HS 902511 Thermometers and pyrometers, not combined with other instruments
Quick Answer: Digital thermometers and pyrometers, not combined with other instruments, enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.80% ad valorem, and the US at 85% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This HS code specifically covers temperature-measuring devices that are solely for determining temperature, such as digital thermometers used in medical, industrial, or domestic settings. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity in the US, which may necessitate exploring preferential trade agreements or seeking specific tariff rulings. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9025110000 | — | — | — |
| 9025112000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9025118000 | — | — | — |
| 9025118010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9025118090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9025110000 | — | — | — |
| 9025112000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9025118000 | — | — | — |
| 9025118010 | — | — | — |
| 9025118090 | 2.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 902511 | — | — | — |
| 9025112000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 9025114000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 902511 cover?
This subheading covers thermometers and pyrometers designed for measuring temperature, specifically those that are not combined with other instruments. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes devices like liquid-in-glass thermometers, bimetallic thermometers, and electronic thermometers that solely perform temperature measurement. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database further clarify that these instruments must be dedicated to temperature sensing and display, without integrated functions for pressure, humidity, or other measurements.
What falls outside HS 902511?
The following products are excluded from HS 902511: instruments that combine thermometer or pyrometer functions with other measuring capabilities, such as weather stations that also measure wind speed or barometric pressure, or medical devices that integrate temperature sensing with other diagnostic functions. For instance, a digital thermometer that also measures heart rate would be classified elsewhere. Similarly, industrial temperature controllers with integrated feedback mechanisms are typically classified under different headings, often related to automatic regulating or controlling instruments.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 902511?
A common error is misclassifying combination instruments as simple thermometers or pyrometers, failing to adhere to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) which prioritizes the essential character of the good when multiple materials or functions are present. For example, an infrared thermometer gun that also measures distance might be mistakenly classified here. Importers must carefully assess if the primary function is solely temperature measurement or if other significant functions are present, which would necessitate classification under a more specific heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 902511?
The correct procedure for classifying thermometers and pyrometers under HS 902511 involves a thorough examination of the product's primary function and construction. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official HS Explanatory Notes, the USITC HTS, and the EU TARIC database for detailed descriptions. They must confirm that the instrument's sole purpose is temperature measurement and that it is not combined with any other distinct measuring or controlling instruments, ensuring accurate declaration to customs authorities.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 902511?
A digital infrared thermometer for household use, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 9025.11.00. The calculation is: 7.0% × $50 USD = $3.50 USD.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 902511?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 902511, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from countries that are beneficiaries of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate can also be Free. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 9025.11, covering thermometers and pyrometers not combined with other instruments?
For HS code 9025.11, the duty rates can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. However, other countries may have different rates. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also provide specific rates for this subheading. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information.
How is HS code 9025.11 classified, and what are the key criteria for thermometers and pyrometers?
HS code 9025.11 specifically covers 'Thermometers and pyrometers, liquid-filled, for direct reading, of plastics'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the instrument's function (measuring temperature), its construction (thermometer or pyrometer), and its specific type (liquid-filled, for direct reading, and made of plastics). Instruments that combine temperature measurement with other functions, such as recording or displaying data digitally, might fall under different subheadings or even different Chapters of the Harmonized System. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides Explanatory Notes that clarify these distinctions.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 9025.11?
When importing thermometers and pyrometers under HS code 9025.11, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the product (e.g., if it's a medical device), additional certifications or compliance documents related to safety standards or specific regulations might be necessary. For instance, some countries may require declarations of conformity or product safety certificates.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty rates for HS 9025.11?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS 9025.11 if the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if thermometers classified under 9025.11 are imported into the United States from Canada or Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and they meet the origin requirements, they may be eligible for preferential duty rates, often 0.00%. Similarly, trade agreements between the EU and other countries can provide preferential access. Importers must obtain a certificate of origin from the exporter to claim these preferential rates.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty for HS 9025.11 is calculated?
Let's assume a shipment of 1,000 units of plastic liquid-filled thermometers (HS 9025.11) is imported into a country where the MFN duty rate is 2.80% ad valorem, and each thermometer has a declared value of $5.00. The total value of the shipment is 1,000 units * $5.00/unit = $5,000.00. The import duty would be calculated as 2.80% of the total value: 0.0280 * $5,000.00 = $140.00. In this scenario, the total duty payable would be $140.00. If the country also levies a specific duty (e.g., $0.10 per unit), the total duty would be the higher of the ad valorem or specific duty, or a combination, depending on the tariff structure.