Product classification

HS code for Universal testing machine: 9024.80

Machines and appliances, for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of materials other than metals.

Classification of universal testing machine under HS 9024.80

Universal testing machines (UTMs) designed for evaluating the mechanical properties of materials other than metals are classified under HS code 9024.80. This classification is situated within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. The "universal" designation in the product name refers to the machine's versatility in performing various types of mechanical tests, such as tensile, compression, flexure, and peel tests, on a single platform. HS code 9024.80 specifically targets machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity, or other mechanical properties of materials like plastics, rubber, textiles, paper, and wood. The classification is determined by the primary function of the apparatus: the application of a controlled load to a specimen and the subsequent measurement of its physical response. These machines are typically composed of a sturdy load frame, an electromechanical or hydraulic drive system, and high-precision sensors such as load cells and extensometers. According to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9024, the machines classified here are used for determining the physical properties of materials. It is essential to distinguish these from machines used for testing metals, which are classified under 9024.10. Furthermore, UTMs must be distinguished from simple measuring instruments that only check dimensions (9031) or from laboratory scales (9016). The classification under 9024.80 requires that the machine performs a destructive or non-destructive mechanical test that alters or stresses the material to measure its limits. Documentation for customs should emphasize the non-metallic nature of the materials the machine is calibrated to test to ensure correct sub-heading application.

Covers
  • Tensile testing machines for plastics and rubber
  • Compression testers for cardboard and paper
  • Flexural strength testing apparatus for wood
  • Hardness testers for non-metallic materials
  • Electronic universal testing machines (EUTM)
Also under 9024.80
  • Instron 3400 Series for plastics
  • ZwickRoell ZwickiLine for textiles
  • Shore Durometer for rubber
  • Tinius Olsen H5K-T for polymers
  • Testometric M350-10CT

Codes often confused with 9024.80

Common mistake. Universal testing machines are often misclassified under 9024.10, which is reserved exclusively for machines testing metals. They may also be confused with 9031.80 (other measuring or checking instruments), but 9024 is more specific for mechanical property testing.

9024.10Machines and appliances; for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of metals9031.80Instruments, appliances and machines; for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 9090.24Machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity of other mechanical properties of materials (e.g. metals, wood, textiles, paper, plastics)

Top exporters and importers of HS 902480 (the code used for universal testing machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902480 (the code used for universal testing machine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 902480, not only universal testing machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $352M
  2. 2 Germany $291M
  3. 3 China $146M

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $229M
  2. 2 United States $113M
  3. 3 India $86M

World total: $1.4B 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 universal testing machine

Brazil splits HS 9024.80 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about universal testing machine

What is the HS code for Universal testing machine?

The HS code for Universal testing machine is 902480 (Machines and appliances; for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of materials other than metals). For testing non-metallic materials, the HS code is 9024.80. For testing metals, the HS code is 9024.10.

How do I classify Universal testing machine for customs?

Universal testing machine is classified under HS code 902480 — Machines and appliances; for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of materials other than metals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a load cell classified with the machine?

If the load cell is imported as part of the complete universal testing machine, it is classified under 9024.80. If imported separately, it may fall under 9031.80 or 8423.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of universal testing machine (HS 902480)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902480 (the code used for universal testing machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($352M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($291M) and China ($146M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 universal testing machine (HS 902480)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 902480 (the code used for universal testing machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($229M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($113M) and India ($86M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Universal testing machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 902480 for Universal testing machine 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 universal testing machine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 902480 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for universal testing machine depends on the product's details: 9024.80.11 (Automatic yarn testing machines), 9024.80.19 (Other textile testing machines), 9024.80.21 (Tyre testing machines), 9024.80.29 (Other paper, plastics or rubber testing machines), 9024.80.90 (Testing machines for other non-metal materials).