HS code for pencil case
The U.S. HS code for a pencil case is usually 4202.92.91.00 (polyester), with a 17.6% general duty and an estimated total of 30.1% from China and 30.1% 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 55.1% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | 4202.92.91.00 | 17.6% | 30.1% |
- 4202.92.91.00: Of man-made fibers (except jewelry boxes of a kind normally sold at retail with their contents) (670)
What decides the code
A pencil case with an outer surface of polyester textile is classified under heading 4202, specifically 4202.92.91.00, as a similar container of man-made textile materials.
- Outer surface material decides the subheading. A polyester textile surface leads to 4202.92.91.00 under the textile materials of man-made fibers line.
- The article must be a container of the kind covered by heading 4202. A pencil case fits as a similar container, so it stays in 4202 rather than a general textile article heading.
- Man-made fiber content places it in the man-made fibers line. A cotton or other vegetable fiber surface would move it to a different textile line under 4202.92.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a textile pencil case in 6307 as another made-up textile article is wrong because heading 4202 covers similar containers of textile materials.
- Using 4202.12 or another trunk and suitcase line is wrong because those lines cover rigid or structured luggage, not a soft pencil case.
- Putting a plastic-sheet pencil case in 4202.92.91.00 is wrong because that line requires an outer surface of textile materials, not sheeting of plastics.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 30.1% = 17.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 55.1%.
- Vietnam
- 30.1% = 17.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 4202.92.91.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Polyester
- CN 4202 92 98, 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 a pencil case?
The U.S. HTS code for a pencil case is usually 4202.92.91.00 (polyester). The first six digits, 4202.92, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a pencil case from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 4202.92.91.00 is 17.6%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 30.1% 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 30.1%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 4202.92.91.00Of man-made fibers (except jewelry boxes of a kind normally sold at retail with their contents) (670)
- Heading 4202Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels, spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar containers; traveling bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toiletry bags, knapsacks and backpacks, handbags, shopping bags, wallets, purses, map cases, cigarette cases, tobacco pouches, tool bags, sports bags, bottle cases, jewelry boxes, powder cases, cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanized fiber or of paperboard, or wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper
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.