Product classification
HS code for Abacus: 8470.30
Calculating machines, non-electronic.
Classification of abacus under HS 8470.30
HS code 847030 is specifically assigned to non-electronic calculating machines, which includes traditional devices such as the abacus. This classification is defined by the absence of electronic components and reliance on mechanical or manual operation for calculations. The Harmonized System (HS) distinguishes between various types of calculating machines based on their underlying technology. Devices under 847030 represent the category of instruments that perform arithmetic functions without requiring electrical power or integrated circuits, setting them apart from modern electronic calculators. This code ensures that historical or purely mechanical calculating tools are appropriately categorized within the global trade framework.
- Covers
- Traditional abacuses (e.g., suanpan, soroban)
- Slide rules
- Mechanical adding machines (pre-electronic era)
- Manual counting frames
- Napier's bones (calculating rods)
- Also under 8470.30
- Curta calculator
- Monroe mechanical calculator
- Facit mechanical calculator
- Soroban abacus
- Marchant calculating machine
Codes often confused with 8470.30
Common mistake. Misclassification of abacuses and similar devices often occurs by confusing them with electronic calculating machines. HS 847030 is distinct from codes like HS 847010, which covers electronic calculators capable of operation without an external power source and are pocket-size. Other electronic calculating machines, including those with printing devices, fall under HS 847021 or HS 847029. The fundamental difference is the presence or absence of electronic components. Devices under 847030 are purely mechanical or manual. Misclassification can arise if the non-electronic nature of the abacus is overlooked, leading to incorrect customs declarations and potential discrepancies in trade data.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847030 (the code used for abacus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847030 (the code used for abacus) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 847030, not only abacus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$4.8M 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Kingdom $3.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $1.4M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $9.3M 22% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $6.6M 16% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $4.1M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $42M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 abacus
Brazil classifies abacus under NCM 8470.30.00: HS 8470.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about abacus
What is the HS code for Abacus?
The HS code for Abacus is 847030 (Calculating machines; non-electronic). The HS code for an abacus is 847030. This code is specifically for non-electronic calculating machines, which accurately describes the abacus's manual and mechanical operation.
How do I classify Abacus for customs?
Abacus is classified under HS code 847030 — Calculating machines; non-electronic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is an abacus not classified under electronic calculator codes?
An abacus is not classified under electronic calculator codes because it is a non-electronic, manual calculating machine. It operates without any electrical power or integrated circuits, relying solely on physical manipulation for calculations, which is the defining characteristic of HS 847030.
Which countries are the top exporters of abacus (HS 847030)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847030 (the code used for abacus) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $4.8M, 29% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($3.7M) and China ($1.4M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 abacus (HS 847030)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847030 (the code used for abacus) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($9.3M, 22% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($6.6M) and Saudi Arabia ($4.1M). World imports came to about $42M, 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.
Is the HS code for Abacus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847030 for Abacus is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for abacus in Brazil?
In Brazil, abacus (HS 847030) is classified under NCM 8470.30.00.