HS code for ballpoint pens in the United States
Last updated
Key facts
- Most likely code
- 9608.10
- Candidate codes
- 3
- HS edition
- HS2022
- National lines
- 4
- General duty (MFN)
- 0.8¢ each + 5.4%
Summary
Ballpoint pens imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 9608.10 when it is a ball point pen. It sits in heading 96.08, “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 96.09”. Ballpoint pens can also fall under 9608.20 or 9608.30, depending on the type of tip. The tariff of the United States has 4 national lines under these codes. The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 9608.10 is 0.8¢ each + 5.4%.
How to choose the right code
Does the pen write with a ball point, a felt or porous tip, or a nib? Use 9608.10 when it is a ball point pen. Use 9608.20 when it is a felt tipped or other porous-tipped pen or marker. Use 9608.30 when it is a fountain pen, stylograph pen or other pen.
Codes for ballpoint pens
Each code is listed with its legal text from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, quoted as published, and the condition under which it applies to ballpoint pens.
- 9608.10
Most likely
Legal text: “Ball point pens”
Heading 96.08: “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 96.09”
Applies when it is a ball point pen.
- 9608.20
Possible
Legal text: “Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers”
Heading 96.08: “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 96.09”
Applies when it is a felt tipped or other porous-tipped pen or marker.
- 9608.30
Possible
Legal text: “Fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens”
Heading 96.08: “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 96.09”
Applies when it is a fountain pen, stylograph pen or other pen.
National lines in the United States
The tariff of the United States splits these codes into 4 national lines, listed with their published text and general duty.
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 9608.10 is 0.8¢ each + 5.4%. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Under 9608.10
- 9608.10.00.00“Ball point pens”0.8¢ each + 5.4%
Under 9608.20
- 9608.20.00.00“Felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers”4%
Under 9608.30
- 9608.30.00.31“India ink drawing pens”0.4¢ each + 2.7%
- 9608.30.00.39“Other”0.4¢ each + 2.7%
Similar products
Products in the same category as ballpoint pens, or classified under the same headings.
- NotebooksHS 4820.10
Check your exact product
Describe your product, or paste its page, and the classifier suggests the code in the tariff of the United States with its reasons.
Classification depends on the exact product
The right code depends on what the product is made of, how it is made and what it is for, so two products sold as ballpoint pens can fall under different codes.
Guidance from published tariff data, not a binding ruling. For a decision customs must follow, apply to the destination’s customs authority for a binding tariff ruling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for ballpoint pens?
Ballpoint pens imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 9608.10 when it is a ball point pen. It sits in heading 96.08, “Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating stylos; propelling or sliding pencils; pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 96.09”.
Does the type of tip change the HS code for ballpoint pens?
Yes. Use 9608.10 when it is a ball point pen. Use 9608.20 when it is a felt tipped or other porous-tipped pen or marker. Use 9608.30 when it is a fountain pen, stylograph pen or other pen.
What is the duty on ballpoint pens imported into the United States?
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 9608.10 is 0.8¢ each + 5.4%. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Sources and updates
The legal texts are from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The national lines are from the tariff release of the United States (2026HTSRev21), live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The duty rates are from the live rates release, live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The conditions and questions on this page were written for ballpoint pens by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.
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