Product classification

HS code for Measuring instruments: 9031.80

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

Classification of measuring instruments under HS 9031.80

Measuring instruments classified under HS code 9031.80 represent a residual category within Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System. This code is designated for instruments, appliances, and machines used for measuring or checking that are not specified or included elsewhere in the chapter. Classification here is determined by the principle that the device must perform a measuring or checking function but lacks the specific characteristics to be categorized under more specialized headings such as 90.25 (thermometers), 90.26 (flow/pressure meters), 90.27 (chemical analysis), or 90.30 (electrical quantities). These devices often utilize mechanical, optical, or electronic sensors to verify dimensions, surface finishes, or structural integrity. Because 9031 serves as a \"basket\" heading, it encompasses a diverse range of high-precision industrial equipment used in quality control and engineering. The classification relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, focusing on the functional application of the machine in a non-destructive testing or dimensional verification environment.

Covers
  • Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) for three-dimensional inspections
  • Ultrasonic testing equipment for detecting internal material flaws
  • Vibration monitoring and analysis instruments for industrial machinery
  • Profile projectors used for checking the shape of small components
  • Dynamic balancing machines for rotating parts
  • Non-optical laser measuring devices for distance or alignment
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. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 9017, which covers manual drawing, marking-out, or mathematical calculating instruments like micrometers, calipers, and rulers. While both headings involve measurement, 9017 is reserved for hand-held tools, whereas 9031.80 typically covers more complex, often stationary, machinery. Additionally, instruments that measure electrical quantities must be classified under 9030, and those performing chemical or physical analysis of materials belong in 9027. Importers often mistakenly use 8423 for weighing machinery, which is strictly excluded from Chapter 90.

90.17Drawing, marking-out, mathematical calculating instruments (drafting machines, protractors, drawing sets etc); instruments for measuring length (e.g. measuring rods, tapes, micrometers, callipers) n.e.c.90.30Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities not meters of heading no. 9028; instruments, apparatus for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations90.27Instruments 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 light84.23Weighing machines; excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, including weight operated counting or checking machines and weights of all kinds

Top exporters and importers of HS 903180 (the code used for measuring instruments), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903180 (the code used for measuring instruments) 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 measuring instruments.

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 measuring instruments

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 measuring instruments

What is the HS code for Measuring instruments?

The HS code for Measuring instruments is 903180 (Instruments, appliances and machines; for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90). The primary HS code for general-purpose industrial measuring and checking instruments not specified elsewhere is 9031.80.

How do I classify Measuring instruments for customs?

Measuring instruments 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.

How do I distinguish between 9017 and 9031?

Heading 9017 is specifically for hand-operated tools like gauges and calipers, while 9031 covers complex machines and electronic appliances used for automated or specialized checking processes.

Which countries are the top exporters of measuring instruments (HS 903180)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903180 (the code used for measuring instruments) 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 measuring instruments (HS 903180)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 903180 (the code used for measuring instruments) 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 Measuring instruments the same in all countries?

The base HS code 903180 for Measuring instruments 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 measuring instruments in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 903180 into 9 NCM codes, so the right one for measuring instruments 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.