HS code for colored pencils
The U.S. HS code for colored pencils is usually 9609.10.00.00 (wood-cased), with a general duty of 14¢/gross + 4.3% and an estimated total of 16.8% from China and 16.8% 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 41.8% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood-cased | 9609.10.00.00 | 14¢/gross + 4.3% | 16.8% |
- 9609.10.00.00: Pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a sheath
What decides the code
Colored pencils with leads encased in a wood sheath are classified under heading 9609, specifically 9609.10.00.00 for pencils and crayons with leads encased in a sheath.
- The lead is encased in a sheath, which places the article in 9609.10.00.00 rather than the other lines of heading 9609.
- The product is a pencil for drawing or coloring, not a pen of heading 9608, so heading 9609 applies.
- A wood-cased colored pencil stays in 9609.10.00.00. A change to a lead without a sheath, or to a chalk or pastel, would move it to another line of heading 9609.
Common mistakes
- Classifying colored pencils under heading 9608 as pens is wrong because 9608 covers pens and writing instruments with their own ink or writing mechanism, not pencils with encased leads.
- Classifying wood-cased colored pencils as crayons under a separate crayon line is wrong because 9609.10.00.00 covers both pencils and crayons with leads encased in a sheath.
- Classifying colored pencils as drawing pastels or charcoals is wrong because those lines cover unencased drawing media, not pencils with a lead in a sheath.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.8% = 14¢/gross + 4.3% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.8%.
- Vietnam
- 16.8% = 14¢/gross + 4.3% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9609.10.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
Antidumping duty: Cased pencils from China are subject to antidumping order A-570-827. Check whether colored pencils fall in the scope. These duties are not in the estimate above.
EU code and duty
- Wood-cased
- CN 9609 10 10, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for colored pencils?
The U.S. HTS code for colored pencils is usually 9609.10.00.00 (wood-cased). The first six digits, 9609.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on colored pencils from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9609.10.00.00 is 14¢/gross + 4.3%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.8% 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 16.8%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
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.