HS Code: 902511
Car thermometer
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods of this chapter are generally characterized by high precision and technology intensity, and are used for measuring, testing, analyzing, or medical purposes. Heading 9025 belongs to the measuring instruments of this chapter, mainly involving thermometers, hygrometers, and other environmental parameter measuring devices.
Heading
Heading 9025 covers thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, hygrographs, and other instruments for measuring or recording environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, including liquid thermometers, metal thermometers, electronic thermometers, etc. However, note that 9025 does not include radiation thermometers (such as infrared thermometers, classified under 9027) or meteorological instruments (classified under 9015).
Digit Breakdown
Code 902511 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, and other instruments); digits 3-4 "25" represent heading 9025 (thermometers, hygrometers, etc.); digits 5-6 "11" represent subheading 9025.11, specifically "Liquid-filled thermometers, direct reading". Therefore, 902511 specifically refers to liquid-filled thermometers that are direct reading, usually glass-tube liquid thermometers, used in vehicles and other scenarios.
Classification Basis
Vehicle thermometers are usually liquid thermometers (such as alcohol or mercury thermometers), direct reading, conforming to the description of 9025.11. If they are electronic thermometers, they are classified under 9025.19; if they are infrared thermometers, they are classified under 9027; if they are vehicle-specific dashboard thermometers, they may be classified under 8708, but independent direct-reading liquid thermometers should be classified under 902511.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle thermometer" or "liquid thermometer".
⚠️ Writing only "thermometer" without indicating vehicle-mounted or liquid type, resulting in ambiguous classification.
Use
Explain the usage scenario of the thermometer, such as "used in automobile cab to measure interior temperature".
⚠️ Writing vaguely "measuring temperature" without specifying vehicle-mounted use.
Working Principle
Describe the working principle of the thermometer, such as "using the principle of liquid thermal expansion and contraction".
⚠️ Incorrectly writing "electronic temperature sensing", leading to classification as an electronic thermometer.
Whether Direct Reading
Confirm whether the thermometer has a scale and can directly read the temperature value.
⚠️ Not specifying whether it is direct reading, which may affect subheading determination.
Liquid Type
If it is a liquid thermometer, indicate the type of liquid, such as alcohol, mercury, or other.
⚠️ Ignoring the liquid type, though this element is not essential for classification, it is recommended to provide.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods (if no brand, fill in "none").
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the actual product or omitted.
Model
Declare the model of the goods to facilitate identification of specific specifications.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or incorrectly.
Material
Main materials, such as glass, plastic, metal, etc.
⚠️ Material description too simple, such as only writing "glass".
Example:
Product Name: Vehicle thermometer; Use: Used in automobile cab to measure interior temperature; Working Principle: Liquid (alcohol) thermal expansion and contraction; Whether Direct Reading: Yes; Liquid Type: Alcohol; Brand: XYZ; Model: T-100; Material: Glass tube, plastic housing.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Whether the product is a thermometer; 2) Whether it is a liquid thermometer; 3) Whether it is direct reading. 902511 applies only to liquid thermometers that are direct reading. If it is an electronic thermometer, it is classified under 902519; if it is an infrared thermometer, it is classified under 9027; if it is a vehicle-specific dashboard thermometer integrated with the vehicle system, it may be classified under 8708.
Confused Codes:
902519 - Other thermometers
902519 covers non-liquid thermometers or thermometers that are not direct reading, such as electronic thermometers, bimetallic thermometers, etc.
9027 - Optical instruments and apparatus
9027 includes infrared thermometers, spectrometers, etc., which use optical principles to measure temperature, differing from the principle of liquid thermometers.
8708 - Parts and accessories of motor vehicles
8708 covers vehicle-specific parts. If the thermometer is an integrated component of a vehicle dashboard, it may be classified under 8708, but independent direct-reading liquid thermometers are still classified under 9025.
9015 - Meteorological instruments
9015 includes meteorological thermometers, such as Stevenson screen thermometers, but vehicle thermometers are generally not classified under 9015.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Which HS code should a vehicle thermometer be classified under?
A: If it is a liquid thermometer and direct reading, it should be classified under 902511. If it is an electronic thermometer, it is classified under 902519; if it is an infrared thermometer, it is classified under 9027; if it is an integrated vehicle dashboard component, it may be classified under 8708.
Q: How to determine whether a thermometer is direct reading?
A: Direct reading means the thermometer has a scale, and the user can directly read the temperature value without conversion by external equipment. Liquid thermometers are usually direct reading, while some electronic thermometers require connection to a display.
Q: What is the main difference between 902511 and 902519?
A: 902511 specifically refers to liquid thermometers that are direct reading; 902519 covers other thermometers, such as electronic thermometers, bimetallic thermometers, etc. The key difference lies in the working principle and whether it is direct reading.
Q: If a vehicle thermometer has an electronic display, which code should it be classified under?
A: If it has an electronic display, it is usually an electronic thermometer and should be classified under 902519. However, if it is merely a liquid thermometer with an auxiliary reading device such as a magnifying glass, it may still be classified under 902511.
Q: What are the common errors in declaration?
A: Common errors include: incorrectly declaring an electronic thermometer as a liquid thermometer; not indicating "direct reading"; incorrectly classifying a vehicle thermometer under 8708; false declaration of brand and model, etc.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 902511?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration, the International Trade Single Window, or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting vehicle thermometers?
A: Export certification depends on the requirements of the destination country, such as EU CE certification, US FDA certification, etc. Ordinary thermometers may not require special certification, but it is recommended to confirm in advance.
Q: If a thermometer can be used both in vehicles and indoors, how should it be classified?
A: Classification depends on the primary use and product characteristics. If it is a general-purpose liquid thermometer, it is still classified under 902511; if it is designed specifically for vehicles, it may be classified under 8708. It is recommended to judge based on actual design and use.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.