HS code for gel pens
The U.S. HS code for gel pens is usually 9608.10.00.00 (rollerball gel), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollerball gel | 9608.10.00.00 | 0.8¢ each + 5.4% | 17.9% |
- 9608.10.00.00: Ball point pens
What decides the code
Gel pens are writing instruments with a ball point tip that dispenses gel ink, classified under heading 9608 as ball point pens, specifically 9608.10.00.00.
- The pen writes with a ball point tip feeding gel ink, which places it in heading 9608 as a ball point pen.
- Gel ink is a ball point pen mechanism, so the line is 9608.10.00.00 rather than the porous-tipped or fountain pen lines of heading 9608.
- A pen with a porous tip instead of a ball point would move to the felt tipped and porous-tipped pen lines of heading 9608.
Common mistakes
- Classifying gel pens as felt tipped or porous-tipped pens is wrong because the writing tip is a ball, not a porous tip.
- Classifying gel pens under heading 9609 is wrong because 9609 covers pencils, crayons, chalks and pastels, not pens.
- Classifying gel pens as fountain pens is wrong because a fountain pen has a nib, not a ball point.
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.
EU code and duty
- Rollerball gel
- CN 9608 10 10, 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 gel pens?
The U.S. HTS code for gel pens is usually 9608.10.00.00 (rollerball gel). The first six digits, 9608.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on gel 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.