HS code for mechanical pencils
The U.S. HS code for mechanical pencils is usually 9608.40.40.00 (propelling), with a 6.6% general duty and an estimated total of 19.1% from China and 19.1% 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 44.1% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propelling | 9608.40.40.00 | 6.6% | 19.1% |
- 9608.40.40.00: With a mechanical action for extending, or for extending and retracting, the lead
What decides the code
A mechanical pencil with a mechanism that extends or retracts the lead is classified under heading 9608, specifically 9608.40.40.00 for propelling or sliding pencils.
- The pencil must have a mechanical action that extends the lead, or extends and retracts it, which places it in 9608.40.40.00.
- The article is a pencil rather than a pen, so it falls in the propelling or sliding pencils group of heading 9608.
- A pencil without a lead-extending mechanism is not a propelling pencil and does not fit 9608.40.40.00.
Common mistakes
- Classifying under 9609 as a pencil is wrong because heading 9609 covers pencils of a different kind, while mechanical pencils belong to heading 9608.
- Using 9608.10 for ball point pens is wrong because the product is a pencil, not a pen with a ball point tip.
- Treating the pencil as a pen part under another 9608 subheading is wrong because the complete propelling pencil has its own line at 9608.40.40.00.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 19.1% = 6.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 44.1%.
- Vietnam
- 19.1% = 6.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 9608.40.40.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Propelling
- CN 9608 40 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 mechanical pencils?
The U.S. HTS code for mechanical pencils is usually 9608.40.40.00 (propelling). The first six digits, 9608.40, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on mechanical pencils from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 9608.40.40.00 is 6.6%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 19.1% 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 19.1%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 9608.40.40.00With a mechanical action for extending, or for extending and retracting, the lead
- 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.