Product classification
HS code for Viscometer: 9027.81
Instruments and apparatus, for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers.
Classification of viscometer under HS 9027.81
A viscometer is classified under HS code 9027.81, which is part of the broader category for instruments and apparatus used for physical or chemical analysis. This specific code is designated for instruments that measure or check viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension, or similar properties. Viscometers are precision tools used in laboratories and industrial settings to determine the internal friction of a fluid. The classification under Chapter 90 is appropriate because these devices are considered optical, measuring, or checking precision instruments. Heading 9027 specifically targets instruments for physical or chemical analysis. The inclusion of viscometers under 9027.81 is based on the device's function of analyzing the physical state of a substance. Whether the instrument is a simple glass capillary viscometer or a complex electronic rotational viscometer, it falls under this heading because its primary purpose is the scientific measurement of viscosity. It is important to distinguish these from simple flow meters, which measure the volume or mass of a fluid passing through a point, rather than the internal properties of the fluid itself. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the device is used for oil, food products, or chemical polymers.
- Covers
- Rotational viscometers (Brookfield type)
- Capillary viscometers (Ubbelohde or Cannon-Fenske)
- Falling ball viscometers
- Digital and analog viscosity meters
- Process viscometers for industrial pipelines
- Also under 9027.81
- Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole MS
- Waters Xevo TQ-S MS
- Anton Paar Rheometer
- Micromeritics ASAP 2020 Plus
- TA Instruments DSC 250
Codes often confused with 9027.81
Common mistake. Viscometers are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9026.80, which covers instruments for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids. While viscosity affects flow, 9026 is for quantity and velocity measurement, whereas 9027.81 is for the analysis of physical properties. They may also be confused with 9031.80, a residual category for other measuring instruments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902781 (the code used for viscometer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902781 (the code used for viscometer) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% 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 902781, not only viscometer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 27% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $1.1B 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $582M 14% of world exports
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.4B 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $560M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $396M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 code for viscometer
Brazil classifies viscometer under NCM 9027.81.00: HS 9027.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about viscometer
What is the HS code for Viscometer?
The HS code for Viscometer is 902781 (Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers). The HS code for a viscometer used for physical analysis is 9027.81.
How do I classify Viscometer for customs?
Viscometer is classified under HS code 902781 — Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or light, mass spectrometers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include laboratory glassware used for viscosity?
If the item is a simple glass tube without mechanical parts, it might be classified under Chapter 70 as laboratory glassware (7017). However, calibrated capillary viscometers are generally kept in 9027.
Which countries are the top exporters of viscometer (HS 902781)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902781 (the code used for viscometer) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 27% of world exports), Singapore ($1.1B) and the United States ($582M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of viscometer (HS 902781)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902781 (the code used for viscometer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 33% of world imports), the United States ($560M) and Germany ($396M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Viscometer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902781 for Viscometer 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 viscometer in Brazil?
In Brazil, viscometer (HS 902781) is classified under NCM 9027.81.00.