Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from eyeglasses and microscopes to medical equipment and industrial measuring instruments. The core characteristic is that these goods usually have precision measuring, detecting, analyzing, or controlling functions, and often involve optical or electronic technology. Heading 9026, as one of the headings, specifically targets instruments for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables 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 (for example, flow meters, level gauges, pressure gauges), as well as calorimeters, tachometers, stroboscopes, etc. However, this heading does not include measuring devices specifically named in other headings of this chapter or in Chapter 84, Chapter 85, etc. The core is instruments that directly indicate or record changes in fluid parameters, usually used in industrial process control, automotive, medical and other fields. Code 902620 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical and other instruments); digits 3-4 "26" represent heading 9026 (instruments for measuring the flow, level, pressure, etc. of liquids or gases); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 9026.20, specifically "instruments for measuring or checking pressure." Therefore, the complete meaning of 902620 is "instruments for measuring or checking the pressure of liquids or gases." This subheading further distinguishes pressure measuring instruments from other flow and level measuring instruments. Vehicle-mounted pressure gauges are used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids in vehicle systems (such as tires, brake systems, fuel systems), belong to pressure measuring instruments, and are therefore classified under 9026.20. They are not classified under 9025 (densimeters, thermometers, etc.) or 9027 (analyzing instruments), because their core function is pressure measurement rather than density, temperature, or composition analysis. They are also not classified under 8481 (valves) or 8414 (pumps), because these are machines for controlling or conveying fluids, not measuring instruments.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter has a broad scope, ranging from eyeglasses and microscopes to medical equipment and industrial measuring instruments. The core characteristic is that these goods usually have precision measuring, detecting, analyzing, or controlling functions, and often involve optical or electronic technology. Heading 9026, as one of the headings, specifically targets instruments for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables 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 (for example, flow meters, level gauges, pressure gauges), as well as calorimeters, tachometers, stroboscopes, etc. However, this heading does not include measuring devices specifically named in other headings of this chapter or in Chapter 84, Chapter 85, etc. The core is instruments that directly indicate or record changes in fluid parameters, usually used in industrial process control, automotive, medical and other fields.
Digit Breakdown
Code 902620 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical and other instruments); digits 3-4 "26" represent heading 9026 (instruments for measuring the flow, level, pressure, etc. of liquids or gases); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 9026.20, specifically "instruments for measuring or checking pressure." Therefore, the complete meaning of 902620 is "instruments for measuring or checking the pressure of liquids or gases." This subheading further distinguishes pressure measuring instruments from other flow and level measuring instruments.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted pressure gauges are used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids in vehicle systems (such as tires, brake systems, fuel systems), belong to pressure measuring instruments, and are therefore classified under 9026.20. They are not classified under 9025 (densimeters, thermometers, etc.) or 9027 (analyzing instruments), because their core function is pressure measurement rather than density, temperature, or composition analysis. They are also not classified under 8481 (valves) or 8414 (pumps), because these are machines for controlling or conveying fluids, not measuring instruments.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name for declaring the goods, which should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "vehicle-mounted pressure gauge" or "automotive tire pressure gauge." Use: Explain the specific application scenario of the goods, such as "used for automotive tire pressure measurement" or "installed in a vehicle brake system." Working Principle: Briefly describe the pressure measurement method, such as "mechanical pointer type," "electronic type (piezoresistive)," "capacitive type," etc. Measurement Object: Clearly specify what medium pressure is being measured, such as "gas pressure," "liquid pressure," or specifically "tire pressure." Display Method: Explain the display form of the pressure value, such as "pointer scale display," "digital LCD display," etc. Brand: Declare the brand of the goods (if any); if there is no brand, fill in "none." Model: Declare the model of the goods to identify specific specifications. Whether It Has a Recording Device: Explain whether it has data recording or storage functions, such as "no recording function" or "with data recording." Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted pressure gauge
Use: Used for automotive tire pressure measurement
Working Principle: Electronic type (piezoresistive)
Measurement Object: Gas pressure (tire pressure)
Display Method: Digital LCD display
Brand: XXX
Model: TP-100
Whether It Has a Recording Device: No recording function
This product is an electronic tire pressure gauge, used for routine vehicle tire pressure testing, classified under HS code 902620. Incorrectly classifying a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge under 9025 (densimeters, thermometers, etc.) because pressure measurement is not clearly stated. Ignoring the "vehicle-mounted" use, leading to confusion with industrial pressure gauges, although the classification is the same; attention must be paid to the accuracy of declaration elements. If the pressure gauge has recording or signal output functions, classification under 9026.80 or other subheadings may need to be considered.
Product Name
The standard name for declaring the goods, which should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "vehicle-mounted pressure gauge" or "automotive tire pressure gauge."
⚠️ Using general names such as "pressure gauge" without indicating vehicle-mounted use, or incorrectly declaring it as a "sensor."
Use
Explain the specific application scenario of the goods, such as "used for automotive tire pressure measurement" or "installed in a vehicle brake system."
⚠️ Writing only "pressure measurement" without clarifying vehicle-mounted or vehicle system use.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the pressure measurement method, such as "mechanical pointer type," "electronic type (piezoresistive)," "capacitive type," etc.
⚠️ Confusing the working principle, such as declaring an electronic type as mechanical, which affects classification.
Measurement Object
Clearly specify what medium pressure is being measured, such as "gas pressure," "liquid pressure," or specifically "tire pressure."
⚠️ Not distinguishing gas or liquid, or incorrectly declaring it as measuring flow.
Display Method
Explain the display form of the pressure value, such as "pointer scale display," "digital LCD display," etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the display method, which may affect distinction from other instruments.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods (if any); if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Declare the model of the goods to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Whether It Has a Recording Device
Explain whether it has data recording or storage functions, such as "no recording function" or "with data recording."
⚠️ Failure to accurately state this, which may affect classification under 9026.20 or 9026.80, etc.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted pressure gauge
Use: Used for automotive tire pressure measurement
Working Principle: Electronic type (piezoresistive)
Measurement Object: Gas pressure (tire pressure)
Display Method: Digital LCD display
Brand: XXX
Model: TP-100
Whether It Has a Recording Device: No recording function
This product is an electronic tire pressure gauge, used for routine vehicle tire pressure testing, classified under HS code 902620.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge under 9025 (densimeters, thermometers, etc.) because pressure measurement is not clearly stated.
Ignoring the "vehicle-mounted" use, leading to confusion with industrial pressure gauges, although the classification is the same; attention must be paid to the accuracy of declaration elements.
If the pressure gauge has recording or signal output functions, classification under 9026.80 or other subheadings may need to be considered.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are used to measure or check the pressure of liquids or gases. Subheading 9026.20 explicitly covers pressure measuring or checking instruments, regardless of whether they are vehicle-mounted. Vehicle-mounted pressure gauges are usually used to measure tire, brake fluid, fuel, and other pressures, belong to pressure measuring instruments, and are therefore classified under 9026.20. If the instrument also has flow or level measurement functions, judgment must be made based on the main function; if it is a combined multi-function instrument, it may be classified under 9026.80 or other headings. 902580 Other thermometers, pyrometers, etc.: 9025 covers measuring instruments for temperature, density, humidity, etc., while 9026.20 is specifically for pressure measurement. If the goods mainly measure temperature rather than pressure, they should be classified under 9025. 902610 Flow meters: 9026.10 is used to measure the flow of liquids or gases, while 9026.20 is used to measure pressure. If the goods measure flow rather than pressure, they should be classified under 9026.10. 902680 Other instruments for measuring variables of liquids or gases: 9026.80 covers instruments not elsewhere specified for measuring variables of liquids or gases, such as calorimeters, tachometers, etc. If a pressure gauge has other functions (such as recording), it may be classified under this subheading. 848180 Valves and similar devices: 8481 covers mechanical control devices used to regulate fluids, while 9026.20 covers measuring instruments. If the goods have both measuring and controlling functions, judgment must be made based on the main function. 903289 Other automatic regulating or controlling instruments: 9032 covers automatic regulating or controlling instruments. If a pressure gauge is only used for measurement rather than automatic control, it should be classified under 9026.20. If it has automatic control functions, it may be classified under 9032. Are the goods used to measure pressure rather than flow, temperature, etc.? Is the use clearly for vehicle-mounted or vehicle system applications? Does it have recording or signal output functions? Does the working principle affect classification? Is it confused with mechanical devices such as valves or pumps?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are used to measure or check the pressure of liquids or gases. Subheading 9026.20 explicitly covers pressure measuring or checking instruments, regardless of whether they are vehicle-mounted. Vehicle-mounted pressure gauges are usually used to measure tire, brake fluid, fuel, and other pressures, belong to pressure measuring instruments, and are therefore classified under 9026.20. If the instrument also has flow or level measurement functions, judgment must be made based on the main function; if it is a combined multi-function instrument, it may be classified under 9026.80 or other headings.
Confused Codes:
902580 - Other thermometers, pyrometers, etc.
9025 covers measuring instruments for temperature, density, humidity, etc., while 9026.20 is specifically for pressure measurement. If the goods mainly measure temperature rather than pressure, they should be classified under 9025.
902610 - Flow meters
9026.10 is used to measure the flow of liquids or gases, while 9026.20 is used to measure pressure. If the goods measure flow rather than pressure, they should be classified under 9026.10.
902680 - Other instruments for measuring variables of liquids or gases
9026.80 covers instruments not elsewhere specified for measuring variables of liquids or gases, such as calorimeters, tachometers, etc. If a pressure gauge has other functions (such as recording), it may be classified under this subheading.
848180 - Valves and similar devices
8481 covers mechanical control devices used to regulate fluids, while 9026.20 covers measuring instruments. If the goods have both measuring and controlling functions, judgment must be made based on the main function.
903289 - Other automatic regulating or controlling instruments
9032 covers automatic regulating or controlling instruments. If a pressure gauge is only used for measurement rather than automatic control, it should be classified under 9026.20. If it has automatic control functions, it may be classified under 9032.
Self-Check:
✓ Are the goods used to measure pressure rather than flow, temperature, etc.?
✓ Is the use clearly for vehicle-mounted or vehicle system applications?
✓ Does it have recording or signal output functions?
✓ Does the working principle affect classification?
✓ Is it confused with mechanical devices such as valves or pumps?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS code between a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge and an ordinary pressure gauge? Both are classified under 9026.20, because HS codes are based on function rather than use. However, when declaring, the "vehicle-mounted" use must be indicated for customs statistics and supervision. If an ordinary pressure gauge is used in industry, the declaration elements are different, but the code is the same. If a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge has a data recording function, will the code change? It may change. If the recording function is the main function, it may be classified under 9026.80 (other measuring instruments) or 9031 (measuring or checking instruments). If recording is only auxiliary, it remains under 9026.20. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and refer to customs classification decisions. How can I check the tax rate for 902620? Tax rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. When checking, confirm the commodity code, country of origin, trade mode, etc., to obtain the accurate tax rate. What certifications are required for exporting vehicle-mounted pressure gauges? Export certification depends on the requirements of the destination country. Common certifications include CE (EU), FCC (US), RoHS, etc. It is recommended to understand the destination country's regulations in advance and ensure the product complies with relevant standards. When declaring, how should the "Use" of a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge be filled in? It should be filled in specifically, such as "used for automotive tire pressure measurement" or "installed in a vehicle brake system." Avoid generally writing "pressure measurement" to facilitate customs classification. If the vehicle-mounted pressure gauge is a mechanical pointer type, is the classification different? The classification is the same, still 9026.20. HS codes are based on function rather than working principle, but the working principle must be indicated when declaring so that customs can confirm it. Are the codes for vehicle-mounted pressure gauges and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) the same? TPMS usually consists of sensors and receivers and may be classified under 9026.20 (pressure sensors) or 9032.89 (automatic regulating or controlling). If it only measures pressure, classify under 9026.20; if it has automatic alarm or control, it may be classified under 9032. When declaring, must the "Brand" and "Model" of a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge be filled in? Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If there is no brand, fill in "none"; the model should be accurately filled in. Omission may lead to inaccurate declaration.
Q: What is the difference in HS code between a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge and an ordinary pressure gauge?
A: Both are classified under 9026.20, because HS codes are based on function rather than use. However, when declaring, the "vehicle-mounted" use must be indicated for customs statistics and supervision. If an ordinary pressure gauge is used in industry, the declaration elements are different, but the code is the same.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge has a data recording function, will the code change?
A: It may change. If the recording function is the main function, it may be classified under 9026.80 (other measuring instruments) or 9031 (measuring or checking instruments). If recording is only auxiliary, it remains under 9026.20. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and refer to customs classification decisions.
Q: How can I check the tax rate for 902620?
A: Tax rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest tax rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. When checking, confirm the commodity code, country of origin, trade mode, etc., to obtain the accurate tax rate.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting vehicle-mounted pressure gauges?
A: Export certification depends on the requirements of the destination country. Common certifications include CE (EU), FCC (US), RoHS, etc. It is recommended to understand the destination country's regulations in advance and ensure the product complies with relevant standards.
Q: When declaring, how should the "Use" of a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge be filled in?
A: It should be filled in specifically, such as "used for automotive tire pressure measurement" or "installed in a vehicle brake system." Avoid generally writing "pressure measurement" to facilitate customs classification.
Q: If the vehicle-mounted pressure gauge is a mechanical pointer type, is the classification different?
A: The classification is the same, still 9026.20. HS codes are based on function rather than working principle, but the working principle must be indicated when declaring so that customs can confirm it.
Q: Are the codes for vehicle-mounted pressure gauges and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) the same?
A: TPMS usually consists of sensors and receivers and may be classified under 9026.20 (pressure sensors) or 9032.89 (automatic regulating or controlling). If it only measures pressure, classify under 9026.20; if it has automatic alarm or control, it may be classified under 9032.
Q: When declaring, must the "Brand" and "Model" of a vehicle-mounted pressure gauge be filled in?
A: Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If there is no brand, fill in "none"; the model should be accurately filled in. Omission may lead to inaccurate declaration.
⚠️ 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.