9608.99.40.00—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, parts of articles provided for in subheadings 9608.10 and 9608.30 (other than balls for ball point pens)
General
Free
Units
No.
Column 2
6¢ each + 40%
Special
—
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Plain-English explanation
HTS 9608.99.40.00 is the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification for 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, parts of articles provided for in subheadings 9608.10 and 9608.30 (other than balls for ball point pens). It's a 10-digit statistical line in Chapter 96: Miscellaneous manufactured articles, Section XX: Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles, used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to determine the duty rate at entry. No Chapter 99 tariff modifications (Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA) or AD/CVD orders currently flag this code in Tandom's catalog.
New to HTS codes? Read our guide on how HTS classification works →
Recent CBP rulings(5)
Past CBP decisions classifying real products under this HTS code. Useful precedent when classifying a similar product — each ruling shows how CBP interpreted the code for a specific case.
The tariff classification of ball point refills, barrels and noses from China
The tariff classification of Teacher’s Pen kit from China
The tariff classification of a ball point pen kit from China
The tariff classification of a ball point pen refill and ball point pen barrel from Switzerland, Germany and China
The tariff classification of parts for pens from Japan.
Source: CBP CROSS (view all rulings on rulings.cbp.gov →)
Frequently asked questions
What is HTS code 9608.99.40.00?
HTS 9608.99.40.00 is the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification for 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, parts of articles provided for in subheadings 9608.10 and 9608.30 (other than balls for ball point pens). It belongs to Chapter 96 of the HTSUS.
What is the general duty rate for HTS 9608.99.40.00?
The general (Column 1) duty rate for HTS 9608.99.40.00 is Free. This is the most-favored-nation (MFN) rate that applies to imports from World Trade Organization member countries.
What is the Column 2 (statutory) rate for HTS 9608.99.40.00?
The Column 2 rate for HTS 9608.99.40.00 is 6¢ each + 40%. This rate applies to imports from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States (currently Cuba and North Korea).
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on HTS 9608.99.40.00?
No active Chapter 99 tariff overlays (Section 301, Section 232, IEEPA reciprocal, etc.) currently flag HTS 9608.99.40.00 in Tandom's catalog. Use the calculator's date + origin inputs to confirm against any retroactive overlay you may be filing.
Does HTS 9608.99.40.00 have any antidumping or countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders?
No active AD/CVD orders currently flag HTS 9608.99.40.00 in Tandom's catalog. Tandom monitors Federal Register notices daily; a flag will appear here within 24h of any new order's publication.
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