SITCSection 8
U.S. imports of ballpoint pens, fountain pens, felt-tip markers & propelling pencils (SITC 89521) totaled $86.6M in April 2026, traded with 47 countries.
Importers of Ballpoint Pens, Fountain Pens, Felt-Tip Markers & Propelling Pencils paid $10.1M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 18% on $56.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataWriting instruments — including ballpoint pens, felt-tipped and porous-tipped markers, fountain pens, stylographs, and propelling (mechanical) pencils — represent one of the most globally traded stationery categories, with China a dominant manufacturing source and Section 301 tariffs a persistent landed-cost factor for US importers. Classification within this heading turns on the ink-delivery mechanism: ballpoint (viscous ink on a rotating ball), felt or porous tip (capillary flow), or pressurized reservoir (fountain and stylograph). Luxury writing instruments — particularly fountain pens with precious-metal nibs or bodies — may carry significantly higher customs values and warrant careful valuation documentation.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Multi-function instruments are generally classified according to their principal function. A pen that also incorporates a touchscreen stylus tip would typically be classified as a pen if writing is the primary marketed function. When functions are genuinely equal, classification follows the heading that appears last in numerical order among those applicable. Detailed product specifications and marketing materials help support the classification position.
Customs value must reflect the transaction value of the complete pen as imported, including any precious-metal nib, cap, or barrel. If the pen is sold as part of a gift set with a case or accessories, the value of the entire set must be declared unless the components are separately classified and invoiced. Importers of high-value writing instruments should ensure commercial invoices itemize unit values accurately to avoid undervaluation findings.
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Monthly import values over time