Heading 9017

Drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments (for example, drafting machines, pantographs, protractors, drawing sets, slide rules, disc calculators); instruments for measuring length, for use in the hand (for example, measuring rods and tapes, micrometers, calipers), not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts and accessories thereof

17 declarable lines

Heading 9017 covers non-optical hand tools for drawing, marking out and calculating, plus hand-held instruments for measuring length such as micrometers and calipers, and their parts. It splits into drafting tables and machines (9017.10), other drawing and calculating instruments (9017.20), micrometers, calipers and gauges (9017.30), a residual other instruments line (9017.80), and parts and accessories (9017.90). Plotters enter free of duty in both 9017.10 and 9017.20, while most other lines carry a low single-digit rate.

Products in this heading

Drafting machines and drafting tables
Plotters used for drawing or marking out
Protractors and drawing sets
Slide rules and disc calculators
Hand-held measuring tapes and measuring rods
Micrometers
Vernier calipers
Digitizers, hand-operated position input devices

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the item is a drafting table or drafting machine (9017.10) or another drawing, marking-out or calculating instrument (9017.20).
Check whether the item is a plotter, which enters free, or falls to the other line in the same subheading.
For hand-held length measuring tools, use 9017.30: micrometers and calipers take one line, other gauges another.
For a part or accessory, classify in 9017.90 under the code that matches the article it serves; the rate follows that article.
For hand-operated input devices that send position data to a computer or display, use the digitizer line in 9017.20.

Often confused with

Surveying levels and theodolites
Surveying, hydrographic and geophysical instruments sit in 9015, not 9017.
Heading 9015
Magnetic compasses
Direction finding compasses and other navigational instruments are classified in 9014.
Heading 9014
Thermometers and hygrometers
Temperature and humidity measuring instruments belong to 9025.
Heading 9025
Machines testing the hardness or strength of materials
Mechanical property testing machines are covered by 9024.
Heading 9024
Profile projectors and measuring machines not named elsewhere
Residual measuring or checking instruments go to 9031.
Heading 9031

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a protractor?

A protractor is a drawing instrument classified under 9017.20.80.80, which carries a general (MFN) rate of 4.6%.

What is the duty on micrometers and calipers?

Micrometers and calipers are classified under 9017.30.40.00 and pay a general (MFN) rate of 5.8%.

How do I classify a plotter?

A plotter that is part of a drafting machine falls under 9017.10.40.00, and a standalone plotter falls under 9017.20.70.00; both are free of general (MFN) duty.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.