Find HS Code and trade information for marker

Marker

A marker, also known as a felt-tip pen, permanent marker, or highlighters (depending on ink type), is a writing and drawing tool. It consists of a porous tip (usually made of felt or synthetic fibers) encased in a durable casing, saturated with ink.

Material:

• Casing: Typically plastic (polypropylene) or metal.
• Tip: Historically made of felt, now commonly synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon for increased durability and controlled ink flow.
• Ink: The composition varies significantly depending on the marker type (see below). Common bases include water-based, alcohol-based, and solvent-based formulations, often incorporating dyes or pigments for color.

Purpose:

Markers are used for a wide range of applications, primarily for:

• Writing: General note-taking, labeling, signing documents.
• Drawing & Illustration: Artistic creation, sketching, technical drawings.
• Highlighting: Emphasizing text in documents.
• Coloring: Children's art, adult coloring books.
• Industrial Marking: Identifying components, coding, and labeling in manufacturing.

Function:

Markers function by capillary action. Ink is drawn from a reservoir through the porous tip and onto the writing surface. The tip’s material and shape control the ink flow and line width. Different ink formulations offer varying degrees of permanence, water resistance, and opacity.

Usage Scenarios:

• Office/School: Note-taking, highlighting, presentations, labeling files.
• Art & Design: Illustration, sketching, calligraphy, manga art, graphic design.
• Home Use: Labeling storage containers, crafting, children’s activities.
• Industrial/Commercial: Product labeling, inventory management, safety markings, coding.
• Outdoor/Construction: Marking materials for cutting or assembly (permanent markers).

Common Types:

• Permanent Markers: Utilize solvent-based inks that create a lasting, water-resistant mark on most surfaces. Often used for labeling, industrial applications, and surfaces where durability is needed. Brands include Sharpie.
• Dry-Erase Markers: Contain inks that can be easily wiped away from non-porous surfaces like whiteboards.
• Washable Markers: Formulated with water-based inks that are easily removed from skin and most fabrics. Commonly used by children.
• Highlighters: Transparent, fluorescent inks used to emphasize text without obscuring it. Available in various colors.
• Alcohol-Based Markers: Known for their vibrant colors, blending capabilities, and quick drying time. Popular with artists and designers (e.g., Copic, Prismacolor).
• Paint Markers: Contain opaque paint for marking on a wider range of surfaces, including glass, metal, and plastic.
• Fabric Markers: Specifically designed to create permanent marks on fabrics.
• Chalk Markers: Provide a chalk-like effect on non-porous surfaces, easily wiped away.

Markers fall under the category of writing or drawing instruments. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 9608200000: This HS code covers ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers; fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens. Specifically, it includes felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers.
  • 96: Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles.
  • 08: Heading 08 within Chapter 96 specifically covers pens, felt tipped pens, markers, fountain pens, and stylograph pens.
  • 200000: This further specifies felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 4.0%, an additional tariff of 7.5%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 41.5%.

Regarding HS code 9608200000, please note that it covers a range of pen types, including felt-tipped and porous-tipped markers. It is important to ensure accurate classification based on the specific type of marker being imported.