HS code for fountain pen
The U.S. HS code for a fountain pen is usually 9608.30.00.39 (pen), with a general duty of 0.4¢ each + 2.7% and an estimated total of 15.2% from China and 15.2% 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 40.2% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen | 9608.30.00.39 | 0.4¢ each + 2.7% | 15.2% |
- 9608.30.00.39: Fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens / Other
What decides the code
A fountain pen is classified under heading 9608 as a fountain pen, stylograph pen or other pen, in subheading 9608.30.00.39.
- The article is a pen with a writing point that dispenses ink, which places it in heading 9608.
- It is a fountain pen rather than a ball point or porous-tipped pen, so it falls in subheading 9608.30.
- It is not a pen-holder, pencil-holder or similar holder, so the residual holder provisions of heading 9608 do not apply.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a fountain pen under 9608.10 as a ball point pen is wrong because the writing point is not a ball point mechanism.
- Classifying a fountain pen under 9608.20 as a felt tipped or porous-tipped pen is wrong because the nib is not a porous tip.
- Classifying a fountain pen under heading 9609 as a pencil or crayon is wrong because heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons and pastels, not pens.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 15.2% = 0.4¢ each + 2.7% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 40.2%.
- Vietnam
- 15.2% = 0.4¢ each + 2.7% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9608.30.00.39, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Pen
- CN 9608 30 00, 3.7%
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 a fountain pen?
The U.S. HTS code for a fountain pen is usually 9608.30.00.39 (pen). The first six digits, 9608.30, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a fountain pen from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9608.30.00.39 is 0.4¢ each + 2.7%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 15.2% 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 15.2%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9608.30.00.39Fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens / Other
- 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.