HS Code for Colorimeter

Instruments classified under HS code 9027.50 are those used for physical or chemical analysis that operate using optical radiations. This category includes ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) light. A colorimeter is a primary example of such an apparatus. It functions by passing a specific wavelength of light through a liquid sample and measuring how much of that light is absorbed. This measurement allows the user to determine the concentration of a specific substance within the sample based on the Beer-Lambert Law. The classification 9027.50 is a 'residual' category for optical instruments, meaning it covers devices that are not more specifically described as spectrometers, spectrophotometers, or spectrographs. The key difference is that a colorimeter typically uses fixed filters to isolate light, whereas a spectrophotometer uses a prism or grating to scan a range of wavelengths. These instruments are essential in clinical laboratories for blood analysis, in environmental science for water quality testing, and in the food industry for color consistency checks. The apparatus must be an 'instrument' in the sense of Chapter 90, meaning it is a precision tool for scientific or technical use. It does not include simple color charts or non-electronic comparators.

Products Included

• Digital colorimeters
• Tristimulus colorimeters
• Portable water testing colorimeters
• Chemical analysis colorimeters
• Photoelectric colorimeters

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with 9027.30, which covers spectrometers and spectrophotometers. While similar, spectrophotometers are more complex devices that measure intensity as a function of wavelength. It is also sometimes confused with 9027.80, which is a catch-all for other types of analytical instruments like pH meters.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Colorimeter?

The HS code for a colorimeter, as an instrument using optical radiations for analysis, is 9027.50.

How does a colorimeter differ from a spectrophotometer?

A colorimeter (9027.50) uses fixed filters to measure specific colors, while a spectrophotometer (9027.30) uses a monochromator to measure light intensity across a continuous spectrum.