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Updated September 19, 2026

What is the HTS code for a pen holder?

HTS code

4202.32.2000

CBP classified a pen holder made of polyurethane plastic sheeting under HTS 4202.32.2000 in ruling N333743. That line covers articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag with an outer surface of plastic sheeting. The holder stores and carries pens, pencils and other writing instruments.

  • Made in China
  • CBP ruling N333743
  • July 24, 2023
  • Current
Today's duty from China

The Product

  • Made of polyurethane (PU) plastic sheeting that isn't reinforced.
  • Stores, protects, carries and organizes pencils, pens and other writing instruments.
  • One open slot on the front, with an elastic band that wraps around notebooks.

CBP's Ruling

ItemHTS codeCBP's description of the line
Pen holderHTS 4202.32.2000articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of plastic sheeting, other

Explanation

Heading 4202 names wallets, purses and similar containers of sheeting of plastics. CBP placed the pen holder on the line for articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with an outer surface of plastic sheeting, other. The holder is made of polyurethane plastic sheeting that isn't reinforced, and it stores and carries pens, pencils and other writing instruments.

Does this apply to your product?

It likely does if you can answer yes to each of these:

  • Is it a holder for pens, pencils or other writing instruments?
  • Is the outer surface plastic sheeting?
  • Is it the kind of article normally carried in a pocket or handbag?

A no to any of them can mean a different code. A licensed broker can classify your product.

The code today

HTS codeIn today's scheduleWhere it sitsToday's duty
4202.32.2000✓ Still in the scheduleHeading 4202 › With outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materialsToday's duty from China 

Checked against today's tariff schedule. The duty calculator opens with the code and country filled in.

Related rulings

C87661, a lipstick holder, and C87737, a coupon holder, are on the same line. N337421 (a card holder), N308106 (an identification holder), F89428 (a coupon holder), A80206 and A85182 (lipstick holders) and G87354 (a wallet, key holder and pen) are other rulings that cite the same subheading.

  • N337421January 30, 2024Card holder from China4202.32.1000
  • N308106December 17, 2019Identification holder from China4202.32.1000
  • G87354March 1, 2001Wallet, key holder, and pen from China4202.32.1000, 7326.20.0050, 9608.10.0000
  • C87661May 27, 1998Lipstick holder from China4202.32.2000
  • C87737May 26, 1998Coupon Holder from China4202.32.2000
  • A80206February 15, 1996Lipstick holder from China4202.32.9550
  • A85182July 10, 1996Lipstick holder from China4202.32.9550
  • F89428July 27, 2000Coupon holder from China4202.32.1000
Read CBP's full ruling N333743 The letter as CBP published it, on rulings.cbp.gov

Borderless, a licensed U.S. customs brokerage, summarized CBP ruling N333743 in plain English and checked its codes against the letter and today's tariff schedule. A ruling applies only to goods that match its facts; our terms explain the rest. Terms