Product classification

HS code for Cryostat: 9027.90

Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof.

Classification of cryostat under HS 9027.90

A cryostat is classified under HS code 9027.90, which is the specific designation for microtomes and their associated parts and accessories. In the context of the Harmonized System, a cryostat is viewed primarily as a precision instrument for scientific analysis rather than a piece of refrigeration equipment. The device consists of a microtome—a tool used to cut extremely thin sections of tissue—mounted inside a temperature-controlled cold chamber. According to the Explanatory Notes to Heading 9027, microtomes are used in laboratories for preparing specimens for microscopic examination. Even though the cryostat incorporates a complex cooling system, the refrigeration is considered a secondary function that facilitates the primary task of microtomy on frozen samples. Consequently, following GRI 3(b), which suggests classification based on the component that gives the item its essential character, the microtome function dictates the use of Chapter 90 over Chapter 84. This classification ensures that the technical nature of the laboratory equipment is recognized over its secondary mechanical features, allowing for accurate duty assessment and regulatory oversight in the medical and scientific sectors.

Covers
  • Rotary cryostats
  • Motorized cryostat microtomes
  • Cryostat microtome assemblies
  • Frozen sectioning microtomes
  • Automated cryostat systems
  • Parts for cryostat microtomes
Also under 9027.90
  • Leica RM2255 Rotary Microtome
  • Thermo Scientific HM340E Microtome
  • Sakura Accu-Cut SRM 200
  • RMC Boeckeler PT-PC Ultramicrotome

Codes often confused with 9027.90

Common mistake. Cryostats are often misclassified under HS code 8418, which covers refrigerators and freezers. This occurs because the cooling chamber is a prominent feature of the device. However, because the essential character is that of a microtome, 9027.90 takes precedence. They may also be confused with HS code 9031, which covers measuring or checking instruments, but 9027 is more specific to physical and chemical analysis tools.

84.18Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 841590.31Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, n.e.c. or included in this chapter; profile projectors90.27Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis (e.g. polarimeters, spectrometers), for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, etc, for measuring quantities of heat, sound or light

Top exporters and importers of HS 902790 (the code used for cryostat), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902790 (the code used for cryostat) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 902790, not only cryostat.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $2.5B
  2. 2 Japan $2.4B
  3. 3 Germany $2.2B

World total: $15.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $2.4B
  2. 2 Germany $1.5B
  3. 3 China $1.3B

World total: $15.4B 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 codes for cryostat

Brazil splits HS 9027.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about cryostat

What is the HS code for Cryostat?

The HS code for Cryostat is 902790 (Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof). The HS code for a cryostat, categorized as a microtome, is 9027.90.

How do I classify Cryostat for customs?

Cryostat is classified under HS code 902790 — Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a cryostat considered a medical device?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, cryostats used for pathological diagnosis are regulated as medical devices, though their HS classification remains 9027.90 based on their technical function.

Which countries are the top exporters of cryostat (HS 902790)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902790 (the code used for cryostat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 16% of world exports), Japan ($2.4B) and Germany ($2.2B). World exports came to about $15.8B, 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 cryostat (HS 902790)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 902790 (the code used for cryostat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.5B) and China ($1.3B). World imports came to about $15.4B, 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.

Is the HS code for Cryostat the same in all countries?

The base HS code 902790 for Cryostat 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 cryostat in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 902790 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for cryostat depends on the product's details: 9027.90.10 (Microtomes), 9027.90.91 (Atomic emission spectrometer parts and accessories), 9027.90.93 (Parts and accessories of polarographs), 9027.90.99 (Other analysis instrument parts and accessories).