HS 960810 Ballpoint pens
Quick Answer: Ballpoint pens imported under HS 960810 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.70%, and the US at 0.8¢ each plus 5.4% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically covers pens with a ballpoint mechanism, where ink is delivered through a rotating ball. Importers should be aware that the US tariff includes both a specific duty and an ad valorem component, which can significantly impact landed costs. Free trade agreements may offer preferential duty rates in the US for certain originating countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9608101000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9608109200 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9608100000 | — | — | — |
| 9608109900 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9608100000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 9608101000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 9608109200 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 9608109900 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9608100000 | 0.8¢ each + 5.4% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9608.10?
Imports of Ballpoint pens may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 960810 cover?
This subheading covers ballpoint pens, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are writing instruments that contain a small rotating ball as their point of application, dispensing ink onto the writing surface. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes pens with a ball mechanism, regardless of whether they are refillable or disposable, and irrespective of the ink color or material of the pen body, provided the primary function is writing via a ballpoint mechanism.
What falls outside HS 960810?
The following products are excluded from HS 960810: fountain pens with nibs, felt-tip pens, rollerball pens (which use a different type of ball mechanism and ink system), mechanical pencils, crayons, pastels, and markers. While they are all writing instruments, their distinct mechanisms or ink delivery systems place them in different HS classifications. For instance, felt-tip pens are typically classified under HS 960830, and fountain pens under HS 960839.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960810?
A common error is misclassifying rollerball pens as ballpoint pens. Rollerball pens, while also using a ball mechanism, employ a water-based or gel ink that flows more freely than the viscous ink found in traditional ballpoint pens. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, goods are classified according to the essential character of the product. The distinct ink and ball mechanism of rollerball pens differentiate them from standard ballpoint pens, leading to their classification under a different subheading, often HS 960839.
How should importers classify products under HS 960810?
The correct procedure for classifying ballpoint pens under HS 960810 involves a thorough examination of the product's construction and functionality. Importers and customs brokers should verify that the writing instrument utilizes a small, free-rotating ball at its tip to dispense ink. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the explanatory notes for Chapter 96 is crucial. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from the customs authority is recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960810?
A shipment of 10,000 "Bic Cristal" ballpoint pens, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is $1,500 USD × 5.0% = $75.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTSUS subheading 9608.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960810?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960810, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free treatment for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP benefits, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 960810 (Ballpoint pens)?
Import duty rates for ballpoint pens (HS 960810) vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can be lower or even free. For instance, goods from Australia (AU) may enter duty-free. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list specific rates, which can include ad valorem duties, specific duties (e.g., per item), or a combination. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for ballpoint pens calculated, and can you provide an example?
The calculation method depends on the duty rate structure. If the rate is purely ad valorem (e.g., 2.00%), the duty is a percentage of the declared customs value. If it's a specific duty (e.g., 0.8¢ each), it's a fixed amount per unit. A combination rate (e.g., 0.8¢ each + 5.4% ad valorem) requires both calculations.
Example: A shipment of 10,000 ballpoint pens with a declared customs value of $0.50 per pen, imported into a country with a duty rate of 0.8¢ each + 5.4% ad valorem.
- Specific Duty: 10,000 pens * $0.008/pen = $80.00
- Ad Valorem Duty: (10,000 pens * $0.50/pen) * 5.4% = $5,000.00 * 0.054 = $270.00
- Total Duty: $80.00 + $270.00 = $350.00. Note: Currency conversion and specific valuation rules apply.
What are the key criteria for classifying a pen under HS code 960810 as a 'ballpoint pen'?
According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, HS code 960810 specifically covers 'Ballpoint pens'. The defining characteristic is the presence of a small rotating ball (usually made of metal, like tungsten carbide) held in a socket or tip, which dispenses ink as it rolls over the writing surface. This distinguishes them from other writing instruments like rollerball pens (which use a liquid or gel ink system with a similar ball mechanism but often a different ink formulation and flow) or fountain pens. Pens that do not meet this description, such as felt-tipped pens or markers, would be classified under different subheadings within HS 9608.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for ballpoint pens (HS 960810)?
Many bilateral and regional trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for ballpoint pens. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and various Latin American nations (e.g., Chile - CL, Colombia - CO, Peru - PE), which may offer reduced or zero duty rates for goods originating from those countries, provided they meet the rules of origin. The EU's network of Association Agreements and Economic Partnership Agreements, and the UK's Global Tariff incorporating trade deals, also offer preferential access for originating goods. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required for importing ballpoint pens under HS code 960810?
Standard import documentation for HS 960810 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, description, value, and origin of the pens; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. If preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice, compliant with the specific agreement's requirements, is crucial. Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional declarations regarding product safety or materials might be necessary, although ballpoint pens are typically low-risk items in this regard.