HSChapter 96
U.S. imports of felt-tipped & other porous-tipped pens and markers (HS 960820) totaled $34.8M in April 2026, traded with 32 countries.
Importers of Felt-Tipped & Other Porous-Tipped Pens and Markers paid $2.9M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $17.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFelt-tip and porous-tip markers — including permanent markers, dry-erase markers, highlighters, and art markers — are captured under a single US tariff line (9608200000) defined by their porous nib rather than by ink color or end use. China and Mexico are the leading suppliers, with Mexico's proximity enabling efficient replenishment for US retail and office-supply chains. The breadth of this heading means that a fine-point art marker and a broad-tip industrial paint marker may share the same classification, making accurate product description on commercial invoices important for CBP review.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Generally yes, if the delivery mechanism is a porous or felt tip — the heading covers porous-tipped instruments regardless of whether the medium is dye-based ink, pigment ink, or paint. However, if a 'paint marker' is essentially a pressurized paint applicator with a valve-action tip rather than a porous nib, it may be more appropriately classified elsewhere. The physical construction of the tip is the determining factor.
CBP expects commercial invoices to itemize distinct product lines separately, with unit prices reflecting the actual transaction value for each SKU. For mixed shipments, a packing list that correlates item numbers to invoice lines — along with catalog or specification sheets showing the grade distinction — reduces the risk of a single blended value being applied across products with very different market prices.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608200000 | FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS | $34.8M | 16.61% | $2.9M |
FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9608200000 | FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS | $21.1M |
FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS
1.2M 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
BALL POINT PENS
HS 960810
VEG MOLDED RESIN ETC CARVING MATERIAL, NESOI
HS 960200
TOOTH BRUSHES, INCLUDING DENTAL-PLATE BRUSHES
HS 960321
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $17.6M | $99K | -$17.5M |
| Tennessee | $444K | $15.4M | +$15.0M |
| California | $3.8M | $844K | -$3.0M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALEXICO-EAST, CA | $15.4M | $10.2M | -$5.3M |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $4.5M | $78K | -$4.5M |
| LAREDO, TX | $1.4M | $2.5M | +$1.1M |