Pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks
5 declarable lines
Heading 9609 covers pencils other than those of heading 9608, plus crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, and tailors' chalks. It splits by pencils and crayons with leads encased in a sheath, loose pencil leads by maximum cross-sectional dimension, and other articles such as tailors' chalk and other chalk or charcoal.
Products in this heading
- Wooden pencils with graphite leads encased in a sheath
- Colored pencils with leads encased in a sheath
- Wax crayons
- Black pencil leads in refill form
- Colored pencil leads in refill form
- Pastels
- Drawing charcoals
- Tailors' chalk
How to choose the right subheading
- Check whether the lead is encased in a sheath, which puts pencils and crayons in 9609.10.00.00.
- For loose pencil leads, measure maximum cross-sectional dimension: not over 1.5 mm goes to 9609.20.20.00, over 1.5 mm goes to 9609.20.40.00.
- Identify tailors' chalk separately for 9609.90.40.00.
- Put other pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks in 9609.90.80.00.
- Confirm the item is not a pen, marker, propelling pencil, or pencil holder of heading 9608.
Often confused with
- Heading 9608Mechanical pencils and propelling pencils
Heading 9608 covers propelling or sliding pencils, so they are not in 9609.
- Heading 9608Ball point pens and felt-tipped markers
Pens and markers are named in heading 9608, not 9609.
- Pencil sharpeners
Pencil sharpeners are not named in heading 9609; classification depends on the article and material.
- Erasers
Erasers are not pencils, leads, crayons or chalks; they are classified by material outside 9609.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for crayons?
Crayons with leads encased in a sheath are classified under 9609.10.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 14 cents/gross + 4.3%.
What is the duty on pencil leads?
Pencil leads not over 1.5 mm in maximum cross-sectional dimension are 9609.20.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Pencil leads over 1.5 mm are 9609.20.40.00, also Free.
How do I classify tailors' chalk?
Tailors' chalks are classified under 9609.90.40.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 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.