Product classification
HS code for Educational models: 9023.00
Instruments, apparatus and models, designed for demonstrational purposes (in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other uses.
Classification of educational models under HS 9023.00
Educational models are classified under HS code 9023.00. This heading is specifically reserved for instruments, apparatus, and models designed exclusively for demonstrational purposes, such as in education or exhibitions. A critical requirement for classification under this code is that the items must be unsuitable for any other use. This means that while a functional engine used for teaching would not fall here if it could actually power a vehicle, a non-functional cutaway model of that same engine would. The classification covers a wide range of fields, including anatomy, chemistry, physics, and geography. According to the Chapter 90 notes, these items are intended to be used in schools, lecture rooms, or museums to illustrate a point or demonstrate a principle. The items must be of a nature that they cannot be used for practical work or as functional tools. This distinction ensures that professional equipment and toys are excluded from this specific heading.
- Covers
- Anatomical models of human organs or skeletons
- Molecular model kits for chemistry education
- Cutaway mechanical models of engines or machinery
- Relief maps and non-printed geographical models
- Physics laboratory apparatus designed solely for demonstration
- Also under 9023.00
- Denoyer-Geppert anatomical models
- K'nex education sets
- LEGO Education models
- Pasco scientific demonstration apparatus
Codes often confused with 9023.00
Common mistake. Educational models are often misclassified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys. The distinction lies in the intended use; toys are for amusement, while 9023.00 items are for demonstration. Another common error is using HS code 9018 for medical models; however, 9018 is for functional medical and surgical instruments. Additionally, printed globes and maps are classified under 4905 rather than 9023.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902300 (the code used for educational models), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902300 (the code used for educational models) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 902300, not only educational models.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $703M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $605M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $410M 11% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $671M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $191M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $173M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 educational models
Brazil classifies educational models under NCM 9023.00.00: HS 9023.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about educational models
What is the HS code for Educational models?
The HS code for Educational models is 902300 (Instruments, apparatus and models; designed for demonstrational purposes (in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other uses). The HS code for educational models and demonstrational apparatus is 9023.00.
How do I classify Educational models for customs?
Educational models is classified under HS code 902300 — Instruments, apparatus and models; designed for demonstrational purposes (in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other uses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these models be used for actual professional work?
No, items classified under 9023.00 must be unsuitable for any use other than demonstration or exhibition. If the item is functional for practical work, it must be classified under its respective functional heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of educational models (HS 902300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902300 (the code used for educational models) in UN Comtrade data were China ($703M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($605M) and Germany ($410M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 educational models (HS 902300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902300 (the code used for educational models) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($671M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($191M) and the United Kingdom ($173M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 Educational models the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902300 for Educational models 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 educational models in Brazil?
In Brazil, educational models (HS 902300) is classified under NCM 9023.00.00.