Find HS Code and trade information for highlighter

Highlighter

A highlighter is a marker pen used to draw attention to text. It functions by applying a transparent or translucent fluorescent color to the text, without obscuring it.

Material

• Housing: Typically constructed from plastic, often polypropylene.
• Ink: Based on a dye dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol-based. Fluorescent dyes are used to create the bright colors. Water-based highlighters also exist.
• Tip: Made from porous materials such as polyester or nylon fibers. Tip size varies to control line width.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a highlighter is to emphasize key words, phrases, or sections of text for easier recall and review. This is common in educational settings, legal document review, and general reading comprehension.

Function

Highlighters work by depositing a colored dye onto the surface of the paper. The dye absorbs light in the visible spectrum and re-emits it at a longer wavelength, creating a fluorescent effect. This makes the highlighted text stand out. The transparency of the ink allows the underlying text to remain legible.

Usage Scenarios

• Students: Highlighting textbooks, notes, and study materials.
• Professionals: Reviewing legal documents, contracts, reports, and articles.
• General Reading: Marking important passages in books and articles.
• Color-coding: Using different colors to categorize information.

Common Types

• Chisel Tip: Offers both broad and narrow lines, versatile for various highlighting needs.
• Fine Tip: Provides precise highlighting for detailed work and smaller text.
• Broad Tip: Covers larger areas quickly, suitable for large blocks of text.
• Gel Highlighters: Offer smoother application and vibrant colors, less prone to bleeding.
• Neon Highlighters: Utilize bright, highly visible fluorescent colors.
• Pastel Highlighters: Offer softer, less intense colors, often preferred for aesthetic reasons.
• Dryline Highlighters: Designed to minimize bleeding and smudging.
• Tri-Color Highlighters: Feature three different colors in a single pen.

The declared goods are described as “highlighter”. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes may be relevant:

• 3707906000: This HS code falls under Chapter 37, which covers photographic or cinematographic goods. Specifically, it relates to chemical preparations for photographic uses (excluding varnishes, glues, adhesives, and similar preparations) and unmixed products for photographic uses put up in measured portions or for retail sale in a form ready for use. The subheading 906000 specifies “Other” unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or for retail sale in a form ready for use. This could apply if the highlighter contains chemicals used in photographic processes. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

• 8539293020: This HS code is categorized under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. It specifically relates to electrical filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultraviolet or infrared lamps; arc lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) light sources; parts thereof. The subheading 293020 refers to “Other filament lamps, excluding ultraviolet or infrared lamps” designed for a voltage not exceeding 100 V, specifically lamps having glass envelopes not over 6.35 mm in maximum diameter and suitable for use in cystoscopes and other surgical instruments. If the highlighter utilizes a small filament lamp, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 37.5%, consisting of a 0.0% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

• 8539520091: This HS code also falls under Chapter 85, covering electrical machinery and equipment. It specifically relates to light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, with the subheading 520091 referring to “Other” LED lamps. If the highlighter utilizes LED technology, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 32.0%, comprised of a 2.0% base tariff and a 0.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'highlighter' are limited, with only the following 3 found.