HS code for ballpoint pens
The U.S. HS code for ballpoint pens is usually 9608.10.00.00 (ballpoint), with a general duty of 0.8¢ each + 5.4% and an estimated total of 17.9% from China and 17.9% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 42.9% in total. The general rate also has a per unit part that is not in the percentages. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballpoint | 9608.10.00.00 | 0.8¢ each + 5.4% | 17.9% |
- 9608.10.00.00: Ball point pens
What decides the code
Ballpoint pens are classified in heading 9608, specifically under 9608.10.00.00, which covers ball point pens.
- The pen writes with a ball point tip, which places it in 9608.10.00.00.
- A pen with a felt tip or porous tip moves to the other pens and markers of heading 9608, not 9608.10.00.00.
- A fountain pen or stylograph pen is classified elsewhere in heading 9608, not as a ball point pen.
Common mistakes
- Classifying ballpoint pens under heading 9609 is wrong because 9609 covers pencils, crayons, and chalk, not pens.
- Classifying ballpoint pens as parts of heading 9608 is wrong because a complete pen is the finished article, not a part.
- Classifying ballpoint pens under a marker line in heading 9608 is wrong because markers have porous tips, not ball point tips.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 17.9% = 0.8¢ each + 5.4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 42.9%.
- Vietnam
- 17.9% = 0.8¢ each + 5.4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9608.10.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for ballpoint pens?
The U.S. HTS code for ballpoint pens is usually 9608.10.00.00 (ballpoint). The first six digits, 9608.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on ballpoint pens from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9608.10.00.00 is 0.8¢ each + 5.4%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 17.9% of customs value plus the specific duty. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 17.9%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9608.10.00.00Ball point pens
- Heading 9608Ball 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
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.