Product classification
HS code for Test leads: 9030.90
Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities, not meters of heading no. 9028, parts and accessories, for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations.
Classification of test leads under HS 9030.90
Test leads are classified under HS code 9030.90 because they are identified as essential parts and accessories for instruments and apparatus used for measuring or checking electrical quantities. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 90, accessories that are suitable for use solely or principally with a particular kind of machine or instrument are classified with those machines. Since test leads are specifically designed to facilitate the connection between a measuring device—such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, or signal generator—and the circuit or component under test, they fall under the "parts and accessories" subheading of 9030. This classification applies regardless of whether the leads are sold separately or as part of a kit, provided they are clearly intended for use with the instruments of heading 9030. The technical nature of these leads, often featuring specialized connectors like banana plugs, alligator clips, or high-impedance probes, distinguishes them from general-purpose electrical conductors. Furthermore, the insulation and safety ratings (such as CAT II, III, or IV) are specific to the measurement of electrical signals, reinforcing their status as instrument accessories rather than simple wiring. They are integral to the functionality of the measuring device, allowing for the safe and accurate transmission of signals from the source to the processing unit of the meter.
- Covers
- Multimeter probe sets
- Oscilloscope test probes
- Alligator clip leads for electrical testing
- Banana plug to banana plug cables
- Kelvin clips for four-wire resistance measurement
- Modular test lead kits with interchangeable tips
- Also under 9030.90
- Mirion Technologies RDS-30
- Ludlum Measurements Model 3
- Thermo Scientific FH 40 G
- Canberra Osprey Digital MCA
Codes often confused with 9030.90
Common mistake. Test leads are frequently misclassified under HS code 8544, which covers insulated wire and cable. While test leads are indeed insulated wires, 8544 is intended for general electrical conduction, whereas 9030.90 is specific to instrument accessories. Another common error is classifying them under 9030.33 (multimeters) if they are imported in the same box; however, when imported as replacement parts or separate accessories, 9030.90 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903090 (the code used for test leads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903090 (the code used for test leads) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 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 903090, not only test leads.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $2.5B 21% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.9B 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.5B 13% of world exports
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$1.8B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $1.2B 11% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $1.2B 11% of world imports
World total: $11.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 test leads
Brazil splits HS 9030.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9030.90.10Parts and accessories, ionising radiation meters
- 9030.90.90Parts and accessories, electrical test instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about test leads
What is the HS code for Test leads?
The HS code for Test leads is 903090 (Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities, not meters of heading no. 9028; parts and accessories, for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations). The primary HS code for test leads used with electrical measuring instruments is 9030.90.
How do I classify Test leads for customs?
Test leads is classified under HS code 903090 — Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities, not meters of heading no. 9028; parts and accessories, for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are test leads classified as cables?
No, if they are specifically designed with connectors for use with measuring instruments, they are classified as accessories under 9030.90 rather than general cables under 8544.
Which countries are the top exporters of test leads (HS 903090)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903090 (the code used for test leads) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($2.5B, 21% of world exports), Japan ($1.9B) and the United States ($1.5B). 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 test leads (HS 903090)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903090 (the code used for test leads) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $1.8B, 16% of world imports), the United States ($1.2B) and South Korea ($1.2B). World imports came to about $11.1B, 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 Test leads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903090 for Test leads 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 test leads in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 903090 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for test leads depends on the product's details: 9030.90.10 (Parts and accessories, ionising radiation meters), 9030.90.90 (Parts and accessories, electrical test instruments).