HS code for highlighters
The U.S. HS code for highlighters is usually 9608.20.00.00 (felt tip), with a 4% general duty and an estimated total of 16.5% from China and 16.5% 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 41.5% in total. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felt tip | 9608.20.00.00 | 4% | 16.5% |
- 9608.20.00.00: Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers
What decides the code
Highlighters with a felt or other porous tip are classified as felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers under heading 9608, specifically 9608.20.00.00.
- The tip type controls the code. A felt or other porous tip puts the highlighter in 9608.20.00.00.
- The article must be a pen or marker with a porous tip. A highlighter built as a different article would fall outside heading 9608.
Common mistakes
- Classifying highlighters under 9608.10.00.00 as ball point pens is wrong because a highlighter has a porous tip, not a ball point.
- Classifying highlighters under heading 9609 as pencils, crayons or pastels is wrong because a highlighter is a porous-tipped marker, not a pencil or crayon.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.5%.
- Vietnam
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9608.20.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Felt tip
- CN 9608 20 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 highlighters?
The U.S. HTS code for highlighters is usually 9608.20.00.00 (felt tip). The first six digits, 9608.20, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on highlighters from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9608.20.00.00 is 4%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 16.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9608.20.00.00Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers
- 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.