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HSChapter 96
U.S. imports of propelling & sliding pencils (mechanical pencils) (HS 960840) totaled $8.6M in July 2026, traded with 20 countries.
Importers of Propelling & Sliding Pencils (Mechanical Pencils) paid $695K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $4.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 2026 dataMechanical pencils — instruments that advance a replaceable graphite lead through a propelling or sliding mechanism rather than requiring sharpening — are split in the US schedule between those with a mechanical action (9608404000) and other types (9608408000). Mexico leads US import supply, a reflection of integrated North American stationery manufacturing, with China and Japan also significant sources. Imports from Mexico may qualify for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA. The heading excludes wooden pencils (Chapter 96 elsewhere) and pen-pencil combinations, which require careful classification when marketed as multi-function instruments.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
507 shipments/mo
The terms are used interchangeably in trade — both refer to instruments that advance a thin graphite lead through a ratchet, twist, or push mechanism. The US tariff line 9608404000 specifically covers those with a mechanical (typically click or ratchet) action, while 9608408000 captures sliding or other non-mechanical advance types. The distinction affects which 10-digit line is declared, so importers should confirm the advance mechanism with their supplier.
Not straightforwardly. A multi-function instrument combining a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil in one barrel is classified according to its essential character or, if that cannot be determined, under the heading that occurs last in numerical order among those that equally merit consideration. In practice, CBP has addressed these on a case-by-case basis, and importers of combination instruments should consider requesting a binding ruling to avoid misclassification.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608408000 | Propelling or Sliding Pencils,NESOI | $6.7M | 5.25% | 42.76% | $354K |
| 9608404000 | Propelling or Sliding Pencils,W Mechanical Action | $1.9M | 18.17% | 100.00% | $341K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9608408000 | Propelling or Sliding Pencils,NESOI | $412K |
| 9608404000 | Propelling or Sliding Pencils,W Mechanical Action | $251K |
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
$8.6MYoY · Pro
Exports
$663KYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Mexico and China together supply 63% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
44.1% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 8.07%.