Product classification
HS code for Drawing equipment: 9017.90
Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments, parts and accessories.
Classification of drawing equipment under HS 9017.90
Drawing equipment, specifically parts and accessories for drawing or marking-out instruments, is classified under HS code 9017.90. This code is a residual category within heading 9017, which covers various instruments for drawing, marking-out, or mathematical calculations. While specific instruments like drafting tables or micrometers have their own subheadings, 9017.90 captures the components and auxiliary tools that support these primary instruments. The classification follows the principle that parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with a particular machine or instrument are classified with that machine or instrument. This category is essential for maintaining the functionality of precision drawing tools and includes a wide range of specialized components that do not constitute a complete instrument on their own but are vital for the operation of the equipment described in heading 9017.
- Covers
- Rulers and straight edges for technical drawing
- Protractors and set squares
- Compasses and dividers
- Mathematical calculating instruments (non-electronic)
- Slide rules
- Parts for drafting machines and tables
- Also under 9017.90
- 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. Drawing equipment is often misclassified under HS code 9017.20, which is for "other drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments." The distinction lies in whether the item is a complete instrument (9017.20) or a part/accessory (9017.90). It is also sometimes confused with HS code 9017.30, which is specifically for micrometers, callipers, and gauges. Additionally, digital drawing tablets for computers are classified under 8471.60 as input units, not as drawing equipment under Chapter 90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901790 (the code used for drawing equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901790 (the code used for drawing equipment) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 901790, not only drawing equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $34M 30% of world exports
- 2 Japan $13M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $13M 11% of world exports
World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $19M 18% of world imports
- 2 Japan $11M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$9.4M 8.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
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 drawing equipment
Brazil splits HS 9017.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9017.90.10Parts of automatic drafting tables and machines
- 9017.90.90Other drawing, calculating, measuring tool parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about drawing equipment
What is the HS code for Drawing equipment?
The HS code for Drawing equipment is 901790 (Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments; parts and accessories). The HS code for parts and accessories of drawing, marking-out equipment, and mathematical instruments is 9017.90.
How do I classify Drawing equipment for customs?
Drawing equipment is classified under HS code 901790 — Drawing, marking-out equipment and mathematical instruments; parts and accessories. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital drawing tablets included in this code?
No, digital drawing tablets used as computer peripherals are classified under HS code 8471.60. HS code 9017.90 is reserved for physical parts and accessories of traditional drawing and mathematical instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of drawing equipment (HS 901790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901790 (the code used for drawing equipment) 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 drawing equipment (HS 901790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901790 (the code used for drawing equipment) 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.
Is the HS code for Drawing equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901790 for Drawing equipment 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 drawing equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901790 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for drawing equipment depends on the product's details: 9017.90.10 (Parts of automatic drafting tables and machines), 9017.90.90 (Other drawing, calculating, measuring tool parts).