Product classification
HS code for Hydrometer: 9025.80
Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, barometers, hygrometers, psychrometers, thermometers, pyrometers, recording or not, any combination of these instruments (excluding thermometers and barometers not combined with other instruments).
Classification of hydrometer under HS 9025.80
The classification of a hydrometer under HS code 9025.80 is determined by its primary function as an instrument for measuring the density or specific gravity of liquids. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 9025 specifically encompasses hydrometers and similar floating instruments, whether or not they are recording. While thermometers and barometers have their own subheadings (9025.11, 9025.19, and 9025.80 for barometers), the hydrometer falls into the residual category of 9025.80 when it is not combined with other specific instruments that would change its classification. These instruments operate on the principle of buoyancy, where the depth to which the instrument sinks indicates the density of the fluid. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the device is made of glass, metal, or plastic, provided it functions as a floating instrument for density measurement. This code is also used for instruments that measure the concentration of specific substances in a liquid based on density, such as sugar or alcohol. The technical nature of these devices as measuring instruments for physical properties places them firmly within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, and measuring apparatus.
- Covers
- Alcoholometers for measuring spirits
- Saccharometers for sugar solutions
- Salinometers for salt concentration
- Battery hydrometers for testing electrolyte density
- Lactometers for milk density testing
- Acidometers for measuring acid strength
- Also under 9025.80
- Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
- Extech RHT10 Humidity & Temperature Datalogger
- Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter
- Oregon Scientific BAR208HGX
- Hanna Instruments HI98194 pH/ORP/EC/TDS/Salinity/DO/Pressure/Temperature Meter
Codes often confused with 9025.80
Common mistake. Hydrometers are frequently confused with thermometers classified under 9025.11 or 9025.19. While many hydrometers contain an internal thermometer (thermo-hydrometers), they remain under 9025.80 because the density measurement is the principal function. Another common error is attempting to classify electronic density meters under this code; however, electronic versions that do not use the floating principle may be classified under 9027.80 as instruments for physical or chemical analysis.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902580 (the code used for hydrometer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902580 (the code used for hydrometer) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 902580, not only hydrometer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $282M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $199M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $162M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $269M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $216M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $177M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 code for hydrometer
Brazil classifies hydrometer under NCM 9025.80.00: HS 9025.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydrometer
What is the HS code for Hydrometer?
The HS code for Hydrometer is 902580 (Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, barometers, hygrometers, psychrometers, thermometers, pyrometers; recording or not, any combination of these instruments (excluding thermometers and barometers not combined with other instruments)). The HS code for a standard floating hydrometer is 9025.80.
How do I classify Hydrometer for customs?
Hydrometer is classified under HS code 902580 — Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, barometers, hygrometers, psychrometers, thermometers, pyrometers; recording or not, any combination of these instruments (excluding thermometers and barometers not combined with other instruments). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include electronic density meters?
No, 9025.80 specifically covers floating instruments. Electronic or digital density meters are typically classified under heading 9027.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydrometer (HS 902580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902580 (the code used for hydrometer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($282M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($199M) and Germany ($162M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 hydrometer (HS 902580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902580 (the code used for hydrometer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($269M, 15% of world imports), China ($216M) and Germany ($177M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Hydrometer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902580 for Hydrometer 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 hydrometer in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydrometer (HS 902580) is classified under NCM 9025.80.00.