Product classification
HS code for Precision scales: 9016.00
Balances, of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights.
Classification of precision scales under HS 9016.00
Precision scales are classified under HS code 9016.00 because they meet the specific technical threshold of sensitivity defined by the World Customs Organization. This heading is reserved for balances with a sensitivity of 5 centigrams (50 milligrams) or better. The classification is determined by the instrument's ability to detect minute changes in mass, regardless of whether the scale is used for scientific, pharmaceutical, or industrial purposes. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings. Since 9016.00 specifically mentions sensitivity, any weighing instrument exceeding this precision must be placed here rather than in general weighing machinery chapters. These devices often feature draft shields, leveling feet, and sophisticated electronic or mechanical components to maintain accuracy against environmental interference.
- Covers
- Analytical balances used in chemical research
- Micro-balances for measuring milligram-level samples
- Electronic precision scales with 0.01g readability
- Torsion balances for laboratory use
- Assay balances for precious metal testing
- Jewelry scales meeting the 5cg sensitivity requirement
- 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. The critical difference is the sensitivity threshold; if a scale has a sensitivity of 6 centigrams or worse, it must be classified under 8423. Importers often mistakenly use 8423.10 for household scales or 8423.81 for retail scales that look professional but lack the 5cg sensitivity. Additionally, 9027 is sometimes incorrectly used for analytical balances because they are used in laboratories, but 9016.00 is the more specific heading for the act of weighing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901600 (the code used for precision scales), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901600 (the code used for precision 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 precision 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 precision 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 precision scales
What is the HS code for Precision scales?
The HS code for Precision scales is 901600 (Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights). The HS code for precision scales with a sensitivity of 5 centigrams or better is 9016.00.
How do I classify Precision scales for customs?
Precision 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.
Does the 9016.00 code include weights?
Yes, HS code 9016.00 includes balances imported with or without their weights, as well as sets of weights presented with the balances.
Which countries are the top exporters of precision scales (HS 901600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901600 (the code used for precision 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 precision scales (HS 901600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901600 (the code used for precision 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 Precision scales the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901600 for Precision 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 precision scales in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for precision 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).