Find HS Code and trade information for signature pen

Signature Pen

A signature pen is a writing instrument designed for creating clear, permanent marks, typically used for signing documents, letters, and other important papers. While often used interchangeably with ballpoint pens, fountain pens, and gel pens, signature pens are specifically formulated to produce writing that is less prone to fading or alteration, and often feature inks with archival qualities.

Material

• Barrel: Commonly constructed from plastic, metal (stainless steel, brass, aluminum), or wood. Metal barrels provide a more premium feel and increased durability.
• Ink: The core component. Signature pen inks are typically pigment-based, offering greater resistance to water, light, and chemical degradation compared to dye-based inks. Formulations vary widely (see "Common Types" below).
• Tip: Usually a ballpoint, rollerball, or felt tip, depending on the pen type.
• Internal Components: Internal mechanisms vary depending on the pen type, including reservoirs, feed systems, and sometimes pressurized cartridges.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a signature pen is to create a legally binding or officially recognized mark. This includes:

• Legal Documents: Contracts, wills, deeds, and other legally significant paperwork.
• Official Records: Government forms, certificates, and identification documents.
• Important Correspondence: Letters requiring a formal signature.
• Collectible Items: Autographs and memorabilia.

Function

Signature pens function by depositing ink onto a writing surface through a controlled mechanism. The key features contributing to their function include:

• Ink Flow Control: Ensuring a consistent and controlled ink release to prevent smudging, bleeding, or skipping.
• Quick-Drying Ink: Minimizing the risk of smearing or blurring, especially important for immediate handling of signed documents.
• Permanent Ink: Resisting fading, water damage, and alteration.
• Smooth Writing Experience: Providing a comfortable and consistent writing feel.

Usage Scenarios

• Office Environments: For signing contracts, approvals, and official correspondence.
• Legal Professions: Essential for lawyers, notaries, and paralegals.
• Financial Institutions: Used for signing checks, loan agreements, and other financial documents.
• Personal Use: Signing important letters, documents, and collectibles.
• Retail Settings: Customer signatures for purchases and agreements.

Common Types

• Ballpoint Signature Pens: Utilize a small rotating ball to dispense ink. Durable, reliable, and widely available. Often use oil-based inks.
• Rollerball Signature Pens: Employ a rolling ball to dispense water-based or gel-based inks, providing a smoother writing experience. Ink tends to flow more freely than ballpoint pens.
• Gel Signature Pens: Use gel-based inks, offering vibrant colors and a very smooth writing experience. May require more time to dry than ballpoint pens.
• Fountain Pens: Utilize a nib and a reservoir of liquid ink. Offer a unique writing experience and are often favored for their aesthetic qualities. Require regular maintenance and cleaning.
• Capillary Action Pens: Rely on capillary action to draw ink from a reservoir to the tip. Often feature quick-drying inks and a consistent flow.
• Security Pens: Incorporate features like UV-visible ink, disappearing ink, or tamper-evident seals to prevent forgery or alteration.

Signature pens fall under the category of writing instruments, specifically those utilizing ballpoint mechanisms, felt tips, porous tips, or fountain pen technology. These pens are commonly used for handwriting, signing documents, and general writing purposes.

The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided information:

• 9608300039: This HS code covers ball point pens, felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers, fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609. Specifically, it applies to fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens. The tariff details include a base duty of 0.4¢ each, plus 2.7%, with an additional 7.5% surtax. After April 2, 2025, the surtax increases to 30%, resulting in a total tariff of 0.4¢ each + 2.7% + 37.5%.
• 9608910000: This HS code also covers ball point pens, felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers, fountain pens, stylograph pens and other pens; duplicating styli; propelling or sliding pencils (for example, mechanical pencils); pen-holders, pencil-holders and similar holders; parts (including caps and clips) of the foregoing articles, other than those of heading 9609, but specifically for pen nibs and nib points. The tariff details include a 7.5% surtax, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, for a total tariff of 37.5%.

It is important to note that the applicable tariff for HS code 9608300039 includes a base duty of 0.4¢ per pen, in addition to the percentage-based tariffs.