Product classification

HS code for Photometer: 9027.50

Instruments and apparatus, using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs).

Classification of photometer under HS 9027.50

Photometers are classified under HS code 9027.50, which encompasses instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis using optical radiations. This includes ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. A photometer specifically measures the intensity of light or the optical properties of solutions and surfaces. The classification under 9027.50 is appropriate because these devices are used to determine the concentration of substances or the characteristics of materials by measuring light absorption or emission. This code is distinct from those for more complex analytical instruments like spectrometers, as photometers typically measure light at specific wavelengths or across a broad spectrum without necessarily dispersing it into a detailed spectral analysis.

Covers
  • Flame photometers
  • Filter photometers
  • Lux meters (light intensity meters)
  • Turbidity meters using optical radiation
  • Colorimeters for chemical analysis
Also under 9027.50
  • X-Rite Ci7800 Colorimeter
  • Hach 2100Q Turbidimeter
  • Mettler Toledo Refracto 30PX
  • Rudolph Research Autopol V
  • Konica Minolta CM-26dG

Codes often confused with 9027.50

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 9027.30, which is reserved for spectrometers, spectrophotometers, and spectrographs. These instruments are more complex as they use a grating or prism to break light into a spectrum. Another error involves HS code 9031.80, which covers other measuring and checking instruments; however, because photometers use optical radiation for analysis, the specific heading 9027 takes precedence. Additionally, simple photographic light meters used by photographers are sometimes incorrectly placed here but should be in 9027.50 or 9027.80 depending on their technical design.

9027.30Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR)9031.80Instruments, appliances and machines; for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 9090.27Instruments 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 902750 (the code used for photometer), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902750 (the code used for photometer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 902750, not only photometer.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $2.4B
  2. 2 Germany $2.0B
  3. 3 Singapore $981M

World total: $11.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.6B
  2. 2 United States $1.5B
  3. 3 Germany $1.2B

World total: $11.6B 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 photometer

Brazil splits HS 9027.50 into 6 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 photometer

What is the HS code for Photometer?

The HS code for Photometer is 902750 (Instruments and apparatus; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs)). The HS code for instruments using optical radiations, such as photometers, is 9027.50.

How do I classify Photometer for customs?

Photometer is classified under HS code 902750 — Instruments and apparatus; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR), (other than spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does a photometer differ from a spectrophotometer in classification?

A photometer is classified under 9027.50, whereas a spectrophotometer, which provides a more detailed spectral analysis, is classified under 9027.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of photometer (HS 902750)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902750 (the code used for photometer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 22% of world exports), Germany ($2.0B) and Singapore ($981M). World exports came to about $11.1B, 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 photometer (HS 902750)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 902750 (the code used for photometer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 14% of world imports), the United States ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.2B). World imports came to about $11.6B, 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.

Is the HS code for Photometer the same in all countries?

The base HS code 902750 for Photometer 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 photometer in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 902750 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for photometer depends on the product's details: 9027.50.10 (Colorimeters), 9027.50.20 (Photometers), 9027.50.30 (Refractometers), 9027.50.40 (Saccharimeters), 9027.50.50 (Flow cytometers), 9027.50.90 (Other optical radiation analysis instruments).