U.S. imports of Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI) (HS 960990) totaled $5.6M in August 2026, imported from 37 countries.
Importers of Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI) paid $608K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.81% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI) imports of $5.6M in August 2026 ran 13% below the year-to-date monthly average of $6.5M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataWriting and drawing chalks, pastels, wax crayons without a rigid sheath, and similar marking articles that do not fit the encased-lead or pencil-lead categories are captured here, including the specialized niche of tailors' chalks (9609904000). China is the leading supplier across this residual category, with Mexico and Indonesia also significant sources. The tailors' chalk line is notable for its industrial end-use in garment manufacturing, where fabric-marking precision and chalk removability are key procurement specifications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
500 import shipments a month
Tailors' chalk is a flat, wedge-shaped marking tool made from compressed talc or similar minerals, designed specifically to make temporary marks on fabric that can be brushed or washed away. Its dedicated tariff line (9609904000) reflects this distinct industrial use. Ordinary blackboard or writing chalk, by contrast, is typically calcium carbonate-based and falls under 9609908000 or 9609900000.
Oil pastels in stick form intended for drawing or artistic use are generally classified under 9609.90 as crayons or pastels. Artists' paints in Chapter 32 typically refer to liquid or paste preparations in tubes or pots. However, the line can be fact-specific; importers with high-value or high-volume oil pastel shipments should consider requesting a CBP binding ruling to confirm classification.
Subheading 2 of 3 in heading 9609
Subheading 960990 · $5.6M of $13.9M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 960990 — Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI), so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9609908000 | Pencils and Crayons, Etc, NESOI | $5.6M | 10.77% | 73.31% | $600K |
| 9609904000 | Tailors' Chalks | $55K | 15.26% | 80.64% | $8K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9609900000 | Pencils and Crayons, Etc, NESOI | $1.3M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$5.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.3MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $70.8M of Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI) and exported $16.7M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Mexico together supply 60% of it. China pays 15.1% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
26.1% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 10.81% of imports for consumption.