HSChapter 96
U.S. imports of sets of pens and pencils (HS 960850) totaled $18K in April 2026, traded with 4 countries.
Sets of Pens and Pencils imports of $18K in April 2026 ran 69% below the year-to-date monthly average of $57K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataAssembled sets combining two or more writing instruments — such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, or mechanical pencils — are classified together under a single tariff line (9608500000) rather than by individual pen type. Mexico leads US supply of these sets, followed by China and Germany, reflecting both mass-market production and premium gift-set sourcing. Importers should note that the set classification applies only when the articles span subheadings 9608.10 through 9608.40; mixed sets that fall outside that range may require reclassification. Section 301 tariff exposure applies to sets sourced from China.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Classification as a set requires that the articles consist of two or more items classifiable across subheadings 9608.10 through 9608.40 (e.g., a ballpoint pen paired with a mechanical pencil), presented together in retail packaging. If the combination falls outside that range — for example, including a marker or highlighter — the set classification may not apply and each item could be classified separately.
Yes. Imports of pen and pencil sets originating in China are subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importers should verify the current applicable list and rate with a licensed customs broker, as Section 301 coverage and rates can change.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | $33K | +$33K |
| CANADA | -- | $10K | +$10K |
| GERMANY | $10K | -- | -$10K |
| BAHAMAS | -- | $9K | +$9K |
| MEXICO | $5K | -- | -$5K |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608500000 | SETS OF ART FRM TWO OR MORE SUBHD 9608.10--9608.40 | $18K | 11.31% | $2K |
SETS OF ART FRM TWO OR MORE SUBHD 9608.10--9608.40
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9608500000 | SETS OF ART FRM TWO OR MORE SUBHD 9608.10--9608.40 | $56K |
SETS OF ART FRM TWO OR MORE SUBHD 9608.10--9608.40
2.0K no
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $3K | $38K | +$35K |
| Unidentified | -- | $10K | +$10K |
| Texas | $10K | -- | -$10K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | -- | $33K | +$33K |
| LOW VALUE | -- | $10K | +$10K |
| PORT HURON, MI | $10K | -- | -$10K |