Poplar Wood Pencil Slats
Economical poplar wood slats with precise V-grooves for mass-market pencil production. Classified under HTS 4421.91.98.20 as pencil slats made from temperate hardwood. Supplied in standard lengths of 197mm for international pencil manufacturers.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐จ๐ณChina | 3.3% | +37.5% | 40.8% |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝMexico | 3.3% | +10.0% | 13.3% |
| ๐จ๐ฆCanada | 3.3% | +10.0% | 13.3% |
| ๐ฉ๐ชGermany | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| ๐ฏ๐ตJapan | Free | +12.5% | 12.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as veneer sheets before slat cutting
Veneer sheets of thickness โค6mm classify under heading 4408 before pencil slat processing.
If used for match splints instead of pencils
Match splints have separate statistical reporting under other wood articles.
If considered pencil leads or cores
Pencil leads/cores separate from wooden slats under Chapter 96.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code โ and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
โข Batch testing for moisture content (under 12%) prevents classification disputes
โข Clear labeling as 'pencil slats only - not finished pencils' avoids reclassification
โข Origin certificates crucial for preferential duty treatment under trade agreements
Related Products under HTS 4421.91.98.20
Cedar Pencil Slats
Thin wooden slats made from cedar wood, grooved on both sides to hold graphite leads for pencil manufacturing. These classify under HTS 4421.91.98.20 as other articles of bamboo or wood specifically designed as pencil slats. They are unfinished components essential for producing wooden pencils.
Basswood Pencil Slats
High-quality basswood slats precision-cut and grooved for premium pencil production. Basswood's fine grain makes it ideal for smooth pencil casings under HTS 4421.91.98.20. These are exported in bundles of 25 slats per pencil set.
Bamboo Pencil Slats
Sustainable bamboo slats grooved for eco-friendly pencil production, specifically classified under the bamboo subheading of HTS 4421.91.98.20. Bamboo's rapid renewability makes these popular for green stationery manufacturing.
Jumbo Pencil Slats
Oversized slats for jumbo or carpenter pencils, still meeting HTS 4421.91.98.20 pencil slat criteria. Wider dimensions (12mm width) accommodate thick graphite cores for marking applications. Used in construction and art pencil production.
Pre-Grooved Linden Pencil Slats
Linden wood slats with factory-pre-grooved channels for automated pencil production lines. HTS 4421.91.98.20 classification due to specific pencil-making design. Lightweight and defect-free for high-volume manufacturing.