Measuring or checking instruments — HTS 9031
Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof
Chapter 90 › Heading 9031
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 9031 is a broad product category for measuring, checking, inspection, or testing instruments, appliances, and machines that are not more specifically covered elsewhere in Chapter 90. It also specifically includes profile projectors—equipment that optically enlarges and projects an object’s outline for inspection or comparison—plus qualifying parts and accessories. The heading is a starting point, not the final classification for most shipments.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, first identify the product’s principal function, how it operates, and what it measures or checks. Then review the subheadings and tariff provisions under heading 9031, which commonly distinguish products by function, construction, or type rather than relying only on the product’s material. Parts and accessories must also be evaluated to confirm they are designed for use with the relevant instruments and are not classified elsewhere under a more specific provision.
What to check
- Describe the instrument’s exact measuring or checking function, including what it detects, compares, tests, or inspects.
- Check whether another heading in Chapter 90 or another chapter specifically covers the complete product before using heading 9031.
- Review every subheading and 8-digit provision under 9031; do not assume the code is determined only by the product’s material.
- For parts and accessories, confirm their identity, principal use, and dedicated design, and check whether they have an independent tariff provision.
- Compare the product’s technical documentation, photographs, model information, and intended use with the wording of the candidate code; ask a customs broker or seek a binding ruling when the function or classification is uncertain.
HTS heading 9031 summary
Measuring or checking instruments is a 4-digit product category containing 2 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 9031.80 | Other instruments, appliances and machines |
| 9031.90 | Parts and accessories |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9031.10.00.00 👉 | Machines for balancing mechanical parts | Free | — | 40% |
| 9031.20.00.00 👉 | Test benches | 1.7% | Free | 45% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 9031?
Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.