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HSChapter 96
U.S. imports of ballpoint pens (HS 960810) totaled $36.6M in April 2026, traded with 32 countries.
Importers of Ballpoint Pens paid $5.9M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 21% on $28.4M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataBallpoint pens — defined by their oil-based ink delivered through a rotating metal ball tip — are classified under a single US tariff line (9608100000) and represent one of the highest-volume writing instrument categories in global trade. China is the dominant supplier by a wide margin, with Japan a significant source of higher-specification and premium product. Importers sourcing from China should account for Section 301 tariff exposure when modeling landed costs. Unit value varies enormously within this heading, from commodity promotional pens to precision-engineered instruments, making accurate valuation documentation important at entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The key distinction is ink type and delivery mechanism. A ballpoint pen uses viscous, oil-based ink fed by gravity and capillary action through a tungsten carbide or steel ball. A rollerball pen uses water-based or gel ink with a freer-flowing delivery. Rollerballs are generally classified under the 'other pens' provisions of 9608.30 rather than 9608.10. Importers of combination or hybrid instruments should review the dominant ink and tip characteristics to determine the correct heading.
No — classification under 9608.10 is based on the writing mechanism (oil-based ink, rotating ball tip), not on price point or brand. A luxury branded ballpoint and a commodity promotional pen are classified identically. However, value does affect customs valuation and may trigger additional scrutiny if declared values appear inconsistent with market norms for the product tier.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608100000 | BALL POINT PENS | $36.6M | 20.68% | $5.9M |
BALL POINT PENS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9608100000 | BALL POINT PENS | $10.6M |
BALL POINT PENS
291.0K grs
SANITARY PADS, TAMPONS, DIAPERS, DIAPER LINERS ETC
HS 961900
VACUUM FLASKS, OTH VACUUM VESSELS, COMPLETE; PARTS
HS 961700
HAND-OPERATED MECHANICAL FLOOR SWEEPER ETC, NESOI
HS 960390
FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS
HS 960820
VEG MOLDED RESIN ETC CARVING MATERIAL, NESOI
HS 960200
TOOTH BRUSHES, INCLUDING DENTAL-PLATE BRUSHES
HS 960321
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAVANNAH, GA | $12.8M | $306K | -$12.5M |
| LAREDO, TX | $3.6M | $2.0M | -$1.6M |
| CALEXICO-EAST, CA | $3.6M | $1.5M | -$2.1M |