10 newer rulings cite the same tariff codes.
Classification can shift over time. Review the more recent rulings below before relying on this one.
The tariff classification of the “P.S. Private Style Secret Message Pens” (Article #251071) from Hong Kong.
Issued March 1, 2002 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Cite this ruling
Copies to clipboardH8 H88551 (March 1, 2002)
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 9608.10.0000
Headings: 9608
Product description
The product consists of a ball point pen with two cartridges, one of which writes with regular ink and the other with invisible ink. Messages written in invisible ink can be read with the use of the ultraviolet flashlight at the top of the pen. Two pens are packaged in each retail carton.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the P.S. Private Style Secret Message Pens will be 9608.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for ball point pens.
Full text
NY H88551 March 1, 2002 CLA-2-96:RR:NC:SP:221 H88551 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9608.10.0000 Ms. Kerri L. Brode MGA Entertainment 16730 Schoenborn Street North Hills, CA 91343-6122 RE: The tariff classification of the “P.S. Private Style Secret Message Pens” (Article #251071) from Hong Kong. Dear Ms. Brode: In your letter dated February 5, 2002, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample was provided with your letter. The product consists of a ball point pen with two cartridges, one of which writes with regular ink and the other with invisible ink. Messages written in invisible ink can be read with the use of the ultraviolet flashlight at the top of the pen. Two pens are packaged in each retail carton. The applicable subheading for the P.S. Private Style Secret Message Pens will be 9608.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for ball point pens. The rate of duty will be 0.8 cents each plus 5.4 percent ad valorem. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Joan Mazzola at 646-733-3023. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The classification of a direct mail package with a multifunctional pen from China
The tariff classification of a ceramic-handled cup, a ballpoint pen, and a miniature plastic ball from China
The tariff classification of gel pens from China
The tariff classification of a calendar, memo pads, and pen from China
The tariff classification of a Harry Potter collectibles kit from China
The tariff classification of journals and other supplies from Vietnam and China
The tariff classification of gel pens in a pouch from China.
The tariff classification of a stylus-ball point pen from China.
The tariff classification of a Lego gel-ink ball point pen from China.
The tariff classification of book lover’s kits from China
Follow H88551
Get an email if this ruling is revoked or modified, or a newer ruling supersedes it.
One email per day at most. Confirm your address once, unsubscribe anytime.
Searching CBP rulings the smart way
Rulings are precedent. See which ones apply to your product: TariffLens semantically searches all 200,000+ CBP rulings and builds defensible classifications backed by ruling citations.