Product classification

HS code for GC-MS: 9027.20

Chromatographs and electrophoresis instruments.

Classification of GC-MS under HS 9027.20

The classification of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) systems under HS code 9027.20 is determined by the primary analytical function of the instrument. Although a GC-MS is a hybrid system consisting of two distinct components—a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer—the Harmonized System's General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) dictate that the instrument be classified according to its essential character. Heading 9027 covers instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis. Subheading 9027.20 specifically identifies chromatographs and electrophoresis instruments. Because the sample must first undergo separation via the gas chromatography column before the mass spectrometer can detect and identify the ions, the chromatography phase is considered the defining process. Even when the mass spectrometer is the more technologically complex or expensive component, the integrated unit is treated as a chromatograph for customs purposes. This classification applies to both benchtop and portable GC-MS units used in laboratories for environmental testing, forensics, and chemical research.

Covers
  • Benchtop GC-MS systems
  • Portable or field-deployable GC-MS units
  • Gas chromatographs equipped with mass selective detectors (MSD)
  • Triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS systems
  • High-resolution GC-MS instruments
Also under 9027.20
  • Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC
  • Waters ACQUITY UPLC
  • Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC
  • Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell
  • Shimadzu GC-2030

Codes often confused with 9027.20

Common mistake. GC-MS systems are frequently misclassified under HS code 9027.81, which is the specific code for mass spectrometers. While a mass spectrometer is part of the system, the presence of the chromatograph as the primary separation interface moves the classification to 9027.20. Another common error is using 9027.30, which covers spectrometers and spectrophotometers using optical radiations, but GC-MS does not rely on optical radiation for its primary analysis.

9027.81Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers9027.30Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR)

Top exporters and importers of HS 902720 (the code used for GC-MS), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902720 (the code used for GC-MS) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 902720, not only GC-MS.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $458M
  2. 2 Singapore $426M
  3. 3 Germany $295M

World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $740M
  2. 2 India $324M
  3. 3 United States $235M

World total: $3.2B 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 GC-MS

Brazil splits HS 9027.20 into 5 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 GC-MS

What is the HS code for GC-MS?

The HS code for GC-MS is 902720 (Chromatographs and electrophoresis instruments). The HS code for a complete GC-MS system is 9027.20, as it is primarily classified as a chromatograph.

How do I classify GC-MS for customs?

GC-MS is classified under HS code 902720 — Chromatographs and electrophoresis instruments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the type of carrier gas affect the HS code?

No, the type of carrier gas (such as helium or nitrogen) used in the chromatography process does not change the classification of the instrument itself.

Which countries are the top exporters of GC-MS (HS 902720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902720 (the code used for GC-MS) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($458M, 17% of world exports), Singapore ($426M) and Germany ($295M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of GC-MS (HS 902720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 902720 (the code used for GC-MS) in UN Comtrade data were China ($740M, 23% of world imports), India ($324M) and the United States ($235M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 GC-MS the same in all countries?

The base HS code 902720 for GC-MS 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 GC-MS in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 902720 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for GC-MS depends on the product's details: 9027.20.11 (Gas chromatographs), 9027.20.12 (Liquid chromatographs), 9027.20.19 (Other chromatographs), 9027.20.21 (Capillary electrophoresis DNA sequencers), 9027.20.29 (Other electrophoresis apparatus).