HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9017.20 – Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments
HS code 9017.20 is the 6-digit subheading for drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments. It is used for compasses, dividers, protractors, set squares and rulers (precision).
What HS 9017.20 covers
This HS code covers a broad range of instruments used for drawing, marking-out, and mathematical calculations, serving professionals and students across various disciplines. It includes both traditional manual tools and more advanced instruments, excluding complex electronic calculators which fall under different headings. This category is crucial for education, architecture, engineering, and various trades where precision layout and measurement are required. Importers and exporters include stationery suppliers, educational material distributors, and specialized tool manufacturers. The trade in these instruments is driven by educational demand, the growth of technical professions, and the need for accurate manual tools in workshops and design studios. Key considerations involve material quality, precision of measurement, and ergonomic design. Despite the rise of digital tools, these instruments remain indispensable for foundational learning and specific practical applications globally.
- Covers
- Compasses
- Dividers
- Protractors
- Set squares
- Rulers (precision)
- French curves
- Drawing templates
- Slide rules
- Examples
- Staedtler Mars Professional Compass
- Faber-Castell Protractor
- Helix Oxford Maths Set
- Alvin Drafting Templates
- Pickett Slide Rule
Codes often confused with 9017.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 901780 (other mathematical instruments) for items not explicitly listed, or with 901730 (micrometers, callipers) if the instrument is primarily for precise dimensional measurement rather than drawing or general calculation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901720 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $171M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $163M 34% of world exports
- 3 Germany $44M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $485M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $57M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$31M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $31M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $402M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 9017.20
Brazil does not split HS 9017.20: its NCM code is 9017.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9017.20
What is HS code 901720?
HS code 901720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments. This HS code covers a broad range of instruments used for drawing, marking-out, and mathematical calculations, serving professionals and students across various disciplines. It includes both traditional manual tools and more advanced instruments, excluding complex electronic calculators which fall under different headings. This category is crucial for education, architecture, engineering, and various trades where precision layout and measurement are required. Importers and exporters include stationery suppliers, educational material distributors, and specialized tool manufacturers. The trade in these instruments is driven by educational demand, the growth of technical professions, and the need for accurate manual tools in workshops and design studios. Key considerations involve material quality, precision of measurement, and ergonomic design. Despite the rise of digital tools, these instruments remain indispensable for foundational learning and specific practical applications globally.
What products fall under HS code 901720?
Compasses, Dividers, Protractors, Set squares, Rulers (precision), French curves, Drawing templates, Slide rules
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901720?
This code can be confused with 901780 (other mathematical instruments) for items not explicitly listed, or with 901730 (micrometers, callipers) if the instrument is primarily for precise dimensional measurement rather than drawing or general calculation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($171M, 35% of world exports), China ($163M) and Germany ($44M). World exports came to about $485M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 901720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($57M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $31M) and Germany ($31M). World imports came to about $402M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 901720 structured?
HS code 901720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901720?
In Brazil, HS code 901720 is NCM 9017.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.