Product classification
HS code for Laboratory scales: 9016.00
Balances, of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights.
Classification of laboratory scales under HS 9016.00
Laboratory scales and balances are classified under HS code 9016.00. This code is specifically for balances of a sensitivity of 5 centigrams (50 mg) or better. This high level of precision distinguishes laboratory balances from commercial or industrial weighing machinery found in heading 8423. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, measuring, and precision instruments, and 9016.00 is the dedicated heading for these sensitive instruments. The classification applies whether the balance is mechanical or electronic, and whether or not it is presented with its weights. The sensitivity is the primary "rule of thumb" for customs officials; if the device can accurately measure masses smaller than 50mg, it must be classified here rather than under the general machinery chapter. These instruments are essential in scientific research, pharmaceutical compounding, and analytical chemistry where minute quantities of matter must be measured with extreme accuracy. The construction of these balances often includes features to prevent environmental interference, such as draft shields, which further identifies them as precision laboratory equipment.
- Covers
- Analytical balances (electronic or mechanical)
- Micro-balances and ultra-micro balances
- Torsion balances
- Precision scales with sensitivity of 5cg or better
- Hydrostatic balances
- Balances with built-in weights
- Analytical scales for chemical analysis
- Also under 9016.00
- Mettler Toledo XPR Analytical Balance
- Sartorius Cubis MSA Microbalance
- Ohaus Explorer Precision Balance
- A&D Weighing HR-250A
- Shimadzu AUW220D
Codes often confused with 9016.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8423, which covers general weighing machinery. If a scale has a sensitivity coarser than 5 centigrams, it must be classified under 8423.81 or 8423.82. Additionally, weights presented separately from the balance are classified under 8423.90, even if they are intended for use with a 9016 balance. Users often confuse high-end kitchen scales with laboratory balances, but the sensitivity threshold remains the legal dividing line.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901600 (the code used for laboratory scales), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901600 (the code used for laboratory scales) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 901600, not only laboratory scales.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $131M 23% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $109M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $99M 18% of world exports
World total: $566M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $91M 17% of world imports
- 2 China $45M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $41M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $526M 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 laboratory scales
Brazil splits HS 9016.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9016.00.10Analytical balances, sensitivity 0.2 mg or better
- 9016.00.90Balances with sensitivity over 0.2 mg up to 5 cg
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about laboratory scales
What is the HS code for Laboratory scales?
The HS code for Laboratory scales is 901600 (Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights). The HS code for laboratory scales with a sensitivity of 5cg or better is 9016.00.
How do I classify Laboratory scales for customs?
Laboratory scales is classified under HS code 901600 — Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electronic digital balances included in 9016.00?
Yes, both electronic and mechanical balances are included in 9016.00, provided they meet the sensitivity requirement of 5 centigrams or better.
Which countries are the top exporters of laboratory scales (HS 901600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901600 (the code used for laboratory scales) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($131M, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($109M) and Germany ($99M). World exports came to about $566M, 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 laboratory scales (HS 901600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901600 (the code used for laboratory scales) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($91M, 17% of world imports), China ($45M) and Germany ($41M). World imports came to about $526M, 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 Laboratory scales the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901600 for Laboratory scales 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 laboratory scales in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for laboratory scales depends on the product's details: 9016.00.10 (Analytical balances, sensitivity 0.2 mg or better), 9016.00.90 (Balances with sensitivity over 0.2 mg up to 5 cg).