HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 9017.90 – Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments; parts and accessories

HS code 9017.90 is the 6-digit subheading for drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments, parts and accessories. It is used for compass leads, drafting machine scales, protractor arms, drawing pen nibs and replacement blades for cutting mats.

What HS 9017.90 covers

This HS code is dedicated to the parts and accessories that support the wide array of drawing, marking-out, and mathematical instruments classified under heading 9017. It's a crucial category for maintaining the functionality and extending the lifespan of precision tools used by architects, engineers, students, and various tradespeople. This includes everything from replacement leads for compasses to specialized attachments for drafting machines. Importers and exporters typically include manufacturers of these instruments, distributors of stationery and technical supplies, and educational suppliers. The trade in these components ensures that users can continue to utilize their primary instruments effectively, reducing waste and supporting ongoing technical work. Key considerations involve compatibility with specific instrument models, material quality, and the availability of specialized components. The global supply chain for these parts is essential for supporting technical education and professional practices worldwide.

Covers
  • Compass leads
  • Drafting machine scales
  • Protractor arms
  • Drawing pen nibs
  • Replacement blades for cutting mats
  • Drafting machine cables
  • Weights for drafting machines
  • Templates for drawing instruments
Examples
  • Staedtler Mars Lumograph Leads
  • Rotring Isograph Nibs
  • Mutoh Drafting Machine Scales
  • Alvin Drafting Machine Cables
  • Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph Parts

Codes often confused with 9017.90

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 901720 or 901730 if a part is mistakenly classified as a complete instrument, or with 903190 (parts for other measuring instruments) if the accessory is generic and not clearly tied to a 9017 instrument.

9017.20Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments9017.30Mathematical equipment; micrometers, callipers and gauges9031.90Instruments, appliances and machines; parts and accessories for those measuring or checking devices of heading no. 903190.17Drawing, marking-out, mathematical calculating instruments (drafting machines, protractors, drawing sets etc); instruments for measuring length (e.g. measuring rods, tapes, micrometers, callipers) n.e.c.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 901790, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901790 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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. 1 China $34M
  2. 2 Japan $13M
  3. 3 Germany $13M

World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $19M
  2. 2 Japan $11M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$9.4M

World total: $109M 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 codes for 9017.90 2

Brazil splits HS 9017.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 9017.90.10 Parts of automatic drafting tables and machinesDe mesas ou máquinas de desenhar, automáticas
  2. 9017.90.90 Other drawing, calculating, measuring tool partsOutros

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 9017.90

What is HS code 901790?

HS code 901790 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments; parts and accessories. This HS code is dedicated to the parts and accessories that support the wide array of drawing, marking-out, and mathematical instruments classified under heading 9017. It's a crucial category for maintaining the functionality and extending the lifespan of precision tools used by architects, engineers, students, and various tradespeople. This includes everything from replacement leads for compasses to specialized attachments for drafting machines. Importers and exporters typically include manufacturers of these instruments, distributors of stationery and technical supplies, and educational suppliers. The trade in these components ensures that users can continue to utilize their primary instruments effectively, reducing waste and supporting ongoing technical work. Key considerations involve compatibility with specific instrument models, material quality, and the availability of specialized components. The global supply chain for these parts is essential for supporting technical education and professional practices worldwide.

What products fall under HS code 901790?

Compass leads, Drafting machine scales, Protractor arms, Drawing pen nibs, Replacement blades for cutting mats, Drafting machine cables, Weights for drafting machines, Templates for drawing instruments

What are common misclassifications for HS code 901790?

This code can be confused with 901720 or 901730 if a part is mistakenly classified as a complete instrument, or with 903190 (parts for other measuring instruments) if the accessory is generic and not clearly tied to a 9017 instrument.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901790?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901790 in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 30% of world exports), Japan ($13M) and Germany ($13M). World exports came to about $115M, 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 901790?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901790 in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($11M) and Vietnam (about $9.4M). World imports came to about $109M, 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 901790 structured?

HS code 901790 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901790?

Brazil splits HS code 901790 into 2 NCM codes: 9017.90.10 (Parts of automatic drafting tables and machines), 9017.90.90 (Other drawing, calculating, measuring tool parts). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.