Product classification
HS code for Microtome: 9027.90
Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof.
Classification of microtome under HS 9027.90
A microtome is classified under HS code 9027.90. This classification is derived from Chapter 90, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Specifically, heading 9027 covers instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis, such as polarimeters, refractometers, and spectrometers. While a microtome is a mechanical cutting tool, it is specifically designed for the preparation of extremely thin biological or material sections for microscopic examination. Because it is an essential accessory for analysis and is listed specifically in the Explanatory Notes to heading 9027, it falls under the sub-heading 9027.90, which includes microtomes as well as parts and accessories for the instruments of this heading. The classification reflects the microtome's role as a precision laboratory instrument rather than a general-purpose cutting machine.
- Covers
- Rotary microtomes for histology
- Cryostats (microtomes housed in a freezer)
- Ultramicrotomes for electron microscopy preparation
- Sliding microtomes
- Vibrating microtomes
- Replacement blades and specimen holders specifically for microtomes
- Also under 9027.90
- Leica RM2255 Rotary Microtome
- Thermo Scientific HM340E Microtome
- Sakura Accu-Cut SRM 200
- RMC Boeckeler PT-PC Ultramicrotome
Codes often confused with 9027.90
Common mistake. Microtomes are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9018, which covers medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary instruments. While microtomes are used in pathology labs, they are considered laboratory equipment for analysis rather than direct surgical or medical tools. Another common error is HS code 8466, which covers parts and accessories for machine tools. However, because the microtome is a complete instrument for scientific analysis, Chapter 90 takes precedence over Chapter 84 for this specific precision equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902790 (the code used for microtome), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902790 (the code used for microtome) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 902790, not only microtome.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.5B 16% of world exports
- 2 Japan $2.4B 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.2B 14% of world exports
World total: $15.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.4B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.5B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 China $1.3B 8.5% of world imports
World total: $15.4B 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 microtome
Brazil splits HS 9027.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9027.90.10Microtomes
- 9027.90.91Atomic emission spectrometer parts and accessories
- 9027.90.93Parts and accessories of polarographs
- 9027.90.99Other analysis instrument parts and accessories
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about microtome
What is the HS code for Microtome?
The HS code for Microtome is 902790 (Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof). The HS code for microtomes and their specific parts and accessories is 9027.90.
How do I classify Microtome for customs?
Microtome is classified under HS code 902790 — Microtomes and parts and accessories thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are microtome blades classified under the same code?
Yes, blades specifically designed for use with microtomes are classified under 9027.90 as parts and accessories of the instrument.
Which countries are the top exporters of microtome (HS 902790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902790 (the code used for microtome) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 16% of world exports), Japan ($2.4B) and Germany ($2.2B). World exports came to about $15.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of microtome (HS 902790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902790 (the code used for microtome) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.5B) and China ($1.3B). World imports came to about $15.4B, 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 Microtome the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902790 for Microtome 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 microtome in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902790 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for microtome depends on the product's details: 9027.90.10 (Microtomes), 9027.90.91 (Atomic emission spectrometer parts and accessories), 9027.90.93 (Parts and accessories of polarographs), 9027.90.99 (Other analysis instrument parts and accessories).