Product classification
HS code for Architectural plans: 4906.00
Plans and drawings, for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand, hand-written texts, photo- graphic reproductions, their carbon copies.
Classification of architectural plans under HS 4906.00
Architectural plans are classified under HS code 490600, which specifically covers "Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies." This classification is applied to original technical documents that serve a functional purpose in design, construction, or mapping. The emphasis is on the originality and the method of creation (hand-drawn or hand-written, or direct reproductions thereof), distinguishing them from mass-produced printed materials or general publications. This code recognizes the unique nature of these documents as primary records of design and technical specifications.
- Covers
- Original architectural blueprints
- Hand-drawn engineering schematics
- Industrial design drawings
- Topographical maps drawn by hand
- Original construction plans
- Photographic reproductions of technical drawings
- Carbon copies of hand-written technical specifications
- Also under 4906.00
- Frank Lloyd Wright architectural drawings
- Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks (reproductions)
- historical city plans
- original patent applications
Codes often confused with 4906.00
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS 4901, which covers "Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter." Architectural plans under 490600 are distinct because they are typically original, hand-created, or direct reproductions for specific technical purposes, not mass-produced printed publications. Similarly, HS 4911, which covers "Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs," is inappropriate as 490600 specifically addresses the functional and original nature of technical plans. Another area of confusion might be with HS 970200 for "Original engravings, prints and lithographs," but these are artistic works, whereas 490600 pertains to functional technical documents.
Top exporters and importers of HS 490600 (the code used for architectural plans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 490600 (the code used for architectural plans) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Romania, with 15% 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 490600, not only architectural plans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $18M 28% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $17M 27% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $5.6M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $63M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Romania $7.1M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $5.3M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $4.8M 10% of world imports
World total: $47M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 architectural plans
Brazil classifies architectural plans under NCM 4906.00.00: HS 4906.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about architectural plans
What is the HS code for Architectural plans?
The HS code for Architectural plans is 490600 (Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies). The HS code for architectural plans is 490600, covering original hand-drawn or hand-written plans and their direct reproductions for various technical fields.
How do I classify Architectural plans for customs?
Architectural plans is classified under HS code 490600 — Plans and drawings; for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical or similar, being originals drawn by hand; hand-written texts; photo- graphic reproductions; their carbon copies. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS 490600 include digital architectural files?
No, HS 490600 specifically covers original hand-drawn plans, hand-written texts, photographic reproductions, and their carbon copies. Digital files, even of architectural designs, are typically classified under different HS codes, often related to data storage media (e.g., optical discs, solid-state drives) or software, depending on their physical medium and nature, as they do not fit the criteria of being hand-drawn originals or direct physical reproductions.
Which countries are the top exporters of architectural plans (HS 490600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 490600 (the code used for architectural plans) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($18M, 28% of world exports), the Netherlands ($17M) and the United Kingdom ($5.6M). World exports came to about $63M, 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 architectural plans (HS 490600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 490600 (the code used for architectural plans) in UN Comtrade data were Romania ($7.1M, 15% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($5.3M) and the United States ($4.8M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 Architectural plans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 490600 for Architectural plans 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 architectural plans in Brazil?
In Brazil, architectural plans (HS 490600) is classified under NCM 4906.00.00.