About HS Code 960840
This HS code covers mechanical pencils, also known as propelling or sliding pencils. These instruments use replaceable lead refills that are advanced or retracted by a mechanism, eliminating the need for sharpening. They are widely favored by students, artists, architects, and engineers for their consistent line width, precision, and convenience. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, art and drafting supply stores, and educational institutions. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of writing instruments, often with expertise in precision engineering for the internal mechanisms. Key trade considerations include lead size (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), barrel material, ergonomic design, and features like lead cushioning or rotating mechanisms. The global demand for precision writing and drawing tools drives the trade in these versatile pencils.
Products Under This Code
Mechanical pencils, Propelling pencils, Drafting pencils, Automatic pencils, Clutch pencils, Fine-lead mechanical pencils, Side-click mechanical pencils, Twist-advance mechanical pencils
Real World Examples
Pentel P205, Uni Kuru Toga, Rotring 600, Faber-Castell Grip 2011, Pilot Dr. Grip
Common Misclassification
This code should not be confused with 960910 (pencils, crayons, pencil leads), which covers traditional wood-cased pencils and separate pencil leads. The key is the mechanical, refillable nature of the propelling pencil.
Products Classified Under 9608.40
Industry
This code belongs to the Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, Germany, and Japan are major importers, while Japan, China, and Germany are leading exporters of propelling or sliding pencils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 960840?
HS code 960840 covers: Pencils; propelling or sliding. This HS code covers mechanical pencils, also known as propelling or sliding pencils. These instruments use replaceable lead refills that are advanced or retracted by a mechanism, eliminating the need for sharpening. They are widely favored by students, artists, architects, and engineers for their consistent line width, precision, and convenience. Importers include stationery distributors, office supply retailers, art and drafting supply stores, and educational institutions. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of writing instruments, often with expertise in precision engineering for the internal mechanisms. Key trade considerations include lead size (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm), barrel material, ergonomic design, and features like lead cushioning or rotating mechanisms. The global demand for precision writing and drawing tools drives the trade in these versatile pencils.
What products fall under HS code 960840?
Mechanical pencils, Propelling pencils, Drafting pencils, Automatic pencils, Clutch pencils, Fine-lead mechanical pencils, Side-click mechanical pencils, Twist-advance mechanical pencils
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960840?
This code should not be confused with 960910 (pencils, crayons, pencil leads), which covers traditional wood-cased pencils and separate pencil leads. The key is the mechanical, refillable nature of the propelling pencil.
How is HS code 960840 structured?
HS code 960840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.