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HS Heading 9609 : Pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks

HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION

HS Heading 9609 encompasses pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks. It classifies 3 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 96 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].

Chapter

Ch 96

Heading

9609

Subheadings

3 HS6

Status

Verified 2026

Subheadings Under Heading 9609

HS Code	WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description	Chapter	Operational Package
9609.10	Pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a sheath	96	View 9609.10 Package →
9609.20	Pencil leads, black or colored	96	View 9609.20 Package →
9609.90	Other	96	View 9609.90 Package →

DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 9609

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 9609 ↗

United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

CBP CROSS Rulings ↗

CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 9609 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 9609 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 9609?

HS Heading 9609 covers Pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks, grouping 3 6-digit WCO subheadings.

How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 9609?

Subheadings under Heading 9609 range from 9609.11 to 9609.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.

What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 9609?

US MFN general duty rates for Heading 9609 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 9609?

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 9609?

Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.

How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 9609?

Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.

Can goods under Heading 9609 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 9609?

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 9609?

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 9609?

Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.