Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter are highly technical, with precision measurement or control functions, and are widely used in industry, medical care, scientific research, and other fields. As a measuring instrument, a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is used to measure the liquid level in a vehicle fuel tank and falls within the scope of this chapter. 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, etc. However, it does not include pumps, valves, etc. of Chapter 84, nor does it include vehicle parts of Chapter 87. A vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is specially used for vehicles, but because its core function is liquid level measurement, it is classified under this heading. First 2 digits 90: Chapter 90, optical, measuring, medical and other precision instruments. Digits 3-4 26: Heading 9026, specifically instruments for measuring the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases. Digits 5-6 80: Subheading 902680, referring to other instruments for measuring variables of liquids or gases not elsewhere specified, including vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges. The overall code 902680 indicates a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge, belonging to liquid level measuring equipment among measuring instruments, and is not named in other subheadings (such as 902610 flow meters, 902620 pressure gauges). The core function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, which conforms to the description of heading 9026. It is not classified under 9025 (density meters, thermometers, etc.), nor under 8708 (vehicle parts), because its measuring function is the principal feature, rather than being a vehicle-specific part or accessory. Therefore, 902680 is the correct classification.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter are highly technical, with precision measurement or control functions, and are widely used in industry, medical care, scientific research, and other fields. As a measuring instrument, a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is used to measure the liquid level in a vehicle fuel tank and falls within the scope of this chapter.
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, etc. However, it does not include pumps, valves, etc. of Chapter 84, nor does it include vehicle parts of Chapter 87. A vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is specially used for vehicles, but because its core function is liquid level measurement, it is classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: Chapter 90, optical, measuring, medical and other precision instruments. Digits 3-4 26: Heading 9026, specifically instruments for measuring the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases. Digits 5-6 80: Subheading 902680, referring to other instruments for measuring variables of liquids or gases not elsewhere specified, including vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges. The overall code 902680 indicates a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge, belonging to liquid level measuring equipment among measuring instruments, and is not named in other subheadings (such as 902610 flow meters, 902620 pressure gauges).
Classification Basis
The core function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, which conforms to the description of heading 9026. It is not classified under 9025 (density meters, thermometers, etc.), nor under 8708 (vehicle parts), because its measuring function is the principal feature, rather than being a vehicle-specific part or accessory. Therefore, 902680 is the correct classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge'. Use: Explain the specific usage scenario of the product, such as 'used for truck fuel tank liquid level measurement'. Working principle: Briefly describe the measurement method, such as float type, capacitive type, ultrasonic type, etc. Measurement object: Clearly specify the measured medium, such as diesel, gasoline, urea solution, etc. Whether with electrical device: State whether it includes electronic sensors, display instruments, etc. Brand (Chinese and foreign language): Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Model: Fill in the specific model for easy identification. Output signal type: Such as analog signal, digital signal, resistance signal, etc. Product name: vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge; Use: used for diesel fuel tank liquid level measurement of heavy trucks; Working principle: capacitive type; Measurement object: diesel; Whether with electrical device: with electronic sensor and display instrument; Brand: XX; Model: FL-200; Output signal type: 4-20mA analog signal. Misdeclaring a liquid level gauge as a flow meter, resulting in classification under 902610. Ignoring the 'vehicle-mounted' characteristic, resulting in incorrect classification under 8708 vehicle parts. Failure to specify the measurement object, which may be mistaken for a pressure gauge and classified under 902620.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge'.
⚠️ Misdeclaring as 'auto parts' or 'fuel gauge', resulting in incorrect classification.
Use
Explain the specific usage scenario of the product, such as 'used for truck fuel tank liquid level measurement'.
⚠️ Filling in vaguely as 'used for vehicles' without specifying the measurement object.
Working principle
Briefly describe the measurement method, such as float type, capacitive type, ultrasonic type, etc.
⚠️ Not filling in or incorrectly filling in as 'electronic type', which is too vague.
Measurement object
Clearly specify the measured medium, such as diesel, gasoline, urea solution, etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in as 'measuring fuel quantity', when it is actually liquid level.
Whether with electrical device
State whether it includes electronic sensors, display instruments, etc.
⚠️ Failure to distinguish between mechanical and electronic types, affecting classification.
Brand (Chinese and foreign language)
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Omission or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the specific model for easy identification.
⚠️ Filling in a series number or incorrect model.
Output signal type
Such as analog signal, digital signal, resistance signal, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, resulting in incomplete functional description.
Example： Product name: vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge; Use: used for diesel fuel tank liquid level measurement of heavy trucks; Working principle: capacitive type; Measurement object: diesel; Whether with electrical device: with electronic sensor and display instrument; Brand: XX; Model: FL-200; Output signal type: 4-20mA analog signal.
Common Mistakes：
Misdeclaring a liquid level gauge as a flow meter, resulting in classification under 902610.
Ignoring the 'vehicle-mounted' characteristic, resulting in incorrect classification under 8708 vehicle parts.
Failure to specify the measurement object, which may be mistaken for a pressure gauge and classified under 902620.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. The main function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, which conforms to heading 9026, 'instruments for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases'. Even if specially used for vehicles, according to General Interpretative Rule 3 (a), it should be classified according to its main function, rather than as a vehicle part. Therefore, 902680 is the correct subheading. 902610 Flow meter: A flow meter measures the flow of liquids or gases, while a liquid level gauge measures liquid level. Different functions, different subheadings. 902620 Pressure gauge: A pressure gauge measures pressure, while a liquid level gauge measures liquid level. If a liquid level gauge has a pressure measurement function, it must be judged according to the main function. 870829 Vehicle parts: 870829 is for vehicle parts and accessories, but the main function of a liquid level gauge is measurement, so it should be classified under Chapter 90. 902580 Other measuring instruments: 902580 includes density meters, thermometers, etc., but does not include liquid level gauges. Is the product used to measure liquid level? Is it specially used for vehicles? Does it include electronic measuring elements? Can it be classified under other subheadings of 9026? Is it confused with vehicle parts?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. The main function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, which conforms to heading 9026, 'instruments for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure or other variables of liquids or gases'. Even if specially used for vehicles, according to General Interpretative Rule 3 (a), it should be classified according to its main function, rather than as a vehicle part. Therefore, 902680 is the correct subheading.
Confused Codes：
902610 - Flow meter
A flow meter measures the flow of liquids or gases, while a liquid level gauge measures liquid level. Different functions, different subheadings.
902620 - Pressure gauge
A pressure gauge measures pressure, while a liquid level gauge measures liquid level. If a liquid level gauge has a pressure measurement function, it must be judged according to the main function.
870829 - Vehicle parts
870829 is for vehicle parts and accessories, but the main function of a liquid level gauge is measurement, so it should be classified under Chapter 90.
902580 - Other measuring instruments
902580 includes density meters, thermometers, etc., but does not include liquid level gauges.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product used to measure liquid level?
✓ Is it specially used for vehicles?
✓ Does it include electronic measuring elements?
✓ Can it be classified under other subheadings of 9026?
✓ Is it confused with vehicle parts?
❓ FAQ
Why is a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge classified under 902680 instead of 8708? Because the main function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, it is a measuring instrument and conforms to the description of heading 9026. 8708 is for vehicle parts and accessories, but the core function of a liquid level gauge is measurement, not a vehicle structural component, so it is classified according to function. How to distinguish a liquid level gauge from a flow meter? A liquid level gauge measures the height or position of liquid in a container, while a flow meter measures the volume or mass flow of liquid or gas passing through a pipeline. Different functions, different classifications: liquid level gauges are classified under 902680, flow meters under 902610. What elements need attention during declaration? It is necessary to declare the product name, use, working principle, measurement object, whether with electrical device, brand, model, output signal type, etc. In particular, the measurement object and working principle must be clearly specified so that customs can classify correctly. If a liquid level gauge has a pressure measurement function, how should it be classified? If the main function is liquid level measurement, it is still classified under 902680; if the main function is pressure measurement, it is classified under 902620. It must be judged according to product design and main use. How to check the import tariff rate for vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates change according to trade policies, free trade agreements, etc., and it is recommended to use the latest tariff as the standard. How to declare vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges sold via cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce retail exports may be declared in a simplified manner, but HS code 902680 must be accurately filled in. For imports, declaration must be made according to general trade or cross-border e-commerce import models, providing complete elements. What are the common errors in classifying liquid level gauges? Common errors include: incorrectly classifying as vehicle parts (8708), incorrectly classifying as flow meters (902610), incorrectly classifying as pressure gauges (902620), and failure to distinguish between mechanical and electronic types, resulting in incorrect subheadings.
Q: Why is a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge classified under 902680 instead of 8708?
A: Because the main function of a vehicle-mounted liquid level gauge is to measure liquid level, it is a measuring instrument and conforms to the description of heading 9026. 8708 is for vehicle parts and accessories, but the core function of a liquid level gauge is measurement, not a vehicle structural component, so it is classified according to function.
Q: How to distinguish a liquid level gauge from a flow meter?
A: A liquid level gauge measures the height or position of liquid in a container, while a flow meter measures the volume or mass flow of liquid or gas passing through a pipeline. Different functions, different classifications: liquid level gauges are classified under 902680, flow meters under 902610.
Q: What elements need attention during declaration?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, use, working principle, measurement object, whether with electrical device, brand, model, output signal type, etc. In particular, the measurement object and working principle must be clearly specified so that customs can classify correctly.
Q: If a liquid level gauge has a pressure measurement function, how should it be classified?
A: If the main function is liquid level measurement, it is still classified under 902680; if the main function is pressure measurement, it is classified under 902620. It must be judged according to product design and main use.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges?
A: It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates change according to trade policies, free trade agreements, etc., and it is recommended to use the latest tariff as the standard.
Q: How to declare vehicle-mounted liquid level gauges sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail exports may be declared in a simplified manner, but HS code 902680 must be accurately filled in. For imports, declaration must be made according to general trade or cross-border e-commerce import models, providing complete elements.
Q: What are the common errors in classifying liquid level gauges?
A: Common errors include: incorrectly classifying as vehicle parts (8708), incorrectly classifying as flow meters (902610), incorrectly classifying as pressure gauges (902620), and failure to distinguish between mechanical and electronic types, resulting in incorrect subheadings.
⚠️ 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.