Product classification
HS code for Silica test tubes: 7017.10
Glassware, laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of fused quartz or other fused silica.
Classification of silica test tubes under HS 7017.10
Silica test tubes are classified under HS code 7017.10. This code is found in Chapter 70, which covers glass and glassware. Heading 7017 is specifically for laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. Subheading 7017.10 is reserved for glassware made of fused quartz or other fused silica. These products are distinguished from standard glass test tubes by their ability to withstand extremely high temperatures and thermal shock, as well as their high UV transparency. The classification is strictly based on the material composition (fused silica) and the intended use in a laboratory or medical environment. Even if the tubes are not graduated, their shape and material properties as laboratory vessels dictate this classification.
- Covers
- Fused quartz test tubes
- Fused silica combustion tubes
- High-temperature silica sample tubes
- Transparent fused silica laboratory vials
- Quartz glass tubes for chemical analysis
- Also under 7017.10
- Corning Pyrex (quartz line)
- Schott Duran (quartz line)
- Heraeus Quartz
- Qsil Fused Quartz
- Saint-Gobain Quartz
Codes often confused with 7017.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is under HS code 7017.20, which covers laboratory glassware made of other glass having a low coefficient of expansion (such as borosilicate glass/Pyrex). While both are used in labs, fused silica (7017.10) has a much higher melting point and lower expansion than borosilicate. Another error is using 7002.31, which covers glass tubing as a raw material. If the tube has been closed at one end or otherwise worked into a finished laboratory vessel (like a test tube), it must be classified under 7017. Finally, ceramic test tubes should be classified in Chapter 69, not Chapter 70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701710 (the code used for silica test tubes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701710 (the code used for silica test tubes) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 701710, not only silica test tubes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $60M 21% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $53M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $46M 16% of world exports
World total: $283M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $72M 26% of world imports
- 2 China $18M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $17M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $270M 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 code for silica test tubes
Brazil classifies silica test tubes under NCM 7017.10.00: HS 7017.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silica test tubes
What is the HS code for Silica test tubes?
The HS code for Silica test tubes is 701710 (Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of fused quartz or other fused silica). Test tubes made of fused quartz or fused silica are classified under HS code 7017.10.
How do I classify Silica test tubes for customs?
Silica test tubes is classified under HS code 701710 — Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of fused quartz or other fused silica. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use 7017.90 for silica test tubes?
No, 7017.90 is a residual category for "other" glass. Since there is a specific subheading (7017.10) for fused silica, it must be used according to the hierarchy of the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of silica test tubes (HS 701710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701710 (the code used for silica test tubes) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($60M, 21% of world exports), Mexico ($53M) and the United States ($46M). World exports came to about $283M, 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 silica test tubes (HS 701710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701710 (the code used for silica test tubes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($72M, 26% of world imports), China ($18M) and Singapore ($17M). World imports came to about $270M, 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 Silica test tubes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701710 for Silica test tubes 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 silica test tubes in Brazil?
In Brazil, silica test tubes (HS 701710) is classified under NCM 7017.10.00.