9609.10.00.00 - Pencils and crayons, with leads encased in a sheath

This HTS classification, 9609.10.00.00, specifically covers pencils and crayons where the drawing or writing core (the "lead") is encased within an outer material. This outer sheath can be made of various substances, most commonly wood, but can also include plastic or other composite materials. The defining characteristic is the presence of this protective or housing layer around the core.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 9609.20 covers only the pencil leads themselves when they are presented separately, not encased. Similarly, 9609.90 encompasses other miscellaneous items within heading 9609 that do not fit the specific definitions of pencils and crayons with encased leads or separate pencil leads, such as pastels, drawing charcoals, and chalks.

As 9609.10.00.00 is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Classification under this heading is therefore determined by whether the item is a pencil or crayon with a lead encased in a sheath. For instance, a standard wooden graphite pencil or a colored pencil with a wax binder encased in wood would fall here. The key is the integrated nature of the lead within its casing, differentiating it from loose leads or other dry drawing/writing implements.