Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles under the HS Code, including articles of animal bristles, brooms, brushes, sieves, coarse sieves, hand sieves, buttons, zippers, ballpoint pens, pencils, pens, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, thermos bottles, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses, are not exclusive to other chapters, and are mostly manufactured articles involving a wide range of materials, from metal and plastic to wood and textiles. This chapter is one of the more dispersed chapters in HS classification, intended to provide a basis for classifying daily miscellaneous articles not listed in other chapters. Heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons, chalks, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, and tailors' chalks. Specifically includes: ordinary pencils, colored pencils, pencil leads, crayons, chalks, drawing charcoals, tailors' chalks, etc. However, it does not include pens, ballpoint pens (heading 9608), artists' pigments (Chapter 32), and certain special-purpose pens (such as medical marker pens). This heading mainly targets stationery products intended for writing, drawing, and marking, emphasizing their handwritten or hand-drawn function. HS code 960910 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous articles); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 9609 (pencils, crayons, chalks, etc.); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 960910, specifically "pencils and crayons." In HS classification, 960910 is further subdivided into: 96091010 (pencils) and 96091020 (crayons). However, according to the information provided by the user, the Chinese name is "铅笔" and the English name is "Pencil," so 960910 specifically refers to pencils (including ordinary pencils and colored pencils), while crayons are usually classified under 96091020. It should be noted that pencil leads (refills), when classified separately, may be classified under 960920, and the distinction between pencils and crayons lies in whether they contain waxy components and their use. Pencils are classified under 960910, rather than 9608 (ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, etc.) or other subheadings of 9609 (such as 960920 pencil leads, 960990 other), because their core characteristic is "pencil": a lead made by mixing graphite or colored pigments with clay, wrapped in wood or other materials, used for writing or drawing by sharpening or mechanical advancement. Unlike ballpoint pens, pencils do not rely on ink but leave marks through physical wear. Compared with crayons, pencil leads are harder and mainly used for writing and drawing, while crayons are soft, contain wax, and are mostly used for children's drawing.
Chapter
Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles under the HS Code, including articles of animal bristles, brooms, brushes, sieves, coarse sieves, hand sieves, buttons, zippers, ballpoint pens, pencils, pens, typewriter ribbons, ink pads, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, thermos bottles, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses, are not exclusive to other chapters, and are mostly manufactured articles involving a wide range of materials, from metal and plastic to wood and textiles. This chapter is one of the more dispersed chapters in HS classification, intended to provide a basis for classifying daily miscellaneous articles not listed in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons, chalks, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, and tailors' chalks. Specifically includes: ordinary pencils, colored pencils, pencil leads, crayons, chalks, drawing charcoals, tailors' chalks, etc. However, it does not include pens, ballpoint pens (heading 9608), artists' pigments (Chapter 32), and certain special-purpose pens (such as medical marker pens). This heading mainly targets stationery products intended for writing, drawing, and marking, emphasizing their handwritten or hand-drawn function.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 960910 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous articles); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 9609 (pencils, crayons, chalks, etc.); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 960910, specifically "pencils and crayons." In HS classification, 960910 is further subdivided into: 96091010 (pencils) and 96091020 (crayons). However, according to the information provided by the user, the Chinese name is "铅笔" and the English name is "Pencil," so 960910 specifically refers to pencils (including ordinary pencils and colored pencils), while crayons are usually classified under 96091020. It should be noted that pencil leads (refills), when classified separately, may be classified under 960920, and the distinction between pencils and crayons lies in whether they contain waxy components and their use.
Classification Basis
Pencils are classified under 960910, rather than 9608 (ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, etc.) or other subheadings of 9609 (such as 960920 pencil leads, 960990 other), because their core characteristic is "pencil": a lead made by mixing graphite or colored pigments with clay, wrapped in wood or other materials, used for writing or drawing by sharpening or mechanical advancement. Unlike ballpoint pens, pencils do not rely on ink but leave marks through physical wear. Compared with crayons, pencil leads are harder and mainly used for writing and drawing, while crayons are soft, contain wax, and are mostly used for children's drawing.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "pencil," "colored pencil," "drawing pencil," etc., which must be consistent with the actual item. Material: Describe the main materials of the pencil, such as the barrel material (wood, plastic, etc.) and the lead material (graphite, colored pigments, etc.). Use: Explain the use of the pencil, such as writing, drawing, marking, etc., and it must be specific. Brand: Declare the brand name of the pencil (if any); if there is no brand, declare "no brand." Model: Declare the model or specification of the pencil, such as "2B," "HB," etc., for easy identification. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method of the pencil, such as 12 pieces per box, 100 boxes per carton, etc. Whether in Sets: Declare whether it is in retail packaging as a set, such as a pencil set. Country of Origin: Declare the country (region) of origin of the pencil, used to determine the applicable tariff rate and trade policy. Product Name: Colored Pencil; Material: Wooden barrel, colored pigment lead; Use: For drawing; Brand: M&G; Model: 24 colors; Packaging Specifications: 24 pieces per box, 50 boxes per carton; Whether in Sets: Yes; Country of Origin: China. Confusing pencils with ballpoint pens; ballpoint pens should be classified under 9608, pencils under 9609. Ignoring the lead material; if the lead is waxy, it may be classified under the crayon subheading 96091020. Failure to declare the model, resulting in customs being unable to distinguish pencils from crayons, affecting classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "pencil," "colored pencil," "drawing pencil," etc., which must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "ballpoint pen" or "crayon," leading to classification errors.
Material
Describe the main materials of the pencil, such as the barrel material (wood, plastic, etc.) and the lead material (graphite, colored pigments, etc.).
⚠️ Declaring only "wooden" without specifying the lead composition, affecting classification.
Use
Explain the use of the pencil, such as writing, drawing, marking, etc., and it must be specific.
⚠️ Vaguely declaring "stationery" without specifying the specific use.
Brand
Declare the brand name of the pencil (if any); if there is no brand, declare "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring another brand.
Model
Declare the model or specification of the pencil, such as "2B," "HB," etc., for easy identification.
⚠️ Failure to declare the model, resulting in customs being unable to confirm the specific commodity.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method of the pencil, such as 12 pieces per box, 100 boxes per carton, etc.
⚠️ Declaring only "boxed" without specifying the exact quantity.
Whether in Sets
Declare whether it is in retail packaging as a set, such as a pencil set.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring a pencil set as single pieces, affecting classification.
Country of Origin
Declare the country (region) of origin of the pencil, used to determine the applicable tariff rate and trade policy.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring the country of origin, leading to incorrect tariff collection.
Example： Product Name: Colored Pencil; Material: Wooden barrel, colored pigment lead; Use: For drawing; Brand: M&G; Model: 24 colors; Packaging Specifications: 24 pieces per box, 50 boxes per carton; Whether in Sets: Yes; Country of Origin: China.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing pencils with ballpoint pens; ballpoint pens should be classified under 9608, pencils under 9609.
Ignoring the lead material; if the lead is waxy, it may be classified under the crayon subheading 96091020.
Failure to declare the model, resulting in customs being unable to distinguish pencils from crayons, affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the physical characteristics, use, and materials of the commodity. Pencils (960910) must meet the following: 1) the lead is made by mixing graphite, colored pigments, etc. with clay; 2) writing or drawing is done by sharpening or mechanical advancement; 3) it does not contain ink or waxy components. If the lead contains wax and is soft, it is classified as a crayon (96091020). If it is a ballpoint pen, felt-tipped pen, etc., it is classified under 9608. If pencil leads are imported separately, they are classified under 960920. Therefore, when classifying, focus on reviewing the lead composition, use, and whether it is in sets. 9608 Ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, etc.: Ballpoint pens release ink through a rolling ball, felt-tipped pens supply ink through a fiber tip, while pencils leave marks through physical wear and have no ink. 96091020 Crayons: Crayon leads contain wax and are soft, mostly used for children's drawing; pencil leads are hard, contain graphite or pigments, and are used for writing and drawing. 960920 Pencil leads: Pencil leads imported separately are classified under 960920, while pencils with barrels are classified under 960910. 960990 Other pencils, crayons, chalks, etc.: 960990 includes chalks, drawing charcoals, tailors' chalks, etc., while 960910 specifically refers to pencils and crayons. 321310 Artists' pigments: Artists' pigments (such as oil paints, watercolor paints) are classified under Chapter 32, while pencils are stationery and classified under Chapter 96. Confirm whether the lead contains wax; if it contains wax, it may be classified as a crayon. Confirm whether it is in retail packaging as a set; pencil sets are still classified under 960910. Confirm whether it has an ink system; if so, it is classified under 9608. Confirm whether the lead is imported separately; separate imports are classified under 960920. Confirm whether the use is for writing or drawing; non-stationery uses may be classified under other chapters.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the physical characteristics, use, and materials of the commodity. Pencils (960910) must meet the following: 1) the lead is made by mixing graphite, colored pigments, etc. with clay; 2) writing or drawing is done by sharpening or mechanical advancement; 3) it does not contain ink or waxy components. If the lead contains wax and is soft, it is classified as a crayon (96091020). If it is a ballpoint pen, felt-tipped pen, etc., it is classified under 9608. If pencil leads are imported separately, they are classified under 960920. Therefore, when classifying, focus on reviewing the lead composition, use, and whether it is in sets.
Confused Codes：
9608 - Ballpoint pens, felt-tipped pens, etc.
Ballpoint pens release ink through a rolling ball, felt-tipped pens supply ink through a fiber tip, while pencils leave marks through physical wear and have no ink.
96091020 - Crayons
Crayon leads contain wax and are soft, mostly used for children's drawing; pencil leads are hard, contain graphite or pigments, and are used for writing and drawing.
960920 - Pencil leads
Pencil leads imported separately are classified under 960920, while pencils with barrels are classified under 960910.
960990 - Other pencils, crayons, chalks, etc.
960990 includes chalks, drawing charcoals, tailors' chalks, etc., while 960910 specifically refers to pencils and crayons.
321310 - Artists' pigments
Artists' pigments (such as oil paints, watercolor paints) are classified under Chapter 32, while pencils are stationery and classified under Chapter 96.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the lead contains wax; if it contains wax, it may be classified as a crayon.
✓ Confirm whether it is in retail packaging as a set; pencil sets are still classified under 960910.
✓ Confirm whether it has an ink system; if so, it is classified under 9608.
✓ Confirm whether the lead is imported separately; separate imports are classified under 960920.
✓ Confirm whether the use is for writing or drawing; non-stationery uses may be classified under other chapters.
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish the HS codes for pencils and crayons? Both pencils and crayons are classified under 960910, but pencils are 96091010 and crayons are 96091020. The key distinction lies in the lead composition: pencil leads are made of graphite or pigments mixed with clay and are relatively hard; crayon leads contain wax, are soft, and are mostly used for children's drawing. When declaring, the lead material and use must be provided. Under which HS code should pencil leads be classified when imported separately? Pencil leads imported separately should be classified under 960920, not 960910. 960910 applies to pencils with barrels. If pencil leads are imported together with barrels, they are classified as pencils under 960910. Are the HS codes for colored pencils and ordinary pencils the same? Yes, both colored pencils and ordinary pencils are classified under 96091010. HS code 960910 covers all pencils, including colored pencils. However, note that if the lead of a colored pencil is waxy, it may be classified under the crayon subheading 96091020. How are pencil sets (such as pencil case sets) classified? If pencil sets meet the criteria for retail packaging and their main function is pencils, they are still classified under 960910. However, if the set contains other items (such as erasers, pencil sharpeners) and these items constitute the essential character of the whole set, it may be classified as a set, specifically to be determined according to General Interpretative Rule 3(b). What should be noted when querying the HS code for pencils? When querying, note: 1) confirm whether it is a pencil or crayon; 2) confirm whether it has a barrel; 3) confirm whether it is in a set; 4) confirm the use. It is recommended to use the HS code query system of the General Administration of Customs or consult a professional customs broker to ensure accurate classification. What are common errors in the declaration elements for pencils? Common errors include: 1) declaring the product name as "ballpoint pen" or "crayon"; 2) declaring only "wooden" for material without specifying the lead; 3) vaguely declaring the use as "stationery"; 4) omitting the brand and model; 5) packaging specifications not being specific. These errors may lead to classification disputes or customs clearance delays. How to query the import tariff rate for pencils? The import tariff rate must be queried based on the country of origin and trade agreements. It can be queried through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, or by using third-party tariff query tools. Note that tariff rates change, and the latest tariff schedule should prevail. What is the export tax rebate rate for pencils? The export tax rebate rate depends on the commodity HS code and the export country's policy. The export tax rebate rate for pencils (960910) must be queried in the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Administration of Taxation. Generally, the export tax rebate rate for pencils is relatively high, but the latest policy shall prevail.
Q: How to distinguish the HS codes for pencils and crayons?
A: Both pencils and crayons are classified under 960910, but pencils are 96091010 and crayons are 96091020. The key distinction lies in the lead composition: pencil leads are made of graphite or pigments mixed with clay and are relatively hard; crayon leads contain wax, are soft, and are mostly used for children's drawing. When declaring, the lead material and use must be provided.
Q: Under which HS code should pencil leads be classified when imported separately?
A: Pencil leads imported separately should be classified under 960920, not 960910. 960910 applies to pencils with barrels. If pencil leads are imported together with barrels, they are classified as pencils under 960910.
Q: Are the HS codes for colored pencils and ordinary pencils the same?
A: Yes, both colored pencils and ordinary pencils are classified under 96091010. HS code 960910 covers all pencils, including colored pencils. However, note that if the lead of a colored pencil is waxy, it may be classified under the crayon subheading 96091020.
Q: How are pencil sets (such as pencil case sets) classified?
A: If pencil sets meet the criteria for retail packaging and their main function is pencils, they are still classified under 960910. However, if the set contains other items (such as erasers, pencil sharpeners) and these items constitute the essential character of the whole set, it may be classified as a set, specifically to be determined according to General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
Q: What should be noted when querying the HS code for pencils?
A: When querying, note: 1) confirm whether it is a pencil or crayon; 2) confirm whether it has a barrel; 3) confirm whether it is in a set; 4) confirm the use. It is recommended to use the HS code query system of the General Administration of Customs or consult a professional customs broker to ensure accurate classification.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for pencils?
A: Common errors include: 1) declaring the product name as "ballpoint pen" or "crayon"; 2) declaring only "wooden" for material without specifying the lead; 3) vaguely declaring the use as "stationery"; 4) omitting the brand and model; 5) packaging specifications not being specific. These errors may lead to classification disputes or customs clearance delays.
Q: How to query the import tariff rate for pencils?
A: The import tariff rate must be queried based on the country of origin and trade agreements. It can be queried through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, or by using third-party tariff query tools. Note that tariff rates change, and the latest tariff schedule should prevail.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for pencils?
A: The export tax rebate rate depends on the commodity HS code and the export country's policy. The export tax rebate rate for pencils (960910) must be queried in the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Administration of Taxation. Generally, the export tax rebate rate for pencils is relatively high, but the latest policy shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.