Product classification
HS code for Test tubes: 7017.20
Glassware, laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C.
Classification of test tubes under HS 7017.20
Test tubes made of glass are classified under HS code 7017.20, which specifically covers laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware with a low linear coefficient of expansion. This classification is determined by the material composition and the intended use of the product. To qualify for 7017.20, the glass must have a linear coefficient of expansion not exceeding 5 x 10^-6 per Kelvin within a temperature range of 0 to 300 degrees Celsius. This typically refers to borosilicate glass, which is favored in laboratory settings for its high thermal shock resistance and chemical durability. The heading 7017 is reserved for glassware designed for scientific work, research, or medical procedures where precision and resistance to heat or chemicals are paramount. Standard soda-lime glass containers used for commercial packaging do not fall under this code, as they lack the specific thermal properties required by the 7017.20 definition. The classification also accounts for the fact that these tubes are often graduated or calibrated for precise measurement, a feature not found in standard glass vials or bottles. The durability and specialized nature of the glass ensure that the tubes can withstand autoclaving and exposure to corrosive reagents without compromising the integrity of the sample or the vessel itself.
- Covers
- Borosilicate glass test tubes
- Graduated glass culture tubes
- Glass centrifuge tubes
- Boiling tubes for laboratory use
- Glass ignition tubes
- Bacteriological culture tubes
- Also under 7017.20
- Pyrex beakers
- Duran laboratory bottles
- Schott glassware
- Kimble Chase pipettes
Codes often confused with 7017.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with plastic test tubes, which should be classified under 3926.90 as other articles of plastics, rather than 7017. Additionally, glass tubes used for packaging or transport of goods (like perfume samplers) are often confused with labware but should be classified under 7010, which covers glass containers for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701720 (the code used for test tubes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701720 (the code used for test tubes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 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 701720, not only test tubes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $152M 36% of world exports
- 2 United States $64M 15% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $39M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $423M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $62M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $48M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $37M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $397M 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 test tubes
Brazil classifies test tubes under NCM 7017.20.00: HS 7017.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about test tubes
What is the HS code for Test tubes?
The HS code for Test tubes is 701720 (Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C). The HS code for glass test tubes with a low expansion coefficient (borosilicate) is 7017.20.
How do I classify Test tubes for customs?
Test tubes is classified under HS code 701720 — Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, having a linear co-efficient of expansion not over 5 x 10 (to the minus 6), (or 0.000005)) per Kelvin with a temperature of 0-300 degrees C. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plastic test tubes?
No, plastic test tubes are classified under Chapter 39, specifically 3926.90, as they are made of polymers rather than glass.
Which countries are the top exporters of test tubes (HS 701720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701720 (the code used for test tubes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($152M, 36% of world exports), the United States ($64M) and Sweden ($39M). World exports came to about $423M, 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 tubes (HS 701720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701720 (the code used for test tubes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($62M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($48M) and China ($37M). World imports came to about $397M, 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 tubes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701720 for 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 test tubes in Brazil?
In Brazil, test tubes (HS 701720) is classified under NCM 7017.20.00.