Analysis
HTS 9609.90.40 covers other: tailors' chalks under heading 9609 (pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels…).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 25% of the 104 tariff lines in chapter 96 that are also free. Free here means free of the base duty only: origin-specific Chapter 99 duties such as Section 301 can still be owed.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 25% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 25% duty.
The other lines in the same group are 9609.10.00 (pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a sheath, 14¢/gross + 4.3%), 9609.20.20 (not over 1.5 mm in maximum cross-sectional dimension, duty-free), 9609.20.40 (over 1.5 mm in maximum cross-sectional dimension, duty-free) and 9609.90.80 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 339940 (Office Supplies (except Paper) Manufacturing), an industry of 368 US establishments employing 9,961 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9609.10.00 | Pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a sheath | 14¢/gross + 4.3% |
| 9609.20.20 | Not over 1.5 mm in maximum cross-sectional dimension | Free |
| 9609.20.40 | Over 1.5 mm in maximum cross-sectional dimension | Free |
| 9609.90.80 | Other: other | Free |