Product classification
HS code for Spectrophotometer: 9027.30
Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs, using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR).
Classification of spectrophotometer under HS 9027.30
Spectrophotometers are classified under HS code 902730, a sub-heading that specifically addresses spectrometers, spectrophotometers, and spectrographs that utilize optical radiations such as ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and infrared (IR). The classification logic is based on the instrument's primary function: the measurement of the intensity of light as a function of its wavelength. These instruments are essential in chemical and physical analysis to determine the concentration of substances in a solution or to identify the molecular structure of a sample. Under the Harmonized System, heading 9027 covers instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis. The sub-heading 902730 is distinguished from other analytical instruments by its reliance on the optical spectrum. This includes both single-beam and double-beam spectrophotometers. The classification remains the same whether the device is used in a clinical laboratory, an industrial quality control setting, or for environmental monitoring. It is important to note that the device must use optical radiation; if the instrument uses other types of radiation or different physical principles (such as mass spectrometry), it would be classified under different sub-headings like 902780. The inclusion of 'spectrographs' in this heading also covers instruments that record the spectrum on a photographic plate or other media. For customs purposes, the presence of digital displays or computer interfaces does not change the classification, as the core technology remains the optical analysis of light.
- Covers
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometers
- Infrared (IR) Spectrophotometers
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers
- Fluorescence Spectrophotometers
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers
- Also under 9027.30
- Thermo Scientific Evolution 220 UV-Vis
- PerkinElmer Spectrum Two FTIR
- Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis
- Bruker Alpha II FTIR
- Shimadzu UV-1900
Codes often confused with 9027.30
Common mistake. Spectrophotometers are often confused with colorimeters (HS code 902750), which also use light but are simpler devices for measuring color intensity. Another common error is using 903040, which is for spectrum analyzers used in telecommunications. Mass spectrometers are also distinct and fall under 902780.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902730 (the code used for spectrophotometer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902730 (the code used for spectrophotometer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 902730, not only spectrophotometer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $896M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $847M 18% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $357M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $688M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $601M 13% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $291M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.5B 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 spectrophotometer
Brazil splits HS 9027.30 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9027.30.11Atomic emission spectrometers and spectrographs
- 9027.30.19Other optical spectrometers and spectrographs
- 9027.30.20Spectrophotometers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spectrophotometer
What is the HS code for Spectrophotometer?
The HS code for Spectrophotometer is 902730 (Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR)). The standard HS code for spectrophotometers using optical radiation (UV, visible, IR) is 902730.
How do I classify Spectrophotometer for customs?
Spectrophotometer is classified under HS code 902730 — Spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs; using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a spectrum analyzer the same as a spectrophotometer?
No. While the names are similar, a spectrum analyzer (903040) measures electrical signals, whereas a spectrophotometer (902730) measures light radiation.
Which countries are the top exporters of spectrophotometer (HS 902730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902730 (the code used for spectrophotometer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($896M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($847M) and Singapore ($357M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 spectrophotometer (HS 902730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902730 (the code used for spectrophotometer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($688M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($601M) and Singapore ($291M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 Spectrophotometer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902730 for Spectrophotometer 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 spectrophotometer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902730 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for spectrophotometer depends on the product's details: 9027.30.11 (Atomic emission spectrometers and spectrographs), 9027.30.19 (Other optical spectrometers and spectrographs), 9027.30.20 (Spectrophotometers).