Clearance of pencils and ink pens

Clearance of pencils and colored pencils from customs (HS Code + documents and permits)

1) Categories of pencils and colored pencils

Graphite pencils

Graphite pencils are among the most popular and widely used types, used for writing, drawing, drafting, and technical work. These pencils come in various hardness and softness grades, which are used to create different shades and lines in drawing and design. For example, softer pencils are suitable for darker lines, and harder pencils are better for lighter, more precise lines.

Colored pencils

These include wax-based and oil-based colored pencils, produced in a wide range of colors and qualities. Their main use is in visual arts, artistic designs, coloring books, and graphic work. Colored pencils are very popular due to their color variety and ability to blend with other art tools such as pastels and watercolors.

Mechanical (automatic) pencils

These pencils do not need sharpening and use thinner, replaceable leads. Mechanical pencils are mainly used in engineering design, architecture, and drafting and are very suitable for drawing precise and consistent lines.

2) Specialized applications of pencils and colored pencils

Pencils and colored pencils are widely used in several fields, especially in the educational, artistic, and industrial sectors:

• Education: Pencils and colored pencils are the primary tools for writing and drawing in elementary schools, high schools, and even universities. They are essential for early writing education and learning.
• Art sector: In visual arts and artistic design, graphite and colored pencils are the primary tools of professional and amateur artists for creating detailed artworks. Colored pencils are especially useful in drawings that require shading and color blending.
• Industrial and professional sector: Pencils play a vital role in engineering and architectural design. Due to their high precision and no need for sharpening, mechanical pencils are widely used for drawing engineering and architectural plans.

3) Customs tariff and HS Codes for clearance

Pencils and colored pencils fall under code 96091000 based on the Harmonized System (HS Code) for the description and coding of goods. This code relates to stationery, especially pencils and colored pencils. Depending on the type of pencil (graphite, mechanical, or colored), customs tariffs may vary slightly.

Depending on the exact description of mechanical pencils, other subheadings may apply.

4) Factors affecting customs tariffs

• Country of origin: Import tariffs may vary depending on the producing country and the preferential trade tariffs between the importing and exporting countries. For example, imports from countries with which Iran has preferential trade agreements may be subject to reduced tariffs.
• Type of pencil: Imports of specific pencils such as mechanical pencils or those with more advanced leads may have different tariffs.
• Packaging and volume: The import volume and type of packaging can also affect the determination of customs tariffs. Larger packages may be eligible for special discounts.

5) Main exporting and importing countries of pencils and colored pencils

Main exporting countries

• China: China is known as the largest producer of pencils and colored pencils in the world. Many affordable and high-quality colored pencils and graphite pencils are exported from this country worldwide.
• Germany: Leading brands such as Faber-Castell and Staedtler are produced in Germany, offering very high-quality, specialized pencils to the market.
• Japan and South Korea: These countries are also known as advanced producers of mechanical pencils and high-quality graphite pencils.

Main importing countries

• Iran: The Iranian market, especially in stationery and art tools, is a major importer of these products from China and Germany. Reputable German brands like Faber-Castell are very popular in Iran.
• Neighboring countries: Regional countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf states are also main consumers of pencils produced in Iran.

6) Global import and export volume

According to global reports, the production and export of pencils and colored pencils are largely carried out by China and Germany. These countries produce and export millions of units of pencils and colored pencils annually to various countries. On the other hand, Iran is one of the main importers of these products in the region, meeting a significant portion of its domestic demand through imports.

7) Key points in the clearance process

• Providing accurate and complete documents: The most important part of the clearance process is submitting accurate and complete documentation. Documents such as proforma invoice, commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and standard approvals are among the essential documents for clearing these products.
• Quality control tests: Since pencils and colored pencils are mainly used by children and adolescents, compliance with safety and health standards is essential. Some countries may require quality control tests and compliance with health standards.
• Correct customs valuation: To avoid issues in calculating customs duties, it is essential to determine the correct value of the goods and accurately calculate customs tariffs.

8) Required documents for clearing pencils and colored pencils

To clear pencils and colored pencils from customs, a set of documents must be fully prepared and submitted so the clearance process is carried out correctly and in the shortest possible time. These documents include information that must be provided to customs by both the seller (exporter) and the buyer (importer). Below is a list of the most important documents required for clearing pencils and colored pencils:

1. 1. Proforma Invoice
   The proforma invoice is a preliminary document issued by the seller that specifies initial information such as the type of goods, quantity, unit price, transport conditions, delivery time, and payment method. This document forms the basis of the initial agreement between the seller and the buyer.
2. 2. Commercial Invoice
   The commercial invoice is the finalized document issued by the seller after the purchase is confirmed. It includes complete information about the goods such as type, quantity, final price, and transport conditions. The commercial invoice is essential for determining the value of the goods and calculating customs tariffs.
3. 3. Certificate of Origin
   Issued by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country, this certificate indicates the country where the goods were produced. The certificate of origin is particularly important for determining customs tariffs and benefiting from trade preferences between countries.
4. 4. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
   The bill of lading is a document issued by the carrier and includes details of the goods, transport route, and information about the carrier and consignee. It is one of the main documents for clearing goods from customs.
5. 5. Packing List
   The packing list specifies details related to the packaging of the goods. This document includes the number of packages, net and gross weights, and the specifications of each package. Customs uses this list to match the goods with the documents.
6. 6. Customs Declaration
   The customs declaration is prepared by the importer or customs broker and includes detailed information about the goods, their value, and customs tariffs. This document must be submitted to customs to initiate the clearance process.
7. 7. Health and standard permits (if required)
   Because pencils and colored pencils are widely used by children, it may be necessary to obtain health or standard permits from the relevant organizations. These permits indicate the safety and health of the goods.
8. 8. Inspection Certificate
   In some cases, the goods must be inspected by accredited inspection companies to confirm that they comply with the conditions and specifications specified in the contract. This certificate is issued to ensure product quality before import.
9. 9. Order Registration
   Order registration is a process that must be completed before importing goods into Iran through the Trade Promotion Organization and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. This step is one of the legal requirements for the formal import of goods into the country.
10. 10. Commercial Card
    The commercial card is a permit issued for conducting international trade activities, including import and export. Without this card, it is not possible to conduct trade and clear goods from customs.
11. 11. Insurance Policy
    The transport insurance policy covers the goods against possible damages and losses during transportation. This document is essential for ensuring the safety of imported goods, and in the event of an incident or damage, the insurance covers the related costs.
12. 12. Valuation Certificate
    This certificate is issued by the relevant organizations and specifies the real value of the goods. Customs uses this certificate to determine customs duties and charges. Matching the value of the goods with the submitted documents is one of the critical points in the clearance process.

Back to list