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HSChapter 96
U.S. imports of pastels, chalks, and crayons (nesoi) (HS 960990) totaled $6.9M in April 2026, traded with 30 countries.
Importers of Pastels, Chalks, and Crayons (NESOI) paid $729K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $6.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA | $2.7M | $496K | -$2.2M |
| INDONESIA | $1.0M | -- | -$1.0M |
| PHILIPPINES | $637K | -- | -$637K |
| MEXICO | $569K | $30K | -$539K |
| THAILAND | $592K | -- | -$592K |
Supplier Network
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9609908000 | PENCILS AND CRAYONS,ETC,NESOI | $6.9M | 12.16% | $727K |
| 9609904000 | TAILORS' CHALKS | $24K | 16.14% | $2K |
PENCILS AND CRAYONS,ETC,NESOI
TAILORS' CHALKS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9609900000 | PENCILS AND CRAYONS, ETC, NESOI | $1.5M |
PENCILS AND CRAYONS, ETC, NESOI
112.8K 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
FELT TIPPED & OTHER POROUS-TIPPED PENS & MARKERS
HS 960820
VEG MOLDED RESIN ETC CARVING MATERIAL, NESOI
HS 960200
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $1.1M | $971K | -$113K |
| California | $1.6M | $18K | -$1.5M |
| Georgia | $676K | $16K | -$660K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.3M | $14K | -$1.3M |
| NEWARK, NJ | $1.3M | $8K | -$1.3M |
| LONG BEACH, CA | $843K | $14K | -$829K |