Heading 9608

Ball 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

13 declarable lines

Heading 9608 covers writing instruments such as ball point pens, felt tipped and porous-tipped markers, fountain pens, and propelling or sliding pencils, plus pen holders, refills, nibs and other parts. The heading is split first by instrument type (9608.10 through 9608.40), then by sets, refills, and parts in 9608.50 through 9608.99. Duty rates range from Free to specific-plus-ad-valorem combinations depending on the line.

Products in this heading

Ball point pens
Felt tipped markers and porous-tipped pens
Fountain pens and India ink drawing pens
Mechanical pencils with a lead-extending action
Ball point pen refills with the ball point and ink reservoir
Pen nibs and nib points
Pen caps, clips and other pen parts
Sets containing a pen and a mechanical pencil

How to choose the right subheading

The type of instrument: ball point, felt tipped or porous tipped, fountain or stylograph, or propelling pencil.
For pencils, whether the article has a mechanical action for extending, or extending and retracting, the lead.
Whether the shipment is a set of articles from two or more of subheadings 9608.10, 9608.20, 9608.30 or 9608.40.
Whether the item is a complete instrument, a refill, or a part such as a nib, ball or cap.
For refills, whether it is a ball point refill comprising the ball point and ink reservoir, or another refill cartridge.

Often confused with

Wooden lead pencils and colored pencils
Pencils other than the propelling or sliding type are covered by heading 9609, not 9608.
Heading 9609
Crayons, pastels and drawing chalk
These are writing and drawing materials of heading 9609.
Heading 9609
Paint brushes and similar brush goods
Brushes and paint applicators are classified in heading 9603, not as pens or markers.
Heading 9603
Inked ribbons and ink pads
Ribbons and ink pads for giving impressions belong to heading 9612.
Heading 9612
Buttons and press-fasteners
Small closure articles often shipped with stationery are classified in heading 9606.
Heading 9606

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for ball point pens?

Ball point pens are classified under 9608.10.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 0.8 cents each + 5.4%.

What is the duty on felt tipped markers?

Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers fall under 9608.20.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 4%.

How do I classify mechanical pencils?

Propelling or sliding pencils with a mechanical action for extending, or extending and retracting, the lead are classified under 9608.40.40.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.6%. Those without that action fall under 9608.40.80.00, which is Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.