Product classification
HS code for Borosilicate glassware: 7017.20
Glassware, laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C.
Classification of borosilicate glassware under HS 7017.20
Borosilicate glassware is precisely classified under HS code 701720 due to its unique material composition and specific functional applications. This Harmonized System subheading is dedicated to glassware designed for laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical purposes, which exhibits a low linear coefficient of expansion—specifically, not exceeding 5 x 10⁻⁶ per Kelvin within a temperature range of 0-300 degrees C. Borosilicate glass, renowned for its exceptional thermal shock resistance, chemical inertness, and mechanical strength, perfectly meets these stringent technical criteria. These properties render it indispensable for scientific research, medical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where precision, durability, and safety under varying thermal and chemical conditions are paramount.
- Covers
- Laboratory beakers, flasks (e.g., Erlenmeyer, volumetric, round-bottom), and distillation apparatus
- Test tubes, culture tubes, and centrifuge tubes
- Pipettes, burettes, and graduated measuring cylinders
- Petri dishes, desiccators, and watch glasses
- Specific medical and pharmaceutical glass containers, such as vials and ampoules, requiring high thermal and chemical resistance for sterilization and storage
- Components for scientific instruments, including condensers and reaction vessels
- Also under 7017.20
- Pyrex beakers
- Duran laboratory bottles
- Schott glassware
- Kimble Chase pipettes
Codes often confused with 7017.20
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs with other specialized glassware. HS code 701710 covers glassware made of fused quartz or other fused silica, which, while also used in laboratories, possesses distinct material properties and higher temperature tolerances compared to borosilicate glass. HS code 701790 serves as a residual category for other laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware not specifically covered by the preceding subheadings, typically for materials other than borosilicate or fused quartz. It is crucial to differentiate borosilicate items intended for domestic use, such as ovenware or baking dishes, which are classified under HS code 7013, as their primary function is not laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical, despite being made from the same material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701720 (the code used for borosilicate glassware), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701720 (the code used for borosilicate glassware) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 701720, not only borosilicate glassware.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $152M 36% of world exports
- 2 United States $64M 15% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $39M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $423M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $62M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $48M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $37M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $397M 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 borosilicate glassware
Brazil classifies borosilicate glassware under NCM 7017.20.00: HS 7017.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about borosilicate glassware
What is the HS code for Borosilicate glassware?
The HS code for Borosilicate glassware is 701720 (Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C). The HS code for borosilicate glassware, specifically when manufactured and intended for laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical applications, is 701720.
How do I classify Borosilicate glassware for customs?
Borosilicate glassware is classified under HS code 701720 — Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes borosilicate glassware from other types of laboratory glassware?
Borosilicate glassware is primarily distinguished by its low linear thermal expansion coefficient, typically not exceeding 5 x 10⁻⁶ per Kelvin. This characteristic provides superior resistance to thermal shock, enabling it to withstand rapid and significant temperature changes without fracturing. This property is critical for applications involving heating, cooling, or sterilization processes common in scientific and medical environments.
Which countries are the top exporters of borosilicate glassware (HS 701720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701720 (the code used for borosilicate glassware) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($152M, 36% of world exports), the United States ($64M) and Sweden ($39M). World exports came to about $423M, 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 borosilicate glassware (HS 701720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701720 (the code used for borosilicate glassware) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($62M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($48M) and China ($37M). World imports came to about $397M, 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 Borosilicate glassware the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701720 for Borosilicate glassware 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 borosilicate glassware in Brazil?
In Brazil, borosilicate glassware (HS 701720) is classified under NCM 7017.20.00.