Product classification
HS code for Retail scale: 8423.81
Weighing machines, other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30kg (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better).
Classification of retail scale under HS 8423.81
Retail scales are classified under HS code 8423.81. This classification is found in Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8423 specifically covers weighing machinery. The classification within this heading is determined by the functional design and the maximum weighing capacity of the device. Subheading 8423.81 is designated for weighing machines having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg. This capacity range covers the vast majority of scales used in retail environments, such as grocery store counter scales, price-computing scales, and small kitchen scales. The classification excludes high-precision balances used in laboratories and personal scales used for weighing people, which have their own specific codes.
- Covers
- Digital price-computing retail scales
- Mechanical counter scales for shops
- Electronic kitchen scales (capacity up to 30kg)
- Small platform scales for retail use
- Portable retail weighing devices
- Also under 8423.81
- Mettler Toledo bRite Retail Scales
- Ohaus Defender 3000 Bench Scales
- Adam Equipment CPWplus Scales
- Dymo M25 Digital Postal Scale
- Brecknell B140 Bench Scale
Codes often confused with 8423.81
Common mistake. Retail scales are often misclassified under HS code 8423.10, which is specifically for personal weighing machines (bathroom scales). They are also confused with HS code 9016.00, which covers balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better; if a scale is extremely precise, it moves to Chapter 90 regardless of its retail use. Additionally, scales with a capacity between 30 kg and 5,000 kg fall under 8423.82, which is common for industrial or warehouse scales.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842381 (the code used for retail scale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842381 (the code used for retail scale) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% 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 842381, not only retail scale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $222M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $205M 24% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $67M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $839M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $105M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $70M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $62M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $833M 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 retail scale
Brazil splits HS 8423.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8423.81.10Table scales up to 30 kg, recording or labelling
- 8423.81.90Other scales of 30 kg capacity or less
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about retail scale
What is the HS code for Retail scale?
The HS code for Retail scale is 842381 (Weighing machines; other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30kg (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better)). The HS code for retail weighing machines with a capacity not exceeding 30 kg is 8423.81.
How do I classify Retail scale for customs?
Retail scale is classified under HS code 842381 — Weighing machines; other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30kg (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5cg or better). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the retail scale has a built-in printer for labels?
Even with a built-in printer for price and weight labels, the primary function remains weighing, and it is still classified under 8423.81 as long as the capacity does not exceed 30 kg.
Which countries are the top exporters of retail scale (HS 842381)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842381 (the code used for retail scale) in UN Comtrade data were China ($222M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($205M) and the Netherlands ($67M). World exports came to about $839M, 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 retail scale (HS 842381)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842381 (the code used for retail scale) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($105M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($70M) and Italy ($62M). World imports came to about $833M, 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 Retail scale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842381 for Retail scale 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 retail scale in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842381 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for retail scale depends on the product's details: 8423.81.10 (Table scales up to 30 kg, recording or labelling), 8423.81.90 (Other scales of 30 kg capacity or less).