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HTSUS, United States

9608.40.40.00

With a mechanical action for extending, or for extending and retracting, the lead

Classification path

  1. 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
  2. Propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils)
  3. With a mechanical action for extending, or for extending and retracting, the lead

Rates of duty

General (MFN)
6.6%
Column 2Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Belarus
41.5%
Unit of quantity
gross

Trade agreement rates

FreeGSP (lapsed since Dec 31, 2020), U.S.-Australia FTA, U.S.-Bahrain FTA, U.S.-Chile FTA, U.S.-Colombia TPA, AGOA (authorized through Dec 31, 2026), E, U.S.-Israel FTA, U.S.-Jordan FTA, U.S.-Korea FTA, U.S.-Morocco FTA, U.S.-Oman FTA, CAFTA-DR, U.S.-Panama TPA, U.S.-Peru TPA, USMCA, U.S.-Singapore FTA
3.3%U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

Related lines in heading 9608

About 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

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.

Full guide to heading 9608

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

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.

Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, retrieved October 22, 2026.

HTS 9608.40.40.00: With a mechanical action for extending, or for extending an..., 6.6% duty | HTSBase