9608 - 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:

Heading 9608 encompasses a broad range of common writing and drawing instruments designed for marking surfaces. This category specifically includes ballpoint pens, which utilize a rolling ball mechanism to dispense ink, as well as felt-tipped and other porous-tipped pens and markers, characterized by their absorbent tips that deliver ink through capillary action. Fountain pens and stylograph pens, relying on nibs and reservoirs for ink delivery, along with other types of pens not otherwise specified, also fall under this heading. The category further extends to include duplicating styli and various forms of propelling or sliding pencils, commonly known as mechanical pencils, where the lead is advanced by a mechanical mechanism. Holders for pens and pencils, as well as essential parts such as caps and clips for these articles (excluding those classified under heading 9609), are also covered.

When classifying within the HTS, it is crucial to distinguish heading 9608 from its siblings, which cover entirely different product groups. For instance, other headings in Chapter 96 address items like lighters, matches, writing inks, typewriters, and various household or industrial brushes. Heading 9608's focus is exclusively on the instruments used for writing, marking, and drawing, and their associated components. The material composition of the pens, markers, and pencils is generally not the primary determinant for classification under this heading, but rather their function and mechanism of operation.

To further refine classification, heading 9608 is divided into several subheadings. These subheadings differentiate based on the specific type of writing instrument, such as ballpoint pens (9608.10), porous-tipped pens and markers (9608.20), and fountain pens and other pens (9608.30). Propelling or sliding pencils are grouped under subheading 9608.40. Additionally, specific subheadings address sets containing two or more of these distinct writing instruments (9608.50) and refills for ballpoint pens (9608.60). The "Other" category is reserved for items not specifically enumerated within the preceding subheadings but still falling within the general scope of heading 9608.