9609.20 - Pencil leads, black or colored:

HTS code 9609.20 specifically encompasses pencil leads, regardless of whether they are black or colored. This category is distinct from its sibling, 9609.10, which covers complete pencils and crayons where the lead is encased in a sheath. While 9609.10 deals with the finished writing instrument, 9609.20 focuses solely on the refillable core material.

The subclassification within 9609.20 hinges on a critical physical characteristic: the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the lead. This distinction is essential for customs purposes and reflects differences in manufacturing and intended use.

The two subcategories, 9609.20.20 and 9609.20.40, differentiate based on whether the lead's maximum cross-sectional dimension is not over 1.5 mm or over 1.5 mm, respectively. This granular division allows for precise classification of various types of pencil leads, from fine-point mechanical pencil leads to thicker leads used in carpenter's pencils or artistic sketching.