Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering a very wide range of products, including various brushes, sieves, molds, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, pipes, combs, hair accessories, perfume sprayers, and some other miscellaneous manufactured articles not named in other chapters. This chapter is characterized by a diverse variety of goods, but most belong to daily consumer goods or miscellaneous industrial tools. For pen products, Chapter 96 mainly covers writing instruments such as fountain pens, pencils, ballpoint pens, markers, as well as crayons, chalks, etc. Heading 9608 covers various pen products, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, markers, fountain pens, fountain pens, mechanical pencils, crayons, chalks, etc. Specifically including: 9608.10 ballpoint pens; 9608.20 felt-tipped pens and markers; 9608.30 fountain pens, fountain pens and other pens; 9608.40 mechanical pencils; 9608.50 sets consisting of two or more of the foregoing subheadings; 9608.60 refills; 9608.70 pen holders, pen caps and parts thereof; 9608.80 other pens; 9608.90 parts of the foregoing. This heading does not include paintbrushes for painting (9603), pencils (9609), etc. HS code 960839 is a 6-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles), covering a wide range of miscellaneous goods. The 3rd-4th digits "08" represent heading 9608, i.e., pen products, including various writing instruments. The 5th-6th digits "39" is the subheading, representing "other pens." Specifically, subheading 9608.3 includes fountain pens, fountain pens and other pens, and 9608.39 is the "other" item therein, i.e., pen products other than ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, mechanical pencils, etc. This subheading generally includes ink pens, fountain pens, dip pens, etc., but does not include ballpoint pens (9608.10) and felt-tipped pens (9608.20). This product is classified under 960839 because it is a pen-type writing instrument and is not a ballpoint pen, felt-tipped pen or mechanical pencil. Subheading 9608.3 specifically covers fountain pens and fountain pens, and 9608.39, as the "other" subheading, covers various pens other than ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, mechanical pencils, etc., such as ink pens, dip pens, fountain pens, etc. The difference from the adjacent code 9608.10 (ballpoint pens) lies in the different writing principle, and the difference from 9608.20 (felt-tipped pens) lies in the different nib material and structure.
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering a very wide range of products, including various brushes, sieves, molds, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, pipes, combs, hair accessories, perfume sprayers, and some other miscellaneous manufactured articles not named in other chapters. This chapter is characterized by a diverse variety of goods, but most belong to daily consumer goods or miscellaneous industrial tools. For pen products, Chapter 96 mainly covers writing instruments such as fountain pens, pencils, ballpoint pens, markers, as well as crayons, chalks, etc.
Heading
Heading 9608 covers various pen products, including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, markers, fountain pens, fountain pens, mechanical pencils, crayons, chalks, etc. Specifically including: 9608.10 ballpoint pens; 9608.20 felt-tipped pens and markers; 9608.30 fountain pens, fountain pens and other pens; 9608.40 mechanical pencils; 9608.50 sets consisting of two or more of the foregoing subheadings; 9608.60 refills; 9608.70 pen holders, pen caps and parts thereof; 9608.80 other pens; 9608.90 parts of the foregoing. This heading does not include paintbrushes for painting (9603), pencils (9609), etc.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 960839 is a 6-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles), covering a wide range of miscellaneous goods. The 3rd-4th digits "08" represent heading 9608, i.e., pen products, including various writing instruments. The 5th-6th digits "39" is the subheading, representing "other pens." Specifically, subheading 9608.3 includes fountain pens, fountain pens and other pens, and 9608.39 is the "other" item therein, i.e., pen products other than ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, mechanical pencils, etc. This subheading generally includes ink pens, fountain pens, dip pens, etc., but does not include ballpoint pens (9608.10) and felt-tipped pens (9608.20).
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 960839 because it is a pen-type writing instrument and is not a ballpoint pen, felt-tipped pen or mechanical pencil. Subheading 9608.3 specifically covers fountain pens and fountain pens, and 9608.39, as the "other" subheading, covers various pens other than ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, mechanical pencils, etc., such as ink pens, dip pens, fountain pens, etc. The difference from the adjacent code 9608.10 (ballpoint pens) lies in the different writing principle, and the difference from 9608.20 (felt-tipped pens) lies in the different nib material and structure.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "fountain pen," "ink pen," etc. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the model or item number of the commodity for easy identification. Material: Main materials, such as barrel material (plastic, metal, etc.), nib material (gold, steel, etc.). Is It a Set: Whether it is packaged as a set with other pens or items; if it is a set, set information must be declared. Use: Writing use, such as office, student use, gifts, etc. Packaging Specifications: Quantity per unit package, such as 10 pieces per box. Product Name: Fountain Pen; Brand: Parker; Model: IM Series; Material: metal barrel, stainless steel nib; Is It a Set: No; Use: office writing; Packaging Specifications: 1 piece per box. Mistakenly classifying fountain pens as ballpoint pens (9608.10), resulting in differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions. Ignoring the nib material, such as gold nibs possibly involving precious metal classification issues. Set-packaged pens not classified as sets (9608.50), causing classification errors.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "fountain pen," "ink pen," etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "ballpoint pen" or "sign pen," resulting in classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the model or item number of the commodity for easy identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or confusion with the brand.
Material
Main materials, such as barrel material (plastic, metal, etc.), nib material (gold, steel, etc.).
⚠️ Only filling in the barrel material and ignoring the nib material.
Is It a Set
Whether it is packaged as a set with other pens or items; if it is a set, set information must be declared.
⚠️ Failure to declare set goods, resulting in classification errors.
Use
Writing use, such as office, student use, gifts, etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as "writing."
Packaging Specifications
Quantity per unit package, such as 10 pieces per box.
⚠️ Packaging specifications are inconsistent with the declared quantity unit.
Example： Product Name: Fountain Pen; Brand: Parker; Model: IM Series; Material: metal barrel, stainless steel nib; Is It a Set: No; Use: office writing; Packaging Specifications: 1 piece per box.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying fountain pens as ballpoint pens (9608.10), resulting in differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Ignoring the nib material, such as gold nibs possibly involving precious metal classification issues.
Set-packaged pens not classified as sets (9608.50), causing classification errors.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the writing principle and structure of the commodity. 960839 targets pen types, i.e., tools that write through a nib and ink, including fountain pens, dip pens, etc. It is fundamentally different from ballpoint pens (which dispense ink through a rolling ball) and felt-tipped pens (which dispense ink through a fiber nib). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether it is a set; if it is a set with other pens, it may be classified under 9608.50. In addition, if the nib contains precious metals, it is also necessary to consider whether it belongs to precious metal articles (Chapter 71). 960810 Ballpoint Pens: Ballpoint pens dispense ink through the rolling of a ball at the tip, while fountain pens guide ink through a slit in the nib; the writing principles are different. 960820 Felt-Tipped Pens and Markers: The nib of a felt-tipped pen is made of fiber material and dispenses ink through capillary action, while the nib of a fountain pen is a metal tip; the structures are different. 960840 Mechanical Pencils: Mechanical pencils use lead refills and extend lead through a mechanical structure, while fountain pens use ink; the writing media are different. 960850 Sets: If a fountain pen is packaged as a set with other pens (such as ballpoint pens), it should be classified under 960850, not 960839. 960899 Other Pen Parts: 960899 covers pen parts, such as barrels, caps, etc., while 960839 covers complete fountain pens. Confirm whether the writing principle is fountain-pen style (nib + ink). Confirm whether it is a set with other pens; if it is a set, classify under 960850. Confirm whether the nib contains precious metals; if so, consider Chapter 71. Confirm whether it belongs to dip pens, fountain pens, and other pen types. Confirm whether it belongs to other pens under subheading 9608.3.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the writing principle and structure of the commodity. 960839 targets pen types, i.e., tools that write through a nib and ink, including fountain pens, dip pens, etc. It is fundamentally different from ballpoint pens (which dispense ink through a rolling ball) and felt-tipped pens (which dispense ink through a fiber nib). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether it is a set; if it is a set with other pens, it may be classified under 9608.50. In addition, if the nib contains precious metals, it is also necessary to consider whether it belongs to precious metal articles (Chapter 71).
Confused Codes：
960810 - Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens dispense ink through the rolling of a ball at the tip, while fountain pens guide ink through a slit in the nib; the writing principles are different.
960820 - Felt-Tipped Pens and Markers
The nib of a felt-tipped pen is made of fiber material and dispenses ink through capillary action, while the nib of a fountain pen is a metal tip; the structures are different.
960840 - Mechanical Pencils
Mechanical pencils use lead refills and extend lead through a mechanical structure, while fountain pens use ink; the writing media are different.
960850 - Sets
If a fountain pen is packaged as a set with other pens (such as ballpoint pens), it should be classified under 960850, not 960839.
960899 - Other Pen Parts
960899 covers pen parts, such as barrels, caps, etc., while 960839 covers complete fountain pens.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the writing principle is fountain-pen style (nib + ink).
✓ Confirm whether it is a set with other pens; if it is a set, classify under 960850.
✓ Confirm whether the nib contains precious metals; if so, consider Chapter 71.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to dip pens, fountain pens, and other pen types.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to other pens under subheading 9608.3.
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 960839? You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 960839, select the import/export direction and country of origin/final destination, and the applicable tariff rate will be displayed. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to use the rate at the time of inquiry. How are fountain pens and ballpoint pens distinguished in HS codes? Fountain pens are classified under 9608.39, and ballpoint pens under 9608.10. The key distinction lies in the writing principle: fountain pens write through a metal nib and ink, while ballpoint pens dispense ink through the rolling of a ball at the tip. When declaring, the product structure and principle must be accurately described. If the fountain pen nib is gold, will the HS code change? If the nib contains precious metals (such as gold or platinum) and the precious metals constitute the essential character of the commodity, it may be classified under Chapter 71 (precious metal articles). However, if the precious metal is only used as a nib plating or a small accessory, it is usually still classified under 9608.39. It is recommended to judge based on the precious metal content and value proportion. How are fountain pens and ballpoint pens in a set classified? If a set-packaged pen includes fountain pens and ballpoint pens, and each pen falls under heading 9608, it should be classified under 9608.50 (sets consisting of two or more of the articles listed in the subheadings). If the set contains only fountain pens, it is still classified under 9608.39. What are the declaration elements for HS code 960839? The main declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, material (barrel and nib), whether it is a set, use, and packaging specifications. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and reference may be made to the Catalog of Standard Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China. For cross-border e-commerce sales of fountain pens, how should the HS code be selected? Select according to the actual attributes of the commodity. If it is an ordinary fountain pen, classify under 960839; if it is a ballpoint pen, classify under 960810; if it is a set of pens, classify under 960850. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs advance classification services to ensure compliance. What are the export regulatory conditions for HS code 960839? Generally, 960839 has no special regulatory conditions, but it must comply with export quality licensing, intellectual property recordal, and other requirements. Specific regulatory conditions can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or by consulting the local customs. When importing fountain pens, how can classification errors be avoided? Accurately provide commodity information, including writing principle, material, structure, whether it is a set, etc. Reference may be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff Commodities and Headings for 9608. If uncertain, you may apply for advance classification or entrust a professional customs broker to handle it.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 960839?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 960839, select the import/export direction and country of origin/final destination, and the applicable tariff rate will be displayed. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to use the rate at the time of inquiry.
Q: How are fountain pens and ballpoint pens distinguished in HS codes?
A: Fountain pens are classified under 9608.39, and ballpoint pens under 9608.10. The key distinction lies in the writing principle: fountain pens write through a metal nib and ink, while ballpoint pens dispense ink through the rolling of a ball at the tip. When declaring, the product structure and principle must be accurately described.
Q: If the fountain pen nib is gold, will the HS code change?
A: If the nib contains precious metals (such as gold or platinum) and the precious metals constitute the essential character of the commodity, it may be classified under Chapter 71 (precious metal articles). However, if the precious metal is only used as a nib plating or a small accessory, it is usually still classified under 9608.39. It is recommended to judge based on the precious metal content and value proportion.
Q: How are fountain pens and ballpoint pens in a set classified?
A: If a set-packaged pen includes fountain pens and ballpoint pens, and each pen falls under heading 9608, it should be classified under 9608.50 (sets consisting of two or more of the articles listed in the subheadings). If the set contains only fountain pens, it is still classified under 9608.39.
Q: What are the declaration elements for HS code 960839?
A: The main declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, material (barrel and nib), whether it is a set, use, and packaging specifications. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and reference may be made to the Catalog of Standard Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of fountain pens, how should the HS code be selected?
A: Select according to the actual attributes of the commodity. If it is an ordinary fountain pen, classify under 960839; if it is a ballpoint pen, classify under 960810; if it is a set of pens, classify under 960850. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs advance classification services to ensure compliance.
Q: What are the export regulatory conditions for HS code 960839?
A: Generally, 960839 has no special regulatory conditions, but it must comply with export quality licensing, intellectual property recordal, and other requirements. Specific regulatory conditions can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or by consulting the local customs.
Q: When importing fountain pens, how can classification errors be avoided?
A: Accurately provide commodity information, including writing principle, material, structure, whether it is a set, etc. Reference may be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff Commodities and Headings for 9608. If uncertain, you may apply for advance classification or entrust a professional customs broker to handle it.
⚠️ 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.