Product classification

HS code for Inspection machines: 9031.80

Instruments, appliances and machines, for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90.

Classification of inspection machines under HS 9031.80

Inspection machines are classified under HS code 9031.80, which serves as a residual category for measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines not specified elsewhere in Chapter 90. Chapter 90 is dedicated to optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments. Heading 9031 specifically covers instruments and machines for measuring or checking that are not described by more specific headings like 9025 (thermometers), 9026 (flow meters), or 9027 (chemical analysis). The classification under 9031.80 is determined by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. These machines typically use mechanical, optical, or electronic means to verify the dimensions, surface quality, or structural integrity of a workpiece. Because modern inspection machines often integrate multiple technologies (such as lasers and digital sensors) to perform checking functions that do not fit into the narrower definitions of other Chapter 90 headings, they are placed in this "other" category. The machine must be an instrument of checking or measurement rather than a machine tool for working material (Chapter 84) to qualify for this code.

Covers
  • Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems for PCBs
  • Ultrasonic flaw detection equipment
  • Surface roughness testers
  • Gear testing and checking machines
Also under 9031.80
  • Hexagon Global S CMM
  • Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-210
  • Fluke 805 FC Vibration Meter
  • Keyence IM-8000 Image Dimension Measurement System

Codes often confused with 9031.80

Common mistake. These machines are often misclassified under 8471 if they are controlled by a computer, but Note 5(E) to Chapter 84 states that machines performing a specific function other than data processing are classified in the heading appropriate to their function. They are also confused with 9027, which is for physical or chemical analysis; however, 9031.80 is for dimensional or quality checking rather than analyzing the composition of a substance.

84.71Automatic data processing machines and units thereof, magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included90.27Instruments 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 903180 (the code used for inspection machines), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903180 (the code used for inspection machines) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 903180, not only inspection machines.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $5.4B
  2. 2 China $4.9B
  3. 3 United States $3.1B

World total: $31.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $6.4B
  2. 2 United States $3.8B
  3. 3 Germany $2.4B

World total: $33.7B 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 inspection machines

Brazil splits HS 9031.80 into 9 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 inspection machines

What is the HS code for Inspection machines?

The HS code for Inspection machines is 903180 (Instruments, appliances and machines; for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90). The primary HS code for general-purpose measuring and checking inspection machines is 9031.80.

How do I classify Inspection machines for customs?

Inspection machines is classified under HS code 903180 — Instruments, appliances and machines; for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are X-ray inspection machines included here?

No, machines that use X-rays for inspection are specifically classified under heading 9022.

Which countries are the top exporters of inspection machines (HS 903180)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903180 (the code used for inspection machines) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.4B, 17% of world exports), China ($4.9B) and the United States ($3.1B). World exports came to about $31.3B, 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 inspection machines (HS 903180)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 903180 (the code used for inspection machines) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.4B, 19% of world imports), the United States ($3.8B) and Germany ($2.4B). World imports came to about $33.7B, 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.

Is the HS code for Inspection machines the same in all countries?

The base HS code 903180 for Inspection machines 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 inspection machines in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 903180 into 9 NCM codes, so the right one for inspection machines depends on the product's details: 9031.80.11 (Dynamometers), 9031.80.12 (Surface roughness testers), 9031.80.20 (Three-dimensional measuring machines), 9031.80.30 (Standard metres), 9031.80.40 (Vehicle trip computers), 9031.80.50 (Computerised textile analysis apparatus), and more.