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Home › Chapter 96 › Heading 9608

HS 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 DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION

HS Heading 9608 encompasses 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. It classifies 8 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 96 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].

Chapter
Heading
9608
Subheadings
8 HS6
Status
Verified 2026

Subheadings Under Heading 9608

HS Code WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description Chapter Operational Package
9608.10 Ball point pens 96 View 9608.10 Package →
9608.20 Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers 96 View 9608.20 Package →
9608.30 Fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens 96 View 9608.30 Package →
9608.40 Propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils) 96 View 9608.40 Package →
9608.50 Sets of articles from two or more of the subheadings 9608.10, 9608.20, 9608.30 or 9608.40 96 View 9608.50 Package →
9608.60 Refills for ball point pens, comprising the ball point and ink reservoir 96 View 9608.60 Package →
9608.91 Other, Pen nibs and nib points 96 View 9608.91 Package →
9608.99 Other, Other 96 View 9608.99 Package →
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 9608

Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.

Official Primary Sources & Authority References

USITC HTS Heading 9608 ↗

United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

CBP CROSS Rulings ↗

CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 9608 precedent rulings.

WCO Nomenclature ↗

World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.

U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗

U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.

Heading 9608 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 9608?
HS Heading 9608 covers 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, grouping 8 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 9608?
Subheadings under Heading 9608 range from 9608.11 to 9608.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 9608?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 9608 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 9608?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 9608?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 9608?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 9608 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 9608?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 9608?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 9608?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.