Product classification
HS code for Hardness tester: 9024.10
Machines and appliances, for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of metals.
Classification of hardness tester under HS 9024.10
The classification of hardness testers under HS code 9024.10 is determined by their primary function as machines and appliances for testing the mechanical properties of materials, specifically metals. This code falls under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9024 specifically addresses machines for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity, or other mechanical properties of materials such as metals, wood, textiles, paper, or plastics. Subheading 9024.10 is reserved for machines and appliances for testing metals. These devices operate by applying a controlled force to a material surface using a standardized indenter and measuring the resulting indentation or rebound. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the device is portable, bench-top, or integrated into a production line, provided its primary purpose is the mechanical testing of metallic substances. These instruments are essential in metallurgy and manufacturing to ensure material integrity and compliance with industrial standards such as ISO or ASTM.
- Covers
- Rockwell hardness testers
- Brinell hardness testing machines
- Vickers hardness testers
- Microhardness testers for metallic surfaces
- Portable Leeb rebound hardness testers
- Universal testing machines configured for metal hardness
- Also under 9024.10
- Instron 5982 Universal Testing System
- ZwickRoell ZHU250CL Hardness Tester
- Shimadzu AG-Xplus Series
- MTS Criterion Universal Test System
- Buehler Wilson Rockwell 574
Codes often confused with 9024.10
Common mistake. Hardness testers are frequently misclassified under HS code 9031.80, which covers other measuring or checking instruments not specified elsewhere in Chapter 90. However, because Heading 9024 specifically names machines for testing mechanical properties, it takes precedence over the more general Heading 9031. Another common error is using HS code 8479.89 for general mechanical appliances; however, Chapter 90 is more specific for precision testing equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902410 (the code used for hardness tester), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902410 (the code used for hardness tester) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 902410, not only hardness tester.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $104M 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $97M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $83M 13% of world exports
World total: $650M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $76M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $58M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $39M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $574M 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 hardness tester
Brazil splits HS 9024.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9024.10.10Metal tensile or compression testing machines
- 9024.10.20Metal hardness testing machines
- 9024.10.90Other metal testing machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hardness tester
What is the HS code for Hardness tester?
The HS code for Hardness tester is 902410 (Machines and appliances; for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of metals). The primary HS code for a hardness tester designed for metals is 9024.10. If the tester is designed for non-metallic materials like plastics or rubber, it falls under 9024.80.
How do I classify Hardness tester for customs?
Hardness tester is classified under HS code 902410 — Machines and appliances; for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of metals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for digital vs. analog testers?
No, the classification under 9024.10 applies to both digital and analog hardness testers, as the fundamental technology for testing mechanical properties remains the same regardless of the display method.
Which countries are the top exporters of hardness tester (HS 902410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902410 (the code used for hardness tester) in UN Comtrade data were China ($104M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($97M) and the United States ($83M). World exports came to about $650M, 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 hardness tester (HS 902410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902410 (the code used for hardness tester) in UN Comtrade data were China ($76M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($58M) and Germany ($39M). World imports came to about $574M, 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 Hardness tester the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902410 for Hardness tester 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 hardness tester in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902410 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for hardness tester depends on the product's details: 9024.10.10 (Metal tensile or compression testing machines), 9024.10.20 (Metal hardness testing machines), 9024.10.90 (Other metal testing machines).