for making ballpoint and gel pens. The local supply network is very complete. It covers everything from processing the raw plastic to assembling the final pen. This makes it the main spot for buyers who focus on large-scale buying of standard china ballpoint pen products.
Essential Sourcing Insight (Node Strategy): The sheer number of companies in Tonglu is difficult to manage. It is hard to find a dependable partner—a real factory—among so many smaller traders. Sellers Union acts as a quality checkpoint for you. As a top sourcing agent in the stationery area, the company helps buyers find the exact factories that match their required price and quality levels. This service solves the challenging task of sifting through thousands of similar suppliers.
(3) Yiwu: The Small Goods Center
Yiwu is famous worldwide for its massive International Trade City, and it remains one of the most convenient sourcing hubs for buyers who need low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) and a wide range of China pen designs in one place. Most pen suppliers are concentrated in District 3 of the Yiwu Market, especially in the Stationery & Office Supplies section, where thousands of booths offer every category of writing instrument imaginable. Buyers can find ballpoint pens, gel pens, glitter pens, mechanical pencils, brush markers, children’s coloring pens, highlighters, erasable pens, and countless promotional pen styles with customizable logos.
For importers who want to buy ready-made stock, mix different styles, and load everything into a single shipping container, Yiwu is unmatched. With daily replenishment, fast turnover, and prices suitable for both small and medium traders, the market allows buyers to test designs quickly, compare samples side by side, and secure mixed orders without factory-level MOQs.
(4) Wenzhou: An Industrial Center for Markers
Wenzhou has a long history in light manufacturing. Factories here are known for making specialized felt-tip pens and different kinds of markers. Also, manufacturers in this region often have strong engineering skills, especially in creating molds.
(5) Nanchang: The Focal Point for Premium Metal Pens
If your main goal is the high-end market—especially luxury China ink pens, metal gift pens, and premium art brush pens—Nanchang is the location to watch. The city has a long-established manufacturing base for fountain pens, upscale writing instruments, and artist-grade brush pens, making it a strong hub for brands looking to source classic craftsmanship and refined pen design.
(6) Guangzhou & (7) Shenzhen: Centers for Design and Technology
The Pearl River Delta, which includes Guangzhou and Shenzhen, is where most product ideas are developed. Manufacturers in this busy area focus on modern designs, smart pens, and electronic styluses. If you need a china pen manufacturer with strong research teams for unique, new products, this is the most important area to explore.
(8) Shanghai: The Traditional Brand Hub
Shanghai has long been the base for some of China’s oldest and most respected pen brands. Costs are usually higher here because of the city’s location, yet many buyers still prefer Shanghai suppliers thanks to their tighter quality control and long-standing reputation in the industry. Well-known names linked with the Shanghai pen scene include Deli, Hero, Jinhao, and Wing Sung—brands that continue to be recognized in China and abroad for solid craftsmanship, classic fountain-pen designs, and dependable writing performance.
Detailed Geographical Overview (Summary Strategy): Trying to manage these eight different production regions can be a significant challenge for importers. These areas range from the high-volume factories in Ningbo and Tonglu to the specialized, craft-focused workshops in Nanchang. This complicated geography means you need a business partner that can work across the whole nation. Sellers Union provides the necessary wide-ranging network. It has over 28 years of experience and dedicated offices in major trade cities like Yiwu, Ningbo, and Guangzhou. The company works across many cities. This allows it to expertly connect your exact product needs to the perfect regional specialist, ensuring you get the right production base for your business, not just a random supplier.
2. The 12 Leading China Pen Manufacturers
Here is a detailed list of 12 well-respected pen manufacturers in china. The list includes their main product area and factory size.
Beifa Group Co., Ltd. :
Beifa Group was established in 1996. It is a massive player in the industry. Its factory covers an enormous 83,688 square meters. They primarily focus on making gel pens, notebooks, notepads, and highlighters. This huge production size proves they are a dependable partner. They work well with global retail chains that need massive orders of basic writing and office items.
Sourcing Tip A (New Insertion):
When dealing with a giant like Beifa, it is crucial to handle large volume contracts carefully. Sellers Union has a history of managing multi-million-dollar import deals since 1997. Our experienced team can negotiate better volume pricing and secure favorable payment terms for your business, ensuring you benefit from the factory's scale.
Ningbo Deli Stationery Technology Co., Ltd. :
This company was established in 2023. This newer facility covers 20,000 square meters. It focuses mainly on essential product parts. Their specific skill is in manufacturing gel pen refills, pen cores, and folders. This makes them a vital supplier for high-quality china pen components.
Guangdong Jinwannian Stationery Co., Ltd. :
This company was established in 2001. It operates from a 26,000-square-meter facility. It has a strong market presence in the southern part of China. Their main products include gel pens, whiteboard markers, and general marking pens.
Zhejiang Pengsheng Stationery Co., Ltd. :
This 25,000-square-meter company started operating in 2010. It focuses only on making wooden items for writing. They are experts at creating china pencil products, along with pencil sharpeners and erasers.
Sourcing Tip B (New Insertion):
When sourcing china pencil products or any wooden materials, specific testing for safety (like non-toxic paint and material safety) is required for many markets. Sellers Union is prepared to organize necessary third-party laboratory tests and factory audits. This ensures that products from Zhejiang Pengsheng meet international standards before they ship.
Hebei Qingzhu Art Materials Technology Co., Ltd. :
This company was founded in 2004. It has dedicated its 27,162-square-meter facility entirely to art supplies. They have a great reputation for their art paints, art brushes, and color mixing tools. This makes them a primary choice for sourcing specialized, professional art china pen accessories.
Shenzhen Suomeiqi Stationery Co., Ltd. :
This manufacturer takes advantage of the creative environment of Shenzhen. It was established in 2013. It operates a 22,300-square-meter production area. They focus on making high-quality marker pens, highlighters, and other precise marking instruments.
Hangzhou Jinma Stationery Gift Co., Ltd. :
This company is near the major Tonglu pen manufacturing center. It has worked since 2003. This 15,090-square-meter company provides a good mix of quality production and competitive prices. Their main products include gel pens, china ballpoint pens, oily ink pens, and marker pens.
Nanchang Pengda Pen Industry Co., Ltd. :
This company is located in the traditional center for metal pens. It was established in 2001. It is important for buying high-end goods. Its 14,614-square-meter facility is dedicated to making prestigious writing tools, like fountain pens, brush pens, and related parts.
Sourcing Tip C (New Insertion): The quality of high-end china ink pen products from Nanchang relies heavily on the final finishing. Every component must be checked carefully. Sellers Union assigns dedicated Quality Control staff to monitor the production of luxury items. We follow AQL standards to protect your investment in these more expensive products.
Ninghai Jiufeng Stationery Co., Ltd. :
This is a newer manufacturer. It started in 2016. It operates a 15,899-square-meter area. They are experts in stationery sets, watercolor pens, and art brushes. They are a great choice for buyers who focus on children's art supplies and gift sets.
Hangzhou Ousai Yiru Technology Co., Ltd. :
This 19,018-square-meter company was founded in 2001. It offers a combined sourcing solution. They make various writing tools, including gel pens, china ballpoint pens, and oily ink pens. They also produce related products like notebooks and notepads.
Nanchang Yipinxuan Pen & Art Material Co., Ltd. :
This company was established in 2004. It is 10,099-square-meters in size. It combines Nanchang's pen-making history with art material production. They are a reliable source for art brushes, art pigments, and china pencil products.
Dongguan Tianyi Stationery Co., Ltd. :
This is a specialized manufacturer. It operates from a 12,000-square-meter facility. It was established in 2009. Their work is focused on making specific types of marking pens, other certain pen categories, and various pen accessories and parts.
Sourcing Tip D (New Insertion): When you buy from 12 or more different manufacturers (like this list suggests), managing shipping is complex. Sellers Union specializes in cargo consolidation. We collect all your orders from different suppliers, repack them in our 20,000m² warehouse, and ship them as one container. This saves you significant freight costs and simplifies customs processes.
3. Necessary Precautions When Importing Pens from China
Sourcing goods from China offers clear chances for profit. But there are still risks. Protecting your business interests is very important. Here are necessary steps to take:
(1) Verification of Supplier Credentials
Always thoroughly inspect the business license and all export certifications. Also, make sure the china pen manufacturer truly has the production capacity they claim to have. Checking their official start dates and registration records is important to correctly judge how long they have been operating.
(2) Product Quality and Sample Approval
Never place a large order without physically testing and approving samples. A pen seems simple, but dozens of small technical details determine whether it performs well in the final market. When reviewing samples, make sure your evaluation covers the following key areas:
① Ink Performance Tests
Ink flow stability: It helps to run a long writing test—around 200–300 meters—to see if the pen skips, leaks, or shows uneven color during steady use.
Drying time: Fast-dry formulas usually settle within 1–3 seconds, while regular ink should dry quickly enough to avoid smearing in normal writing conditions.
Smudge resistance: Lightly wipe the writing with a tissue to check how easily it smudges, a point that often matters for left-handed users.
Shelf-life simulation: Keep samples at 40–45°C for about 7–14 days and check whether the cartridges leak, dry up, or separate over time.
② Mechanical Structure & Durability Checks
Barrel strength: Apply roughly 3–5 kg of pressure to see whether the pen body bends, cracks, or loses shape.
Tip smoothness:The ballpoint or rollerball tip should glide without scratching the paper or producing rough edges.
Clicker/Cap durability: Press the mechanism 3,000–5,000 times to confirm it doesn’t loosen or break. For pens with caps, make sure the cap fits tightly enough for transport.
Clip strength: Bend the clip repeatedly to see how easy it is to snap—an important detail for office pens, promotional orders, and higher-end gift models.
③ Consistency Between Approved Samples and Mass Production
Your approved sample must become the official production benchmark. Require the supplier to sign a Sample Confirmation Sheet that covers:
ink formulation, tip size, and color code
plastic/metal material specifications
logo print position, color accuracy, and wear-resistance
packaging method (single pouch, box set, bulk pack, etc.)
No material or component may be changed during mass production without your written approval. Any change requires a new sample evaluation.
④ Certification Requirements for Different Markets & Pen Types
Writing instruments fall under safety, chemical, and consumer-use regulations. Ensure your pen manufacturer can provide compliant documentation for your target markets.
● European Union (EU)
REACH: Required for material and chemical safety (no heavy metals or restricted substances).
EN71 (Part 1/2/3): Mandatory if your pens may be used by children or sold in general stationery channels.
RoHS: Applies to pens with electronic components (e.g., stylus pens with LED/laser modules).
● United States (USA)
CPSIA: For children’s pens; restricts lead, phthalates, and heavy metals.
ASTM D4236: Required for art markers, highlighters, and any writing tools containing chemical colorants.
California Proposition 65: Ensures no listed harmful chemicals in inks or plastic parts.
● Middle East & Southeast Asia
SASO (Saudi Arabia): Some categories require specific product registration.
Certain countries may require testing for flammability, odor, or chemical composition of ink.
⑤ Certification Recommendations by Pen Type
|
Pen Type |
Relevant Certifications |
Notes |
| Ballpoint / Gel Pens | REACH, CPSIA, EN71 | Focus on ink chemicals and barrel material safety. |
| Highlighters / Markers | ASTM D4236, EN71-3 | Dye-based inks often need toxicity evaluation. |
| Art Markers / Oil-Based Pens | ASTM D4236, MSDS | Solvent-based inks require complete chemical disclosure. |
| Children’s Coloring Pens | Full EN71 + CPSIA | The strictest category due to intended children’s use. |
| Electronic Pens (stylus, LED pens) | RoHS, EMC | Required for electronic components and safety. |
The Definitive Solution (Suggestion Strategy): The biggest problem is ensuring the final, large shipment of china pen products exactly matches the quality of the 'Golden Sample' you approved. To successfully lower this risk, hiring a professional sourcing agent is a very smart and practical choice. Sellers Union provides very strict quality checking services. This checking includes full, on-site factory inspections. It also includes complete checks before the goods ship. This strong process guarantees your products meet all your high requirements. It also helps you successfully control potential problems.
(3) Consideration of Packaging
Pens are often purchased as ready-for-retail items. Therefore, pay careful attention to the design of the packaging. Also check the correct use of barcodes and the physical quality of the master cartons. Being careful here prevents potential damage during transport.
(4) Monitoring Market Trends
The china pen market is always changing and growing. Look closely for materials that are better for the environment (like bamboo or recycled plastics). Also look for pens with comfortable designs and new functions. Staying up to date with the trends discussed in the Stationery Zone will make sure your products stay competitive and attractive.
4. Sellers Union - Your Dependable Partner for Comprehensive Export Solutions (Call to Action)
Do you want to make your pen sourcing work much easier and better?
Sellers Union has been a top sourcing company in China since 1997. It started as a small team in Yiwu. Now it is a large business with more than3000trained employees. This company runs the whole supply chain for you. It offers a complete export solution made just for global buyers.
Why You Should Choose Sellers Union:
Wide Network: You get fast access to a list of over 10,000 checked suppliers in the key production centers. This includes the most competitive pen manufacturers in china.
Quality Guarantee: Our special Quality Control (QC) teams do very strict checks. This important step ensures top product quality before any china ballpoint pen or china ink pen products leave the factory.
Logistics and Grouping: Sellers Union handles warehouse needs (offering 20,000m² of free space). They also group products together and manage all international shipping. This expert management makes the whole import process quite simple.
The team is ready to support and grow your business. This is true whether you plan to visit the actual markets or handle your sourcing from far away.
Contact Us Today to begin your sourcing trip with a partner. This partner has true, deep knowledge of the entire industry.
Post time: Dec-04-2025




