HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9027.81 – Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers
HS code 9027.81 is the 6-digit subheading for instruments and apparatus, for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers. It is used for mass spectrometers (MS), viscometers, porosimeters, dilatometers and tensiometers.
What HS 9027.81 covers
This category encompasses highly specialized analytical instruments, including mass spectrometers, and devices for measuring specific physical properties like viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension, or quantities of heat, sound, or light. Mass spectrometers are critical for identifying and quantifying molecules with extreme precision, essential in drug discovery, environmental analysis, and forensics. Other instruments in this category are vital for material characterization, quality control in manufacturing, and research across various scientific disciplines. Importers include advanced research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, high-tech industries, and academic institutions. Exporters are leading manufacturers of complex analytical instrumentation. The demand for these instruments is driven by the need for high accuracy, sensitivity, and the ability to perform complex analyses in cutting-edge scientific and industrial applications.
- Covers
- Mass spectrometers (MS)
- Viscometers
- Porosimeters
- Dilatometers
- Tensiometers
- Calorimeters
- Lux meters
- Sound level meters
- Examples
- Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole MS
- Waters Xevo TQ-S MS
- Anton Paar Rheometer
- Micromeritics ASAP 2020 Plus
- TA Instruments DSC 250
Codes often confused with 9027.81
Common mistake. Mass spectrometers are often confused with chromatographs (9027.20) when part of a combined GC-MS or LC-MS system, while other instruments might be mistaken for general measuring devices under 9031.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 902781, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 902781 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 27% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $1.1B 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $582M 14% of world exports
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.4B 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $560M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $396M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 9027.81
Brazil does not split HS 9027.81: its NCM code is 9027.81.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.27 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9027.81
What is HS code 902781?
HS code 902781 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers. This category encompasses highly specialized analytical instruments, including mass spectrometers, and devices for measuring specific physical properties like viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension, or quantities of heat, sound, or light. Mass spectrometers are critical for identifying and quantifying molecules with extreme precision, essential in drug discovery, environmental analysis, and forensics. Other instruments in this category are vital for material characterization, quality control in manufacturing, and research across various scientific disciplines. Importers include advanced research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, high-tech industries, and academic institutions. Exporters are leading manufacturers of complex analytical instrumentation. The demand for these instruments is driven by the need for high accuracy, sensitivity, and the ability to perform complex analyses in cutting-edge scientific and industrial applications.
What products fall under HS code 902781?
Mass spectrometers (MS), Viscometers, Porosimeters, Dilatometers, Tensiometers, Calorimeters, Lux meters, Sound level meters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 902781?
Mass spectrometers are often confused with chromatographs (9027.20) when part of a combined GC-MS or LC-MS system, while other instruments might be mistaken for general measuring devices under 9031.80.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 902781?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 902781 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 27% of world exports), Singapore ($1.1B) and the United States ($582M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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 goods under HS code 902781?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 902781 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 33% of world imports), the United States ($560M) and Germany ($396M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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.
How is HS code 902781 structured?
HS code 902781 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (27) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 902781?
In Brazil, HS code 902781 is NCM 9027.81.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.