HS Code Subheading

Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk

9609.90 Subheading
Section XX — Miscellaneous manufactured articles

About HS Code 960990

This HS code encompasses a variety of non-encased drawing and marking materials, including pastels (soft and oil), drawing charcoals, and various types of chalks for writing or drawing, as well as tailor's chalk. These products are essential tools for artists, educators, and specific trades, offering diverse textures and effects for creative and practical applications. International trade sees these items moving from specialized manufacturers to art supply stores, educational distributors, and industrial suppliers worldwide. Importers include art retailers, schools, and textile industry suppliers, while exporters are often companies with expertise in pigment formulation and binder technology. Key aspects include pigment quality, binder consistency, and non-toxic formulations, particularly for educational and artistic use. The versatility of these materials makes them a staple in many creative and professional fields.

Products Under This Code

Soft pastels, oil pastels, pastel pencils (lead only), compressed charcoal sticks, vine charcoal, blackboard chalk, sidewalk chalk, tailor's chalk

Real World Examples

Sennelier Soft Pastels, Faber-Castell Polychromos Pastels, Nitram Academie Fusains charcoal, Crayola Sidewalk Chalk, Dritz Tailor's Chalk

Common Misclassification

This code should not be confused with encased crayons (9609.10) or pencil leads (9609.20) which are typically thinner and designed for mechanical pencils. It also differs from artists' colors in tubes or pans (3213.10).

Products Classified Under 9609.90

Industry

This code belongs to the Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles industry.

Trade Overview

France, Germany, and China are significant producers and traders of pastels, charcoals, and various chalks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 960990?

HS code 960990 covers: Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk. This HS code encompasses a variety of non-encased drawing and marking materials, including pastels (soft and oil), drawing charcoals, and various types of chalks for writing or drawing, as well as tailor's chalk. These products are essential tools for artists, educators, and specific trades, offering diverse textures and effects for creative and practical applications. International trade sees these items moving from specialized manufacturers to art supply stores, educational distributors, and industrial suppliers worldwide. Importers include art retailers, schools, and textile industry suppliers, while exporters are often companies with expertise in pigment formulation and binder technology. Key aspects include pigment quality, binder consistency, and non-toxic formulations, particularly for educational and artistic use. The versatility of these materials makes them a staple in many creative and professional fields.

What products fall under HS code 960990?

Soft pastels, oil pastels, pastel pencils (lead only), compressed charcoal sticks, vine charcoal, blackboard chalk, sidewalk chalk, tailor's chalk

What are common misclassifications for HS code 960990?

This code should not be confused with encased crayons (9609.10) or pencil leads (9609.20) which are typically thinner and designed for mechanical pencils. It also differs from artists' colors in tubes or pans (3213.10).

How is HS code 960990 structured?

HS code 960990 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.