About HS Code 842381
This category covers a wide range of general-purpose industrial and commercial weighing machines with a maximum capacity up to 30 kg, excluding personal, continuous conveyor, or constant weight scales. These are commonly found in retail environments, small workshops, postal services, and light industrial applications where precise measurement of smaller items is required. The international trade in these scales is robust, driven by the needs of businesses for accurate transaction processing, inventory management, and quality control. Importers include retail chains, logistics companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and specialized equipment distributors. Exporters are typically countries with established manufacturing capabilities in electronics and precision instruments. Key considerations include accuracy, durability, ease of use, connectivity options (e.g., for POS systems), and compliance with local trade measurement regulations. The market sees continuous innovation in digital features and user interfaces.
Products Under This Code
Retail scales with price computing, Postal scales, Bench scales (up to 30kg), Portion control scales, Checkweighers (light duty), Shipping scales, Laboratory scales (non-precision, <30kg)
Real World Examples
Mettler Toledo bRite Retail Scales, Ohaus Defender 3000 Bench Scales, Adam Equipment CPWplus Scales, Dymo M25 Digital Postal Scale, Brecknell B140 Bench Scale
Common Misclassification
This code is differentiated from personal scales (842310) by its commercial/industrial nature and from high-precision laboratory balances (often 9016) by its sensitivity exclusion. It's also distinct from higher capacity industrial scales (842382, 842389).
Products Classified Under 8423.81
Industry
This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.
Trade Overview
China is a dominant exporter, while countries with active retail, logistics, and light manufacturing sectors are major importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 842381?
HS code 842381 covers: Weighing machines; other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30kg (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better). This category covers a wide range of general-purpose industrial and commercial weighing machines with a maximum capacity up to 30 kg, excluding personal, continuous conveyor, or constant weight scales. These are commonly found in retail environments, small workshops, postal services, and light industrial applications where precise measurement of smaller items is required. The international trade in these scales is robust, driven by the needs of businesses for accurate transaction processing, inventory management, and quality control. Importers include retail chains, logistics companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and specialized equipment distributors. Exporters are typically countries with established manufacturing capabilities in electronics and precision instruments. Key considerations include accuracy, durability, ease of use, connectivity options (e.g., for POS systems), and compliance with local trade measurement regulations. The market sees continuous innovation in digital features and user interfaces.
What products fall under HS code 842381?
Retail scales with price computing, Postal scales, Bench scales (up to 30kg), Portion control scales, Checkweighers (light duty), Shipping scales, Laboratory scales (non-precision, <30kg)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842381?
This code is differentiated from personal scales (842310) by its commercial/industrial nature and from high-precision laboratory balances (often 9016) by its sensitivity exclusion. It's also distinct from higher capacity industrial scales (842382, 842389).
How is HS code 842381 structured?
HS code 842381 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.