Product classification
HS code for Exposure meter: 9027.89
Instruments and apparatus, for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters.
Classification of exposure meter under HS 9027.89
Exposure meters are classified under HS code 9027.89. This classification is part of Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9027 specifically includes instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis, or for measuring or checking variables such as viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension, or quantities of heat, sound, or light. An exposure meter is a device used to measure the intensity of light to determine the correct photographic settings (aperture and shutter speed). Because its primary function is the measurement of light quantities, it falls under the scope of 9027. While some light-measuring devices are classified under 9027.50 (instruments using optical radiations), exposure meters are typically categorized under the residual subheading 9027.89 (or 9027.80 depending on the specific tariff year) as "other" instruments for measuring light. The classification is based on the device's standalone function as a measuring tool.
- Covers
- Handheld photographic exposure meters
- Digital light meters for cinematography
- Lux meters for environmental light measurement
- Flash meters for studio lighting
- Photometers used in photography
- Color temperature meters for light analysis
- Also under 9027.89
- Mettler Toledo SevenCompact pH meter
- Hanna Instruments HI98194
- Sartorius MA160 Moisture Analyzer
- Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D
- Metrohm Titrando
Codes often confused with 9027.89
Common mistake. Exposure meters are often misclassified under HS code 9006.91 or 9006.99 as parts or accessories for cameras. However, if the meter is a standalone instrument, it must be classified in 9027. Another common error is using HS code 9031.80, which covers other measuring or checking instruments not specified elsewhere in Chapter 90. Since 9027 specifically mentions instruments for measuring quantities of light, it takes precedence over the more general heading 9031 according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 902789 (the code used for exposure meter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902789 (the code used for exposure meter) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 902789, not only exposure meter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.4B 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 3 China $1.1B 9.1% of world exports
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 China $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $608M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $11.4B 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 exposure meter
Brazil splits HS 9027.89 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9027.89.11Calorimeters
- 9027.89.12Viscometers
- 9027.89.13Densitometers
- 9027.89.14pH meters
- 9027.89.20Polarographs
- 9027.89.91Exposure meters
- 9027.89.99Other physical or chemical analysis apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about exposure meter
What is the HS code for Exposure meter?
The HS code for Exposure meter is 902789 (Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters). The HS code for a standalone exposure meter or light meter is 9027.89.
How do I classify Exposure meter for customs?
Exposure meter is classified under HS code 902789 — Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a light meter built into a camera classified here?
No, a light meter that is an integral part of a camera is classified under HS code 9006 as part of the camera assembly, not as a separate instrument.
Which countries are the top exporters of exposure meter (HS 902789)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902789 (the code used for exposure meter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 21% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and China ($1.1B). World exports came to about $11.8B, 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 exposure meter (HS 902789)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902789 (the code used for exposure meter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), China ($1.5B) and Germany ($608M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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 Exposure meter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902789 for Exposure meter 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 exposure meter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902789 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for exposure meter depends on the product's details: 9027.89.11 (Calorimeters), 9027.89.12 (Viscometers), 9027.89.13 (Densitometers), 9027.89.14 (pH meters), 9027.89.20 (Polarographs), 9027.89.91 (Exposure meters), and more.