Pen Storage Case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326903500 | 92.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ Pen Storage Case (Pens, Pencils, and Stationery Holders)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Logistics Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure Itβs Just a "Pen Holder"?
A "Pen Storage Case" is a broad category encompassing containers designed to hold writing instruments, drawing tools, or stationery. In international trade, the classification depends entirely on the primary material and function.
Key Distinctions: * Wooden Cases: Solid wood construction, often for high-end stationery or gifts. * Metal Containers: Steel, aluminum, or copper-based containers (often portable or for tool-like pens). * Plastic Containers: Mass-produced, lightweight, standard stationery organizers.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If made of Wood β Look at Chapter 44
- If made of Base Metal (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) β Look at Chapter 73
- If made of Plastics β Look at Chapter 39
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Concordance)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to different types of Pen Storage Cases:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Category | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
4421.91.98.80 |
Wooden storage boxes, classified as other wooden products | Wood | Specific wooden cases for storage; likely rigid or semi-rigid. |
4421.99.98.80 |
Other wooden products | Wood | Non-specific wooden items; generic wooden holders/cases. |
7326.90.35.00 |
Steel container, fits features of items to be carried on person or in handbags | Steel | Portable, handheld, or pocket-sized metal cases. |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel, other articles | Steel/Aluminum | General metal cases not specifically for handheld use. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic articles, other plastic articles | Plastic | Standard plastic pen holders, organizers, or cases. |
π Focus Reminder:
- The material dictates the HS Code chapter. Do not confuse wooden cases with plastic ones if the packaging contains mixed materials (primary function prevails).
- For metal cases, distinguish between "handheld/portable" (7326.90.35.00) and "general other" (7326.90.86.88).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Includes imports from 2025 onwards (subject to ongoing trade policies)
π― 1. 4421.91.98.80 & 4421.99.98.80 ββ Wooden Pen Storage Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rates exceed threshold benefits) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4421.91.98.80 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Wood products face moderate base tariffs but are heavily impacted by Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surtaxes.
- Total landed duty cost is significant (38.3%). Consider value-added design to justify price margins.
π― 2. 7326.90.35.00 ββ Steel Pen Containers (Handheld/Portable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Steel/Alu/Copper Surtax | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 92.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 92.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.35.00 β Steel/Alu/Copper: 50% β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Critical Warning:
- 92.8% is an extremely high tariff. This is due to the 50% surtax on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper products combined with Section 301 and 122 duties.
- Action: Avoid importing steel pen cases from China if possible. Consider sourcing from Vietnam or Mexico to avoid these surtaxes.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Other Steel/Iron Pen Cases (Non-Handheld)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Steel/Alu/Copper Surtax | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7326.90.86.88 β Steel/Alu/Copper: 50% β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Similar to handheld steel cases, this also incurs the 50% Steel/Alu/Copper surtax.
- Total tax is 87.9%, still prohibitive for low-margin goods.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic Pen Storage Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High enough to negate benefit) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Strategy:
- 22.8% is the most competitive rate among all options.
- Plastic cases are preferred for cost-efficiency in the US market.
- Ensure products are pure plastic or have plastic as the principal material.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (Wood/Metal/Plastic), dimensions, capacity |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the case, interior, and any branding |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Pen Storage Case" and material type (e.g., "Plastic Pen Holder") |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include quantity, gross/net weight |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For origin verification; may affect eligibility for exemptions in non-China origins |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Especially for mixed materials; state primary material clearly |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βMaterial is King, Description is Queen, Hide Nothing, Pay Less!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Case | 4421.91.98.80 / 4421.99.98.80 |
Misclassify as Plastic β Risk of penalty |
| Plastic Case | 3926.90.99.89 |
Misclassify as Metal β 90%+ tariff |
| Metal Case (Handheld) | 7326.90.35.00 |
Misclassify as Wood β 38% vs 92% tax difference |
| Mixed Material Case | Primary material determines HS | Guessing β Customs audit & delays |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Cases | Provide design files and material specs to avoid "generic" classification disputes |
| Gift Sets (Pen + Case) | If case is integral to the gift, classify based on the setβs primary function; if separate, declare separately |
| Metal with Wood Trim | If metal is structural, it may still be classified under Chapter 73 β High Tariff |
| Plastic with Metal Hardware | If plastic is primary, classify under Chapter 39 β Lower Tariff |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
22.8% | FCC (if electronic), CPSIA (if toy-like) | Best option for cost |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.35.00 (Steel) |
92.8% | N/A | Avoid if possible |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
5% | N/A | Low import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.99.89 |
0-6% (varies) | CE, REACH | Competitive |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.99.89 |
5-10% | PSE (if electronic) | Moderate |
π Conclusion:
- Plastic is the most tariff-efficient material for the US market.
- Steel cases face punitive tariffs (87.9%-92.8%).
- Wood cases are moderate (38.3%) but still costly.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Steel case as Plastic
π Consequence: Heavy penalty, back taxes, and potential seizure.
β Error 2: Ignoring the 50% Steel/Alu/Copper Surtax
π Consequence: Unexpected cost increase of 50% on top of base tariffs.
β Error 3: Using vague terms like "Stationery Holder" without material specification
π Consequence: Customs may classify based on worst-case scenario or require additional info, causing delays.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis exemption applies
π Consequence: All listed HS codes have high total tariffs, negating small-package exemptions.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Pen Storage Case, Non-Electronic, For Office Use, Model XYZ"
HS Code:3926.90.99.89
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Plastic 22%, Steel 90%, Wood 38%, Choose Wisely!"
πΉ "Material Matters, Tariff Varies, Declare Accurately, Stay Compliant!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product contains any steel or aluminum components, check if the primary material is still plastic. If yes, you may still qualify for the lower 22.8% rate. Always provide detailed material composition to Customs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide material specs + Apply for Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) if value is high
π Ensure your Pen Storage Cases clear customs smoothly, minimize duties, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Counts!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.