Product classification
HS code for Process controllers: 9032.89
Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic.
Classification of process controllers under HS 9032.89
Process controllers are classified under HS code 9032.89, which covers automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus. This classification is appropriate because these devices are designed to bring a physical variable, such as temperature, pressure, or flow, to a desired value and maintain it there by measuring the actual value and acting on the control elements. Chapter 90 specifically deals with optical, photographic, and precision instruments. Since these controllers are electronic or non-pneumatic/hydraulic instruments that perform automatic control functions, they fall under the 'other' subcategory of 9032. The classification relies on the device's ability to function as part of a closed-loop system, where it receives an input signal from a sensor, compares it to a setpoint, and provides an output signal to an actuator. This technical definition distinguishes process controllers from simple switches or manual control panels. The Harmonized System requires that for an instrument to be classified under 9032, it must consist of a device for measuring the variable, a control device, and a starting, stopping, or operating device. Modern digital process controllers, including PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers used in industrial automation, are the primary products intended for this code. They are essential for maintaining stability in chemical, mechanical, or thermal processes.
- Covers
- Digital PID controllers
- Electronic temperature regulators
- Automated flow controllers
- Pressure process controllers
- Multi-loop programmable controllers
- Also under 9032.89
- Siemens S7-1500 PLC
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Controller
- Omron E5CC Temperature Controller
- ABB ACS580 Variable Frequency Drive
Codes often confused with 9032.89
Common mistake. Process controllers are often misclassified under HS code 8537, which covers boards, panels, and consoles for electric control or the distribution of electricity. The distinction is that 8537 is for power distribution and switching, whereas 9032 is for the automatic regulation of a specific physical variable. They may also be confused with 9032.10, which is specifically reserved for thermostats.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903289 (the code used for process controllers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903289 (the code used for process controllers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 903289, not only process controllers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.2B 14% of world exports
- 2 Japan $3.0B 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.5B 11% of world exports
World total: $23.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.2B 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.6B 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.7B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $26.7B 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 process controllers
Brazil splits HS 9032.89 into 15 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9032.89.11Electronic voltage regulators
- 9032.89.19Other voltage regulators
- 9032.89.21ABS controllers for motor vehicles
- 9032.89.22Vehicle suspension system controllers
- 9032.89.23Vehicle transmission controllers
- 9032.89.24Vehicle ignition controllers
- 9032.89.25Vehicle injection system controllers
- 9032.89.29Other electronic vehicle controllers
- 9032.89.30Digital railway vehicle control equipment
- 9032.89.81Automatic pressure regulators
- 9032.89.82Automatic temperature regulators
- 9032.89.83Automatic humidity regulators
- 9032.89.84Variable-frequency motor speed controllers
- 9032.89.89Other non-electrical quantity regulators
- 9032.89.90Other automatic regulating instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about process controllers
What is the HS code for Process controllers?
The HS code for Process controllers is 903289 (Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic). The HS code for automatic process controllers (other than hydraulic or pneumatic) is 9032.89.
How do I classify Process controllers for customs?
Process controllers is classified under HS code 903289 — Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are programmable logic controllers (PLCs) classified here?
Generally, PLCs are classified under HS code 8537.10 as they are considered digital control apparatus for electrical distribution or control, rather than specific automatic regulating instruments of Chapter 90.
Which countries are the top exporters of process controllers (HS 903289)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903289 (the code used for process controllers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.2B, 14% of world exports), Japan ($3.0B) and the United States ($2.5B). World exports came to about $23.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of process controllers (HS 903289)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903289 (the code used for process controllers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.2B, 16% of world imports), the United States ($2.6B) and Germany ($1.7B). World imports came to about $26.7B, 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 Process controllers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903289 for Process controllers 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 process controllers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 903289 into 15 NCM codes, so the right one for process controllers depends on the product's details: 9032.89.11 (Electronic voltage regulators), 9032.89.19 (Other voltage regulators), 9032.89.21 (ABS controllers for motor vehicles), 9032.89.22 (Vehicle suspension system controllers), 9032.89.23 (Vehicle transmission controllers), 9032.89.24 (Vehicle ignition controllers), and more.