Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured goods not specified in other chapters, including carvings, brushes, sieves, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, pens, pencils, crayons, chalks, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, vacuum cleaners, thermos bottles, etc. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods, mostly daily consumer goods and light industrial products. When classifying, attention must be paid to the priority relationship with other chapters, for example, machine parts are preferentially classified under Chapter 84 or 85. Heading 9608 covers various pens and their parts, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, mechanical pencils, crayons, chalks, etc., as well as pen holders, pen caps, pen clips and other accessories. However, this heading does not include drawing instruments (9017), cosmetic pens (3304), toy pens (9503), etc. Ballpoint pens, as the main commodity under this heading, have the core feature of writing by rolling a ball to dispense ink. Code 960810 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). Digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 9608, i.e., pens and parts. Digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 960810, specifically referring to ballpoint pens. In the HS coding system, the first 4 digits are internationally unified, and the last 2 digits are subdivided by each country according to its own circumstances. Ballpoint pens are listed alongside felt-tipped pens (960820), fountain pens (960830), mechanical pencils (960840), etc., distinguished by writing principle and structure. Ballpoint pens are classified under 960810 because their writing principle is rolling a ball to dispense ink, which is different from the fiber tip of felt-tipped pens and the metal nib of fountain pens. At the same time, they are not drawing instruments (9017) or toy pens (9503), because their main function is writing, and they are not specialized drawing tools or entertainment products. Heading 9608 explicitly lists ballpoint pens, so they are preferentially classified under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured goods not specified in other chapters, including carvings, brushes, sieves, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, pens, pencils, crayons, chalks, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, vacuum cleaners, thermos bottles, etc. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods, mostly daily consumer goods and light industrial products. When classifying, attention must be paid to the priority relationship with other chapters, for example, machine parts are preferentially classified under Chapter 84 or 85.
Heading
Heading 9608 covers various pens and their parts, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, mechanical pencils, crayons, chalks, etc., as well as pen holders, pen caps, pen clips and other accessories. However, this heading does not include drawing instruments (9017), cosmetic pens (3304), toy pens (9503), etc. Ballpoint pens, as the main commodity under this heading, have the core feature of writing by rolling a ball to dispense ink.
Digit Breakdown
Code 960810 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). Digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 9608, i.e., pens and parts. Digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 960810, specifically referring to ballpoint pens. In the HS coding system, the first 4 digits are internationally unified, and the last 2 digits are subdivided by each country according to its own circumstances. Ballpoint pens are listed alongside felt-tipped pens (960820), fountain pens (960830), mechanical pencils (960840), etc., distinguished by writing principle and structure.
Classification Basis
Ballpoint pens are classified under 960810 because their writing principle is rolling a ball to dispense ink, which is different from the fiber tip of felt-tipped pens and the metal nib of fountain pens. At the same time, they are not drawing instruments (9017) or toy pens (9503), because their main function is writing, and they are not specialized drawing tools or entertainment products. Heading 9608 explicitly lists ballpoint pens, so they are preferentially classified under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "ballpoint pen", avoiding general terms such as "pen". Brand: Fill in the brand name of the ballpoint pen; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Fill in the model or item number provided by the manufacturer to identify the specific style. Material: Describe the materials of the main components such as the pen barrel and cap, such as plastic, metal, etc. Erasable or Not: Declare whether the ballpoint pen has an erasable function, which affects classification and regulatory conditions. Packaging Specification: Fill in the number of pieces per box/carton, such as "12 pcs/box". Use: Explain the use of the ballpoint pen, such as "for writing", "for office use". Product Name: Ballpoint Pen; Brand: M&G; Model: AGP12345; Material: Plastic barrel, stainless steel tip; Erasable or Not: No; Packaging Specification: 12 pcs/box; Use: For writing. Mistaking gel pens for ballpoint pens; the two have different ink properties and may be classified differently. Ignoring brand declaration, resulting in inability to provide authorization proof during customs intellectual property inspection. Failing to distinguish erasable from non-erasable; erasable pens may involve different regulatory conditions.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "ballpoint pen", avoiding general terms such as "pen".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "sign pen" or "gel pen", leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the ballpoint pen; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer name as the brand, or omitting the brand, leading to infringement risks.
Model
Fill in the model or item number provided by the manufacturer to identify the specific style.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual product, or an internal code is used without explanation.
Material
Describe the materials of the main components such as the pen barrel and cap, such as plastic, metal, etc.
⚠️ Only writing "plastic" without distinguishing the specific type, or ignoring metal components.
Erasable or Not
Declare whether the ballpoint pen has an erasable function, which affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Erasable pens incorrectly declared as ordinary ballpoint pens, leading to classification errors.
Packaging Specification
Fill in the number of pieces per box/carton, such as "12 pcs/box".
⚠️ Omitting the packaging unit, leading to quantity statistics errors.
Use
Explain the use of the ballpoint pen, such as "for writing", "for office use".
⚠️ Filling in vague uses such as "gift" without clarifying the writing function.
Mistaking gel pens for ballpoint pens; the two have different ink properties and may be classified differently.
Ignoring brand declaration, resulting in inability to provide authorization proof during customs intellectual property inspection.
Failing to distinguish erasable from non-erasable; erasable pens may involve different regulatory conditions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the writing principle and structure of the commodity. Ballpoint pens dispense ink by rolling a ball, which is fundamentally different from felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, etc. At the same time, it must be confirmed that they are not drawing instruments, toys, or cosmetic pens. If a ballpoint pen has electronic components (such as USB), it may be classified according to its main function. 960820 Felt-tipped pens and other porous-tipped pens: The tip of a felt-tipped pen is made of fiber material and dispenses ink through capillary action, while a ballpoint pen has a ball structure. 960830 Fountain pens: Fountain pens have a metal nib and an ink storage device; ballpoint pens have no nib and rely on a ball. 960840 Mechanical pencils: Mechanical pencils use solid lead and are extended by a mechanical device; ballpoint pens use liquid ink. 960899 Other pen parts: This code is for pen parts and accessories; if a ballpoint pen is unassembled or only missing parts, it may be classified here. 330420 Eye makeup preparations: Cosmetic pens such as eyeliner pens are classified under 3304; ballpoint pens are writing instruments with a different use. Is the writing principle rolling a ball? Does it contain electronic components or special functions? Is it a drawing instrument or a toy? Has the brand been authorized for declaration? Is the packaging specification accurate?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the writing principle and structure of the commodity. Ballpoint pens dispense ink by rolling a ball, which is fundamentally different from felt-tipped pens, fountain pens, etc. At the same time, it must be confirmed that they are not drawing instruments, toys, or cosmetic pens. If a ballpoint pen has electronic components (such as USB), it may be classified according to its main function.
Confused Codes：
960820 - Felt-tipped pens and other porous-tipped pens
The tip of a felt-tipped pen is made of fiber material and dispenses ink through capillary action, while a ballpoint pen has a ball structure.
960830 - Fountain pens
Fountain pens have a metal nib and an ink storage device; ballpoint pens have no nib and rely on a ball.
960840 - Mechanical pencils
Mechanical pencils use solid lead and are extended by a mechanical device; ballpoint pens use liquid ink.
960899 - Other pen parts
This code is for pen parts and accessories; if a ballpoint pen is unassembled or only missing parts, it may be classified here.
330420 - Eye makeup preparations
Cosmetic pens such as eyeliner pens are classified under 3304; ballpoint pens are writing instruments with a different use.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the writing principle rolling a ball?
✓ Does it contain electronic components or special functions?
✓ Is it a drawing instrument or a toy?
✓ Has the brand been authorized for declaration?
✓ Is the packaging specification accurate?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between ballpoint pens and gel pens? Ballpoint pens are classified under 960810, and gel pens are usually also classified under 960810 because their writing principle is also rolling a ball, but the ink viscosity is different. Some countries may subdivide gel pens, which should be determined according to national subheadings. How to inquire about the import tariff rate for ballpoint pens? The tariff rate should be queried according to the customs tariff of the destination country. The MFN rate, VAT, etc. can be obtained by entering HS code 960810 on the customs official website or a trade data platform. Note that rates change and the latest published version shall prevail. What declaration elements are required for exporting ballpoint pens? Usually, it is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, material, whether erasable, packaging specification, use, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance. How are ballpoint pens with USB classified? If the USB function is the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 8471 or 8517, etc.; if it is only an additional function, they are still classified as ballpoint pens. This must be determined based on the main function. How are parts of ballpoint pens classified? Parts of ballpoint pens such as barrels and caps, if imported separately, are classified under 960899; if imported together with the pen, they are classified as ballpoint pens. Do ballpoint pens involve customs intellectual property protection? Yes. If a ballpoint pen bears a well-known brand logo, a brand authorization letter must be provided; otherwise, it may be detained by customs. The brand must be truthfully filled in during declaration. What should be noted when selling ballpoint pens through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to confirm the HS code, declared value, country of origin, etc., and avoid under-declaring the price. Also pay attention to the safety standards for pens in the destination country, such as toxicity requirements for children's pens. Are HS codes for ballpoint pens the same in different countries? The first 6 digits are internationally unified, but the later digits may differ by country. For example, the US HTSUS is 9608.10.00, and the EU is 9608.10.00; the specific subheading must be checked in each country's tariff.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between ballpoint pens and gel pens?
A: Ballpoint pens are classified under 960810, and gel pens are usually also classified under 960810 because their writing principle is also rolling a ball, but the ink viscosity is different. Some countries may subdivide gel pens, which should be determined according to national subheadings.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for ballpoint pens?
A: The tariff rate should be queried according to the customs tariff of the destination country. The MFN rate, VAT, etc. can be obtained by entering HS code 960810 on the customs official website or a trade data platform. Note that rates change and the latest published version shall prevail.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting ballpoint pens?
A: Usually, it is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, material, whether erasable, packaging specification, use, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance.
Q: How are ballpoint pens with USB classified?
A: If the USB function is the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 8471 or 8517, etc.; if it is only an additional function, they are still classified as ballpoint pens. This must be determined based on the main function.
Q: How are parts of ballpoint pens classified?
A: Parts of ballpoint pens such as barrels and caps, if imported separately, are classified under 960899; if imported together with the pen, they are classified as ballpoint pens.
Q: Do ballpoint pens involve customs intellectual property protection?
A: Yes. If a ballpoint pen bears a well-known brand logo, a brand authorization letter must be provided; otherwise, it may be detained by customs. The brand must be truthfully filled in during declaration.
Q: What should be noted when selling ballpoint pens through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to confirm the HS code, declared value, country of origin, etc., and avoid under-declaring the price. Also pay attention to the safety standards for pens in the destination country, such as toxicity requirements for children's pens.
Q: Are HS codes for ballpoint pens the same in different countries?
A: The first 6 digits are internationally unified, but the later digits may differ by country. For example, the US HTSUS is 9608.10.00, and the EU is 9608.10.00; the specific subheading must be checked in each country's tariff.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.