HS Code for Pen and pencil set

A pen and pencil set is classified under HS code 960850. This classification is unique because it specifically addresses sets of articles from two or more of the subheadings within heading 9608. Heading 9608 covers a variety of writing instruments, including ballpoint pens (960810), felt-tipped pens (960820), fountain pens (960830), and mechanical pencils (960840). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 3(b) regarding goods put up in sets for retail sale, products that consist of different components are classified together if they meet specific criteria. However, heading 9608 provides a specific subheading (960850) for these sets, which takes precedence. To qualify for this code, the set must contain at least two different types of instruments from the 9608 subheadings. For example, a box containing one ballpoint pen and one mechanical pencil is a 960850 item. If the set only contained two ballpoint pens, it would be classified under 960810 as a simple quantity of ballpoint pens.

Products Included

• Ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil sets
• Fountain pen and rollerball pen sets
• Felt-tip marker and ballpoint pen combinations
• Sets containing a stylus pen and a mechanical pencil
• Gift sets with multiple types of 9608 writing instruments

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is using the code for a single component, such as 960810 (ballpoint pens) or 960840 (mechanical pencils), for the entire set. This is incorrect if the set contains diverse instruments. Another error involves HS code 960910, which covers pencils with leads encased in a rigid sheath (traditional wooden pencils). If a set contains a wooden pencil and a ballpoint pen, it may not fall under 960850 because wooden pencils are in heading 9609, not 9608. Such mixed sets from different headings are often classified under GRI 3 based on the essential character.

FAQ

What is the HS code for a pen and pencil set?

The HS code for a set containing writing instruments from two or more subheadings of heading 9608 (like a ballpoint and a mechanical pencil) is 960850.

What if the set only contains two ballpoint pens?

If the set contains only one type of instrument, such as two ballpoint pens, it should be classified under the specific code for that instrument (960810) rather than the set code 960850.