Product classification
HS code for Drawing instruments: 9017.20
Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments.
Classification of drawing instruments under HS 9017.20
Drawing instruments are classified under HS code 9017.20, which specifically covers drawing, marking-out, or mathematical calculating instruments. This classification is appropriate for tools used by engineers, architects, and students for technical drawing and precision measurement. Unlike general stationery, these items are precision-engineered for specific technical applications. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) guide this classification by looking at the specialized nature of the instrument. Heading 9017 includes instruments for measuring length, for use in the hand, such as measuring rods and tapes, but 9017.20 is reserved for the technical tools used in drafting and calculation. The classification remains consistent whether the instruments are made of plastic, wood, or metal, provided they are designed for technical drawing or mathematical use. This includes both individual instruments and sets containing multiple tools, provided they are put up for retail sale as a drawing set.
- Covers
- Mathematical drawing sets (compasses, dividers)
- Pantographs for enlarging or reducing drawings
- Protractors and set squares
- Slide rules and calculating discs
- Stencils for technical drawing
- Also under 9017.20
- Staedtler Mars Professional Compass
- Faber-Castell Protractor
- Helix Oxford Maths Set
- Alvin Drafting Templates
- Pickett Slide Rule
Codes often confused with 9017.20
Common mistake. These instruments are often misclassified under HS code 9017.10, which is reserved for drawing tables and machines, or HS code 9608, which covers pens and pencils. Additionally, simple rulers are sometimes placed in 9017.80 (other instruments), but if they are part of a specialized drawing set, they belong in 9017.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901720 (the code used for drawing instruments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901720 (the code used for drawing instruments) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 901720, not only drawing instruments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $171M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $163M 34% of world exports
- 3 Germany $44M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $485M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $57M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$31M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $31M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $402M 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 code for drawing instruments
Brazil classifies drawing instruments under NCM 9017.20.00: HS 9017.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about drawing instruments
What is the HS code for Drawing instruments?
The HS code for Drawing instruments is 901720 (Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments). The primary HS code for technical drawing instruments and mathematical calculating tools is 9017.20.
How do I classify Drawing instruments for customs?
Drawing instruments is classified under HS code 901720 — Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital drawing tablets included in this code?
No, digital drawing tablets are typically classified under HS code 8471.60 as input units for automatic data processing machines, as they are electronic peripherals rather than mechanical drawing instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of drawing instruments (HS 901720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901720 (the code used for drawing instruments) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($171M, 35% of world exports), China ($163M) and Germany ($44M). World exports came to about $485M, 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 instruments (HS 901720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901720 (the code used for drawing instruments) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($57M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $31M) and Germany ($31M). World imports came to about $402M, 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 instruments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901720 for Drawing instruments 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 instruments in Brazil?
In Brazil, drawing instruments (HS 901720) is classified under NCM 9017.20.00.