Heading 9031

Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof

21 declarable lines

Heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines that are not named in another heading of chapter 90, plus profile projectors and their parts. It splits into balancing machines (9031.10), test benches (9031.20), optical instruments such as semiconductor inspection equipment, profile projectors and coordinate-measuring machines (9031.41 and 9031.49), other instruments (9031.80), and parts and accessories (9031.90). Most lines carry a general (MFN) rate of Free, with test benches at 1.7%.

Products in this heading

Machines for balancing mechanical parts such as crankshafts or rotors
Test benches for engines or mechanical assemblies
Optical inspection equipment for semiconductor wafers, integrated circuits, photomasks and reticles
Profile projectors used for optical comparison measurement
Coordinate-measuring machines
Electron beam microscopes fitted for handling and transport of semiconductor wafers or reticles
Bases and frames for coordinate-measuring machines
Equipment for testing the characteristics of internal combustion engines

How to choose the right subheading

Whether the instrument is optical or non-optical, which decides between 9031.41 or 9031.49 and 9031.80
Whether the goods inspect semiconductor wafers, devices, photomasks or reticles, which drives the specific 9031.41 statistical lines
Whether the item is a complete machine, instrument or appliance rather than a part or accessory
For parts, whether they belong to profile projectors, other optical instruments, or other machines of 9031.80
Whether the item is a test bench or a balancing machine, which have their own subheadings

Often confused with

Compound optical microscopes
Optical microscopes have their own heading, so they are not classified in 9031.
Heading 9011
Lasers other than laser diodes
Lasers and optical appliances not specified elsewhere go to 9013.
Heading 9013
Machines for testing hardness, strength or elasticity of materials
Mechanical property testing of materials is covered by 9024.
Heading 9024
Oscilloscopes and instruments for measuring electrical quantities
Electrical quantity measurement is specifically provided for in 9030.
Heading 9030
Surveying and hydrographic instruments, rangefinders
Surveying and rangefinding instruments are named in 9015.
Heading 9015

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for coordinate-measuring machines?

Coordinate-measuring machines are classified under 9031.49.40.00, which carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on test benches?

Test benches are classified under 9031.20.00.00 and carry a general (MFN) rate of 1.7%.

How do I classify parts of profile projectors?

Parts and accessories of profile projectors go under 9031.90.21.00, which has a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.