HS Code for Drawing charcoal

Drawing charcoal is classified under HS code 9609.90, which encompasses pastels, drawing charcoals, and writing or drawing chalks. This classification is part of Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. The specific subheading 9609.90 is used for items that are not encased in a rigid sheath (unlike pencils, which fall under 9609.10). Drawing charcoal is typically produced by the carbonization of wood (such as willow or vine) in a kiln without oxygen. For customs purposes, it is the intended use as an artistic medium that defines its placement in 9609 rather than Chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood). The distinction is critical because 9609.90 items are finished consumer goods for the arts, whereas other forms of charcoal are industrial or fuel products. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the charcoal is in its natural twig form (vine charcoal) or has been ground and compressed into sticks.

Products Included

• Willow drawing charcoal sticks
• Compressed charcoal for artists
• Vine charcoal twigs
• Charcoal pastels
• Artist-grade carbon sticks

Common Misclassification

Drawing charcoal is frequently confused with 4402.90, which is for wood charcoal used as fuel. The key difference is the quality and intended use; 9609.90 is for artistic drawing. It is also sometimes misclassified under 9609.10 if it is in pencil form, but 9609.90 is specifically for the sticks or chalks themselves.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Drawing charcoal?

The HS code for drawing charcoal sticks and pastels is 9609.90.

Is charcoal in a wooden pencil classified here?

No, charcoal leads encased in wood are classified as pencils under HS code 9609.10.