Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles, including worked carving materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, crayons, chalk, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, and certain other articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods, mostly daily consumer goods and industrial articles, but none are classified under other more specific chapters. Heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons, chalk, drawing charcoal, writing or drawing chalk, and tailor's chalk. Specifically includes: hard pencils, soft pencils, colored pencils, crayons, chalk, drawing charcoal, and chalk for blackboards or tailoring. However, it excludes ordinary writing ink pens (classified under 9608) and artists' pigments (classified under 3213). First 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles; digits 3-4 09 = heading 9609, referring to pencils, crayons, chalk, etc.; digits 5-6 20 = subheading 960920, specifically referring to crayons and chalk. The subheading is further divided: 960910 for pencils and colored pencils, 960920 for crayons and chalk, 960990 for other (such as drawing charcoal, tailor's chalk, etc.). Therefore, 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk, excluding pencils. Crayons and chalk are classified under 960920 because they are tools for writing, drawing, or marking, and their materials are typically wax, grease, pigments, or gypsum, calcium carbonate, etc., which conforms to the description of heading 9609. They are different from the pens of 9608 (containing ink or refills), and also different from the artists' pigments of 3213. Crayons and chalk are solid marking tools that do not require ink, so they are classified under 9609.
Chapter
Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles, including worked carving materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, crayons, chalk, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, and certain other articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods, mostly daily consumer goods and industrial articles, but none are classified under other more specific chapters.
Heading
Heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons, chalk, drawing charcoal, writing or drawing chalk, and tailor's chalk. Specifically includes: hard pencils, soft pencils, colored pencils, crayons, chalk, drawing charcoal, and chalk for blackboards or tailoring. However, it excludes ordinary writing ink pens (classified under 9608) and artists' pigments (classified under 3213).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles; digits 3-4 09 = heading 9609, referring to pencils, crayons, chalk, etc.; digits 5-6 20 = subheading 960920, specifically referring to crayons and chalk. The subheading is further divided: 960910 for pencils and colored pencils, 960920 for crayons and chalk, 960990 for other (such as drawing charcoal, tailor's chalk, etc.). Therefore, 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk, excluding pencils.
Classification Basis
Crayons and chalk are classified under 960920 because they are tools for writing, drawing, or marking, and their materials are typically wax, grease, pigments, or gypsum, calcium carbonate, etc., which conforms to the description of heading 9609. They are different from the pens of 9608 (containing ink or refills), and also different from the artists' pigments of 3213. Crayons and chalk are solid marking tools that do not require ink, so they are classified under 9609.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as crayons, chalk, colored chalk, etc., must be consistent with the actual product. Material: Main components, such as wax, grease, pigments, gypsum, calcium carbonate, etc., which affect classification. Use: Clarify the usage scenario, such as drawing, writing, teaching, tailoring marking, etc. Brand: Brand name (if no brand, declare as unbranded), used for intellectual property customs protection. Model: Product model or specifications, such as number of colors, dimensions, etc., for easy identification. Packaging Specification: Quantity per unit package, such as 12 pieces per box, 100 boxes per carton, etc. Is It Retail Packaging: Whether it is directly used for retail, affecting subheading and regulatory conditions. Product Name: Colored Crayons; Material: Paraffin wax, pigments; Use: Children's drawing; Brand: Unbranded; Model: 12 colors/box; Packaging Specification: 12 pieces/box, 100 boxes/carton; Is It Retail Packaging: Yes. Misclassifying crayons under 960910 (pencils) due to similar appearance but different materials. Chalk not distinguished between teaching and industrial use, which may involve different regulatory conditions. Ignoring brand declaration, resulting in inability to implement intellectual property customs protection measures.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as crayons, chalk, colored chalk, etc., must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as 'stationery' or 'drawing supplies' without specifying crayons or chalk.
Material
Main components, such as wax, grease, pigments, gypsum, calcium carbonate, etc., which affect classification.
⚠️ Misreporting as plastic or resin, leading to classification errors.
Use
Clarify the usage scenario, such as drawing, writing, teaching, tailoring marking, etc.
Misclassifying crayons under 960910 (pencils) due to similar appearance but different materials.
Chalk not distinguished between teaching and industrial use, which may involve different regulatory conditions.
Ignoring brand declaration, resulting in inability to implement intellectual property customs protection measures.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the material and use of the commodity. Crayons are typically made from a mixture of wax, grease, and pigments, while chalk is made from gypsum or calcium carbonate, both used for writing, drawing, or marking. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 9609 includes crayons and chalk, and subheading 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk. If the material is plastic or metal, it may be classified under other headings. 960910 Pencils and colored pencils: Pencil lead is made of graphite or clay, with a wooden or plastic casing; crayons have no lead and are entirely wax-based. 960990 Other pencils, crayons, chalk: Includes drawing charcoal, tailor's chalk, etc. Crayons and chalk are specifically listed under 960920, so they are not classified here. 321310 Artists' pigments: Pigments are usually liquid or paste, requiring brushes; crayons are solid and used directly. 960820 Felt-tipped pens and other porous-tipped pens: Felt-tipped pens contain ink, while crayons do not contain ink and are solid marking tools. 340700 Modeling pastes: Modeling paste is used for model making, not writing or drawing; crayons are used for marking. Is the material wax or gypsum? Is the use for writing, drawing, or marking? Does it contain no ink or refill? Is it distinguished from pencils and pigments? Is it in retail packaging?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the material and use of the commodity. Crayons are typically made from a mixture of wax, grease, and pigments, while chalk is made from gypsum or calcium carbonate, both used for writing, drawing, or marking. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 9609 includes crayons and chalk, and subheading 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk. If the material is plastic or metal, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
960910 - Pencils and colored pencils
Pencil lead is made of graphite or clay, with a wooden or plastic casing; crayons have no lead and are entirely wax-based.
960990 - Other pencils, crayons, chalk
Includes drawing charcoal, tailor's chalk, etc. Crayons and chalk are specifically listed under 960920, so they are not classified here.
321310 - Artists' pigments
Pigments are usually liquid or paste, requiring brushes; crayons are solid and used directly.
960820 - Felt-tipped pens and other porous-tipped pens
Felt-tipped pens contain ink, while crayons do not contain ink and are solid marking tools.
340700 - Modeling pastes
Modeling paste is used for model making, not writing or drawing; crayons are used for marking.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material wax or gypsum?
✓ Is the use for writing, drawing, or marking?
✓ Does it contain no ink or refill?
✓ Is it distinguished from pencils and pigments?
✓ Is it in retail packaging?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for crayons and chalk? The HS code for crayons and chalk is 960920. This code belongs to Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles, heading 9609 includes pencils, crayons, chalk, etc., and subheading 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk. Note the distinction from 960910 (pencils) and 960990 (other). How to distinguish the HS codes for crayons and pencils? Crayons are classified under 960920, pencils under 960910. The main difference is the material: pencils have graphite or clay lead with a wooden casing; crayons are entirely made of wax and pigments, with no separate lead. When declaring, provide material and use information. What are the considerations for classifying chalk? Chalk is classified under 960920, but the use must be distinguished: teaching chalk and industrial marking chalk are both classified under this code, but may involve different regulatory conditions. When declaring, clarify the use, material (such as gypsum or calcium carbonate), and note whether it is in retail packaging. What are the import tariff rates for crayons and chalk? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and origin. It is recommended to consult the latest Import and Export Tariff or consult customs. Typically, most-favored-nation rates, general rates, and agreement rates need to be determined based on the specific origin. What elements are required when declaring crayons and chalk? Provide product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specification, whether it is retail packaging, etc. Material and use are key, affecting classification and regulatory conditions. Brand must be declared truthfully to avoid infringement. What are the regulatory conditions for crayons and chalk? Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions, but if brand intellectual property is involved, an authorization letter is required. Some countries may have safety requirements for children's products, such as CE certification. It is recommended to check the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs. Can crayons and chalk be classified under other codes? Usually classified under 960920, but if the material is special (such as plastic) or the use is not writing or drawing, it may be classified under other codes. For example, plastic marking pens are classified under 960820, and artists' pigments under 321310. How to query the HS code for crayons and chalk? You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword 'crayon' or 'chalk', and the system will display 960920. Note to verify the product description and classification notes.
Q: What is the HS code for crayons and chalk?
A: The HS code for crayons and chalk is 960920. This code belongs to Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles, heading 9609 includes pencils, crayons, chalk, etc., and subheading 960920 specifically refers to crayons and chalk. Note the distinction from 960910 (pencils) and 960990 (other).
Q: How to distinguish the HS codes for crayons and pencils?
A: Crayons are classified under 960920, pencils under 960910. The main difference is the material: pencils have graphite or clay lead with a wooden casing; crayons are entirely made of wax and pigments, with no separate lead. When declaring, provide material and use information.
Q: What are the considerations for classifying chalk?
A: Chalk is classified under 960920, but the use must be distinguished: teaching chalk and industrial marking chalk are both classified under this code, but may involve different regulatory conditions. When declaring, clarify the use, material (such as gypsum or calcium carbonate), and note whether it is in retail packaging.
Q: What are the import tariff rates for crayons and chalk?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and origin. It is recommended to consult the latest Import and Export Tariff or consult customs. Typically, most-favored-nation rates, general rates, and agreement rates need to be determined based on the specific origin.
Q: What elements are required when declaring crayons and chalk?
A: Provide product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specification, whether it is retail packaging, etc. Material and use are key, affecting classification and regulatory conditions. Brand must be declared truthfully to avoid infringement.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for crayons and chalk?
A: Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions, but if brand intellectual property is involved, an authorization letter is required. Some countries may have safety requirements for children's products, such as CE certification. It is recommended to check the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs.
Q: Can crayons and chalk be classified under other codes?
A: Usually classified under 960920, but if the material is special (such as plastic) or the use is not writing or drawing, it may be classified under other codes. For example, plastic marking pens are classified under 960820, and artists' pigments under 321310.
Q: How to query the HS code for crayons and chalk?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword 'crayon' or 'chalk', and the system will display 960920. Note to verify the product description and classification notes.
⚠️ 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.