Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods in this chapter are generally characterized by high precision and technology intensity, and are used in fields such as measurement, detection, analysis, and control. 9026 belongs to the category of measuring instruments, specifically used to measure parameters such as the flow rate and liquid level of liquids or gases. Heading 9026 covers instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases, such as flow meters, level gauges, pressure gauges, etc. However, the heading notes explicitly exclude devices such as valves of heading 8481, as well as thermometers of heading 9025. This heading includes various types of flow measuring instruments for industrial, laboratory, and vehicle-mounted use. Code 902610 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits '90' represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4 '26' represent heading 9026, namely instruments for measuring the flow, level, etc. of liquids or gases. Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 9026.10, specifically 'Instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids or gases'. Therefore, 902610 specifically refers to instruments for measuring the flow of liquids or gases, and not elsewhere specified or included in other subheadings. Vehicle-mounted flow meters are used to measure the flow of liquids such as vehicle fuel and urea, and belong to liquid flow measuring instruments, conforming to the description of heading 9026. They are not classified under 9025 (thermometers, etc.) or 9027 (analyzing instruments), nor under 8481 (valves), because their function is measurement rather than control. Therefore, they are classified under 902610.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods in this chapter are generally characterized by high precision and technology intensity, and are used in fields such as measurement, detection, analysis, and control. 9026 belongs to the category of measuring instruments, specifically used to measure parameters such as the flow rate and liquid level of liquids or gases.
Heading
Heading 9026 covers instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases, such as flow meters, level gauges, pressure gauges, etc. However, the heading notes explicitly exclude devices such as valves of heading 8481, as well as thermometers of heading 9025. This heading includes various types of flow measuring instruments for industrial, laboratory, and vehicle-mounted use.
Digit Breakdown
Code 902610 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits '90' represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4 '26' represent heading 9026, namely instruments for measuring the flow, level, etc. of liquids or gases. Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 9026.10, specifically 'Instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids or gases'. Therefore, 902610 specifically refers to instruments for measuring the flow of liquids or gases, and not elsewhere specified or included in other subheadings.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted flow meters are used to measure the flow of liquids such as vehicle fuel and urea, and belong to liquid flow measuring instruments, conforming to the description of heading 9026. They are not classified under 9025 (thermometers, etc.) or 9027 (analyzing instruments), nor under 8481 (valves), because their function is measurement rather than control. Therefore, they are classified under 902610.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the attributes of the commodity, such as 'vehicle-mounted flow meter' or 'automotive fuel flow meter'. Use: Explain the specific application scenario of the commodity, such as 'used to measure the fuel consumption of an automobile engine'. Working principle: Briefly describe the measurement principle, such as 'positive displacement', 'turbine', 'Coriolis force', etc. Measured medium: Clearly state the measurement object, such as 'gasoline', 'diesel', 'urea solution', etc. Brand: Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'BOSCH', 'DENSO', etc. Model: Fill in the specific model, such as 'F-1234'. Output signal type: Such as 'analog signal', 'digital signal', 'pulse signal', etc. Product name: vehicle-mounted flow meter; Use: used to measure automobile engine fuel flow; Working principle: turbine type; Measured medium: diesel; Brand: BOSCH; Model: F-1234; Output signal type: pulse signal. Misclassifying flow meters under 8481 valves, leading to tax rate differences. Failure to distinguish between liquid and gas flow meters may result in incorrect classification under 902620. Ignoring the output signal type may affect subheading determination.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the attributes of the commodity, such as 'vehicle-mounted flow meter' or 'automotive fuel flow meter'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as a 'sensor' or 'metering valve', leading to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the specific application scenario of the commodity, such as 'used to measure the fuel consumption of an automobile engine'.
⚠️ Filling in only 'vehicle-mounted' is too general and does not specify the measured medium.
Working principle
Briefly describe the measurement principle, such as 'positive displacement', 'turbine', 'Coriolis force', etc.
⚠️ Confusing principles, such as misreporting a turbine type as an electromagnetic type.
Measured medium
Clearly state the measurement object, such as 'gasoline', 'diesel', 'urea solution', etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the medium may lead to incorrect classification as a gas flow meter.
Brand
Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'BOSCH', 'DENSO', etc.
⚠️ Failure to fill in 'no brand' when there is no brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as 'F-1234'.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Output signal type
Such as 'analog signal', 'digital signal', 'pulse signal', etc.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, which affects the classification determination.
Example： Product name: vehicle-mounted flow meter; Use: used to measure automobile engine fuel flow; Working principle: turbine type; Measured medium: diesel; Brand: BOSCH; Model: F-1234; Output signal type: pulse signal.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying flow meters under 8481 valves, leading to tax rate differences.
Failure to distinguish between liquid and gas flow meters may result in incorrect classification under 902620.
Ignoring the output signal type may affect subheading determination.
🎯 Classification Logic
The classification basis is the notes to Chapter 90 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 9026. Vehicle-mounted flow meters are used to measure liquid flow, conform to the description of 'measuring liquid flow', and are not named in other headings. Attention should be paid to the distinction from 9025 (thermometers, etc.), 9027 (analyzing instruments), and 8481 (valves). 902620 Pressure measuring instruments: 902620 is used to measure pressure, while 902610 is used to measure flow. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter also has a pressure measurement function, it should be classified according to its primary function. 902680 Other measuring instruments: 902680 covers measuring instruments not elsewhere specified, but flow meters are explicitly listed under 902610, so they are not classified under 902680. 848180 Valves: Valves are used to control fluids, while flow meters are used to measure. If a commodity has both measurement and control functions, it should be judged according to its primary function. 902519 Thermometers: Thermometers measure temperature, which is different from the function of flow meters. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter integrates temperature measurement, they should be classified separately. Is the commodity used to measure the flow of liquids or gases? Does it have a measuring function rather than a control function? Is it not named in other headings (such as 8481, 9025)? Is it used for vehicles (vehicle-mounted)? Does it include electronic output or display devices?
Basis
The classification basis is the notes to Chapter 90 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 9026. Vehicle-mounted flow meters are used to measure liquid flow, conform to the description of 'measuring liquid flow', and are not named in other headings. Attention should be paid to the distinction from 9025 (thermometers, etc.), 9027 (analyzing instruments), and 8481 (valves).
Confused Codes：
902620 - Pressure measuring instruments
902620 is used to measure pressure, while 902610 is used to measure flow. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter also has a pressure measurement function, it should be classified according to its primary function.
902680 - Other measuring instruments
902680 covers measuring instruments not elsewhere specified, but flow meters are explicitly listed under 902610, so they are not classified under 902680.
848180 - Valves
Valves are used to control fluids, while flow meters are used to measure. If a commodity has both measurement and control functions, it should be judged according to its primary function.
902519 - Thermometers
Thermometers measure temperature, which is different from the function of flow meters. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter integrates temperature measurement, they should be classified separately.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity used to measure the flow of liquids or gases?
✓ Does it have a measuring function rather than a control function?
✓ Is it not named in other headings (such as 8481, 9025)?
✓ Is it used for vehicles (vehicle-mounted)?
✓ Does it include electronic output or display devices?
❓ FAQ
Is there a difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted flow meters and ordinary flow meters? There is no difference. HS code classification is based on the function and principle of the commodity, not the usage scenario. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter is used to measure liquid flow, it is still classified under 902610. However, if it is specially used for vehicles and has other functions, a specific analysis is required. How can it be determined whether a vehicle-mounted flow meter should be classified under 902610 or 902620? The key is the measured parameter. 902610 is used for flow measurement, and 902620 is used for pressure measurement. If the flow meter mainly measures flow, even if it has pressure output, it is still classified under 902610. If it mainly measures pressure, it is classified under 902620. What special documents are required for vehicle-mounted flow meters during customs declaration? Generally, basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are required. If a brand or model is involved, brand authorization or model specifications may be required. In addition, according to customs requirements, product manuals or technical parameters may be required. How can the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted flow meters be checked? You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the Import and Export Tariff to check. Enter HS code 902610 to view the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to use the latest version. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter has electronic display and output, will it affect classification? No. HS code 902610 already covers flow meters with electronic display or output. However, if it has data processing or automatic control functions, classification under 9027 or 9032 may need to be considered, depending on the function. What should be noted when declaring vehicle-mounted flow meters for cross-border e-commerce sales? The product name, use, working principle, and other elements must be accurately declared to avoid rejection or penalties due to false declaration. At the same time, note that the HS code of the destination country may be different, and it is recommended to check the destination country's tariff schedule in advance. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter is classified under 902610, does that mean all vehicle flow meters are classified under this code? No. If a vehicle flow meter measures gas (such as natural gas), it may be classified under 902610 (if measuring gas flow) or 902680. However, 902610 explicitly includes liquid and gas flow meters, so gas flow meters are also classified under 902610. How can 902610 and 902680 be distinguished? 902610 is specifically used to measure the flow or level of liquids or gases, while 902680 covers other measuring instruments not elsewhere specified. If the function of the flow meter is clear, it should be classified under 902610 first. Only when it does not meet the description of 902610 should 902680 be considered.
Q: Is there a difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted flow meters and ordinary flow meters?
A: There is no difference. HS code classification is based on the function and principle of the commodity, not the usage scenario. If a vehicle-mounted flow meter is used to measure liquid flow, it is still classified under 902610. However, if it is specially used for vehicles and has other functions, a specific analysis is required.
Q: How can it be determined whether a vehicle-mounted flow meter should be classified under 902610 or 902620?
A: The key is the measured parameter. 902610 is used for flow measurement, and 902620 is used for pressure measurement. If the flow meter mainly measures flow, even if it has pressure output, it is still classified under 902610. If it mainly measures pressure, it is classified under 902620.
Q: What special documents are required for vehicle-mounted flow meters during customs declaration?
A: Generally, basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are required. If a brand or model is involved, brand authorization or model specifications may be required. In addition, according to customs requirements, product manuals or technical parameters may be required.
Q: How can the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted flow meters be checked?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the Import and Export Tariff to check. Enter HS code 902610 to view the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to use the latest version.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted flow meter has electronic display and output, will it affect classification?
A: No. HS code 902610 already covers flow meters with electronic display or output. However, if it has data processing or automatic control functions, classification under 9027 or 9032 may need to be considered, depending on the function.
Q: What should be noted when declaring vehicle-mounted flow meters for cross-border e-commerce sales?
A: The product name, use, working principle, and other elements must be accurately declared to avoid rejection or penalties due to false declaration. At the same time, note that the HS code of the destination country may be different, and it is recommended to check the destination country's tariff schedule in advance.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted flow meter is classified under 902610, does that mean all vehicle flow meters are classified under this code?
A: No. If a vehicle flow meter measures gas (such as natural gas), it may be classified under 902610 (if measuring gas flow) or 902680. However, 902610 explicitly includes liquid and gas flow meters, so gas flow meters are also classified under 902610.
Q: How can 902610 and 902680 be distinguished?
A: 902610 is specifically used to measure the flow or level of liquids or gases, while 902680 covers other measuring instruments not elsewhere specified. If the function of the flow meter is clear, it should be classified under 902610 first. Only when it does not meet the description of 902610 should 902680 be considered.
⚠️ 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.