Product classification
HS code for Control instruments: 9032.89
Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic.
Classification of control instruments under HS 9032.89
Control instruments are classified under HS code 9032.89 based on their primary function as automatic regulating or controlling apparatus. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6, products in Chapter 90 are defined by their precision and specific utility in measuring, checking, or controlling. Heading 9032 is reserved for instruments that automatically control physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, or humidity by comparing a measured value to a desired setpoint and initiating a corrective action. Subheading 9032.89 acts as a residual category for electronic or electrical instruments that do not utilize hydraulic or pneumatic power. These devices are essential in industrial automation, where they maintain process stability without constant human intervention. The classification requires that the instrument must be capable of performing the complete control loop: measuring the variable, comparing it to a setpoint, and providing an output signal to an actuator.
- Covers
- Electronic thermostats for industrial ovens
- Automatic voltage regulators (AVR) for power systems
- Digital humidity controllers for HVAC systems
- Electronic pressure controllers for gas lines
- Automatic pH regulators for water treatment
- Also under 9032.89
- Siemens S7-1500 PLC
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Controller
- Omron E5CC Temperature Controller
- ABB ACS580 Variable Frequency Drive
Codes often confused with 9032.89
Common mistake. Control instruments are frequently misclassified under HS code 9032.81, which is specifically reserved for hydraulic or pneumatic instruments. Another common error is using HS code 8537, which covers control panels and consoles equipped with two or more apparatuses. If the device is a standalone automatic regulator, 9032.89 is correct; if it is a complete assembly of multiple switches and controllers, 8537 is more appropriate. Additionally, simple measuring instruments that do not have a control function should be classified in headings 9025 to 9031.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903289 (the code used for control instruments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903289 (the code used for control instruments) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 903289, not only control instruments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.2B 14% of world exports
- 2 Japan $3.0B 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.5B 11% of world exports
World total: $23.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.2B 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.6B 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.7B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $26.7B 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 control instruments
Brazil splits HS 9032.89 into 15 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9032.89.11Electronic voltage regulators
- 9032.89.19Other voltage regulators
- 9032.89.21ABS controllers for motor vehicles
- 9032.89.22Vehicle suspension system controllers
- 9032.89.23Vehicle transmission controllers
- 9032.89.24Vehicle ignition controllers
- 9032.89.25Vehicle injection system controllers
- 9032.89.29Other electronic vehicle controllers
- 9032.89.30Digital railway vehicle control equipment
- 9032.89.81Automatic pressure regulators
- 9032.89.82Automatic temperature regulators
- 9032.89.83Automatic humidity regulators
- 9032.89.84Variable-frequency motor speed controllers
- 9032.89.89Other non-electrical quantity regulators
- 9032.89.90Other automatic regulating instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about control instruments
What is the HS code for Control instruments?
The HS code for Control instruments is 903289 (Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic). The primary HS code for electronic automatic control instruments is 9032.89.
How do I classify Control instruments for customs?
Control instruments is classified under HS code 903289 — Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 9032.81 and 9032.89?
The distinction is based on the operating medium; 9032.81 is for instruments powered by liquid (hydraulic) or compressed air (pneumatic), while 9032.89 covers electronic and other types.
Which countries are the top exporters of control instruments (HS 903289)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903289 (the code used for control instruments) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.2B, 14% of world exports), Japan ($3.0B) and the United States ($2.5B). World exports came to about $23.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of control instruments (HS 903289)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903289 (the code used for control instruments) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.2B, 16% of world imports), the United States ($2.6B) and Germany ($1.7B). World imports came to about $26.7B, 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 Control instruments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903289 for Control instruments 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 control instruments in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 903289 into 15 NCM codes, so the right one for control instruments depends on the product's details: 9032.89.11 (Electronic voltage regulators), 9032.89.19 (Other voltage regulators), 9032.89.21 (ABS controllers for motor vehicles), 9032.89.22 (Vehicle suspension system controllers), 9032.89.23 (Vehicle transmission controllers), 9032.89.24 (Vehicle ignition controllers), and more.