Product classification
HS code for Bench scale: 8423.81
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).
Classification of bench scale under HS 8423.81
A bench scale is classified under HS code 8423.81, which covers weighing machines having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg. This classification falls under Chapter 84 (Machinery and Mechanical Appliances) and Heading 8423 (Weighing machinery). The classification logic is driven by two primary factors: the function of the device and its maximum capacity. Heading 8423 excludes high-precision laboratory balances (which fall under 9016). For general industrial, commercial, or retail scales, the subheadings are divided by capacity. Since bench scales are typically designed to sit on a workstation and handle smaller loads, they usually fall under the 30 kg threshold defined by 8423.81. This includes both mechanical and electronic versions, provided they are not specialized for continuous weighing or constant weight discharge.
- Covers
- Digital retail bench scales
- Mechanical spring-loaded bench scales
- Portion control scales for food service
- Industrial bench scales for small parts counting
- Postal and shipping scales (under 30 kg capacity)
- Also under 8423.81
- Mettler Toledo bRite Retail Scales
- Ohaus Defender 3000 Bench Scales
- Adam Equipment CPWplus Scales
- Dymo M25 Digital Postal Scale
- Brecknell B140 Bench Scale
Codes often confused with 8423.81
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for bench scales is HS code 8423.82, which is for scales with a capacity between 30 kg and 5,000 kg. If a bench scale is heavy-duty and rated for 50 kg, it must be moved to 8423.82. Another frequent error is using HS code 8423.10, which is strictly for personal weighing machines (bathroom scales) and baby scales. Furthermore, if the scale has a sensitivity of 5 centigrams or better, it must be classified under HS code 9016.00 as a balance of precision, regardless of its physical design as a bench scale. Finally, scales that are integrated into a conveyor system should be classified under 8423.20 rather than 8423.81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842381 (the code used for bench scale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842381 (the code used for bench scale) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 842381, not only bench scale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $222M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $205M 24% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $67M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $839M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $105M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $62M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $833M 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 codes for bench scale
Brazil splits HS 8423.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8423.81.10Table scales up to 30 kg, recording or labelling
- 8423.81.90Other scales of 30 kg capacity or less
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bench scale
What is the HS code for Bench scale?
The HS code for Bench scale is 842381 (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)). The HS code for a standard bench scale with a capacity of 30 kg or less is 8423.81.
How do I classify Bench scale for customs?
Bench scale is classified under HS code 842381 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if my bench scale has a capacity of 50 kg?
If the scale's maximum capacity exceeds 30 kg but is less than 5,000 kg, it should be classified under HS code 8423.82.
Which countries are the top exporters of bench scale (HS 842381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842381 (the code used for bench scale) in UN Comtrade data were China ($222M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($205M) and the Netherlands ($67M). World exports came to about $839M, 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 bench scale (HS 842381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842381 (the code used for bench scale) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($105M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Italy ($62M). World imports came to about $833M, 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 Bench scale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842381 for Bench scale 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 bench scale in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842381 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for bench scale depends on the product's details: 8423.81.10 (Table scales up to 30 kg, recording or labelling), 8423.81.90 (Other scales of 30 kg capacity or less).