Product classification

HS code for Drafting tables: 9017.10

Drafting tables and machines, whether or not automatic.

Classification of drafting tables under HS 9017.10

Drafting tables and machines are classified under HS code 9017.10. This code is situated in Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Unlike standard office or household furniture, drafting tables are considered technical instruments used for drawing, marking-out, or mathematical calculations. The classification is driven by the specialized nature of the equipment, which often includes integrated scales, parallel motions, or adjustable surfaces specifically designed for technical drawing and engineering. Even if the table resembles furniture, its primary function as a precision instrument for drafting dictates its placement in Chapter 90 rather than Chapter 94 (Furniture). This distinction is crucial for customs purposes, as the regulatory requirements and duty rates for precision instruments often differ from those for general furniture.

Covers
  • Manual drafting tables with adjustable stands
  • Automatic drafting machines
  • Drafting tables equipped with pantographs
  • Technical drawing tables for architects
  • Professional engineering drawing boards
  • Coordinatographs for drafting
Also under 9017.10
  • Mayline Ranger Drafting Table
  • Mutoh Drafting Machine
  • Kuhlmann Drafting System
  • VEMCO V-Track Drafting Machine
  • Safco Split Level Drafting Table

Codes often confused with 9017.10

Common mistake. The most common misclassification for drafting tables is under Chapter 94, specifically HS code 9403.10 (metal office furniture) or 9403.30 (wooden office furniture). While these tables are used in offices, their technical features for precision drawing move them to 9017.10. Another error is classifying them under 8471 if they have electronic components, but if the primary purpose is drafting, 9017.10 is the correct heading.

9403.10Furniture; metal, for office use9403.30Furniture; wooden, for office use84.71Automatic data processing machines and units thereof, magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 901710 (the code used for drafting tables), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901710 (the code used for drafting tables) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 7.5% 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 901710, not only drafting tables.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $24M
  2. 2 Denmark $3.0M
  3. 3 Netherlands $2.3M

World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Philippines $2.2M
  2. 2 United States $2.0M
  3. 3 Germany $1.8M

World total: $29M 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 codes for drafting tables

Brazil splits HS 9017.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 9017.10.10Automatic drafting tables and machines
  • 9017.10.90Non-automatic drafting tables and machines

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about drafting tables

What is the HS code for Drafting tables?

The HS code for Drafting tables is 901710 (Drafting tables and machines; whether or not automatic). The HS code for drafting tables and machines, whether or not automatic, is 9017.10.

How do I classify Drafting tables for customs?

Drafting tables is classified under HS code 901710 — Drafting tables and machines; whether or not automatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a light box for tracing classified here?

No, a light box used for tracing is generally classified under HS code 9405 as a lamp or lighting fitting, or under 9017.20 as other drawing instruments, depending on its specific design and integrated features.

Which countries are the top exporters of drafting tables (HS 901710)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901710 (the code used for drafting tables) in UN Comtrade data were China ($24M, 63% of world exports), Denmark ($3.0M) and the Netherlands ($2.3M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 drafting tables (HS 901710)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901710 (the code used for drafting tables) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($2.2M, 7.5% of world imports), the United States ($2.0M) and Germany ($1.8M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 Drafting tables the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901710 for Drafting tables 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 drafting tables in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901710 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for drafting tables depends on the product's details: 9017.10.10 (Automatic drafting tables and machines), 9017.10.90 (Non-automatic drafting tables and machines).