Product classification
HS code for Refractometer: 9027.89
Instruments and apparatus, for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters.
Classification of refractometer under HS 9027.89
A refractometer is classified under HS code 9027.89. This classification is based on the instrument's primary function: the physical analysis of substances by measuring the refractive index. Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System covers optical, photographic, and measuring instruments. Heading 9027 specifically includes instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis. Since a refractometer measures how light bends as it passes through a liquid or solid to determine concentration or purity, it fits perfectly within this heading. The subheading 9027.89 is used for "other" instruments that do not use optical radiations (like UV, visible, or IR) in a way that fits into the more specific 9027.50 category. The device works by measuring the angle of refraction, which correlates to the density of the medium. This is essential in industries ranging from food production (measuring Brix levels in fruit juice) to gemology and chemical manufacturing. The classification process involves applying GRI 1 and GRI 6. It is important to distinguish these instruments from simple magnifying glasses or microscopes, as the refractometer's purpose is analytical rather than purely visual. Modern refractometers may be digital or analog (Abbe or handheld), but both types generally fall under this code unless they are integrated into a larger machine. The precision of these instruments requires them to be classified under Chapter 90, which is reserved for high-precision technical equipment.
- Covers
- Handheld Brix refractometers
- Abbe refractometers
- Digital laboratory refractometers
- Gemological refractometers
- Salinity refractometers
- Process refractometers for inline monitoring
- Also under 9027.89
- Mettler Toledo SevenCompact pH meter
- Hanna Instruments HI98194
- Sartorius MA160 Moisture Analyzer
- Sekonic Speedmaster L-858D
- Metrohm Titrando
Codes often confused with 9027.89
Common mistake. Refractometers are sometimes misclassified under 9027.50, which covers instruments using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR). While refractometers use light, they are often placed in 9027.89 as the residual category for analytical instruments. They may also be confused with 9031.80 (other measuring or checking instruments), but since they are specifically for physical analysis, 9027 is the more specific and correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902789 (the code used for refractometer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902789 (the code used for refractometer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 902789, not only refractometer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.4B 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 3 China $1.1B 9.1% of world exports
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 China $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $608M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $11.4B 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 refractometer
Brazil splits HS 9027.89 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9027.89.11Calorimeters
- 9027.89.12Viscometers
- 9027.89.13Densitometers
- 9027.89.14pH meters
- 9027.89.20Polarographs
- 9027.89.91Exposure meters
- 9027.89.99Other physical or chemical analysis apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refractometer
What is the HS code for Refractometer?
The HS code for Refractometer is 902789 (Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters). The standard HS code for a refractometer used for physical or chemical analysis is 9027.89.
How do I classify Refractometer for customs?
Refractometer is classified under HS code 902789 — Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, exposure meters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are digital and analog refractometers classified under the same code?
Yes, both digital and analog refractometers are generally classified under 9027.89 as they perform the same analytical function of measuring the refractive index.
Which countries are the top exporters of refractometer (HS 902789)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902789 (the code used for refractometer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4B, 21% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and China ($1.1B). World exports came to about $11.8B, 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 refractometer (HS 902789)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902789 (the code used for refractometer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), China ($1.5B) and Germany ($608M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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 Refractometer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902789 for Refractometer 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 refractometer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902789 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for refractometer depends on the product's details: 9027.89.11 (Calorimeters), 9027.89.12 (Viscometers), 9027.89.13 (Densitometers), 9027.89.14 (pH meters), 9027.89.20 (Polarographs), 9027.89.91 (Exposure meters), and more.