9609 - Pencils (other than those pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks:

Heading 9609 encompasses a variety of writing and drawing instruments, specifically those that do not fall under the broader category of pens and markers found in heading 9608. This includes traditional pencils with graphite or colored leads encased in wood or other materials, as well as crayons, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing chalks, drawing chalks, and tailors' chalks. The unifying characteristic is their intended use for marking, drawing, or writing without a liquid ink delivery system.

Unlike sibling categories which cover a vast array of miscellaneous manufactured articles, such as live animals (Chapter 01), live animals, or other non-writing implements, heading 9609 is precisely focused on these dry marking and drawing tools. The key differentiator from heading 9608, for instance, is the absence of a pen mechanism for dispensing liquid ink.

Within heading 9609, further distinctions are made to facilitate specific classification. Subheading 9609.10.00.00 specifically addresses pencils and crayons where the lead is enclosed within a sheath, distinguishing them from loose leads. Subheading 9609.20.00 is dedicated to pencil leads themselves, whether black or colored, before they are incorporated into a pencil. The remaining items, such as pastels, charcoals, and chalks, are classified under the residual subheading 9609.90.