Product classification
HS code for Water meter: 9028.20
Meters, liquid supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof.
Classification of water meter under HS 9028.20
Water meters are classified under HS code 9028.20. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, measuring, checking, and precision instruments. Heading 9028 is specifically for gas, liquid, or electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters. Subheading 9028.20 is the specific designation for liquid supply or production meters. These devices are designed to measure the total volume of water passing through a pipe over time, which distinguishes them from instruments that merely measure the rate of flow. The classification is driven by the intended use of the device as a supply meter for billing or consumption monitoring. Whether the meter is mechanical, electronic, or a "smart" meter with remote transmission capabilities, it remains under 9028.20 as long as its primary function is the volumetric measurement of liquid supply. This follows GIR 1 and the specific sub-heading notes for liquid meters.
- Covers
- Residential volumetric water meters
- Industrial liquid supply meters
- Smart water meters with digital displays
- Mechanical turbine water meters
- Electromagnetic water meters for supply networks
- Calibrating meters for liquid supply
- Also under 9028.20
- Sensus iPERL
- Itron Aquadis+
- Neptune T-10
- Badger Meter Recordall
- Endress+Hauser Promag W
Codes often confused with 9028.20
Common mistake. Water meters are frequently misclassified under 9026.10. Heading 9026 covers instruments for measuring or checking the flow, level, or pressure of liquids. The key difference is that 9026 instruments measure instantaneous flow rate (e.g., liters per minute), whereas 9028 instruments measure cumulative supply (e.g., total cubic meters). If the device is used for utility billing, it almost always belongs in 9028.20. Another error is using 8413 for pumps, though meters are distinct measuring instruments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902820 (the code used for water meter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902820 (the code used for water meter) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 902820, not only water meter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $369M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $243M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $242M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $290M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $178M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 France $154M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 water meter
Brazil splits HS 9028.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9028.20.10Liquid meters weighing 50 kg or less
- 9028.20.20Liquid meters weighing over 50 kg
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about water meter
What is the HS code for Water meter?
The HS code for Water meter is 902820 (Meters; liquid supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof). The HS code for liquid supply or production meters, including water meters, is 9028.20.
How do I classify Water meter for customs?
Water meter is classified under HS code 902820 — Meters; liquid supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smart meters with Wi-Fi?
Yes, smart water meters are classified under 9028.20 because the primary function is still the measurement of liquid supply, despite the added communication features.
Which countries are the top exporters of water meter (HS 902820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902820 (the code used for water meter) in UN Comtrade data were China ($369M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($243M) and France ($242M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 water meter (HS 902820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902820 (the code used for water meter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($290M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($178M) and France ($154M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Water meter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902820 for Water meter 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 water meter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902820 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for water meter depends on the product's details: 9028.20.10 (Liquid meters weighing 50 kg or less), 9028.20.20 (Liquid meters weighing over 50 kg).