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End-UseCategory 2
U.S. imports of laboratory testing instruments (End-Use 21600) totaled $645.1M in April 2026, traded with 103 countries.
Importers of Laboratory Testing Instruments paid $60.2M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $491.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataPrecision laboratory and testing instruments imported into the United States — from chromatography systems to coordinate-measuring machines — serve as critical inputs for pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and academic research. Duty treatment varies significantly by instrument type and HTS subheading, and certain high-precision or dual-use instruments may be subject to Section 301 tariffs when sourced from China. Importers should also verify whether instruments intended for scientific research qualify for duty-free treatment under the Florence Agreement provisions administered through CBP.
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The Florence Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Materials allows duty-free entry for qualifying scientific instruments not available in comparable form from domestic manufacturers, when imported by accredited educational or research institutions. The application process is administered through CBP, and eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis — consultation with a licensed customs broker is advisable.
The distinction often turns on design intent and precision grade: instruments built for controlled laboratory environments with high measurement accuracy typically classify under HTS Chapter 90, while industrial process-control sensors or gauges may fall under different headings. Technical specifications, product literature, and the manufacturer's intended use are key evidence in resolving classification disputes.
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End-Use codes describe different products on the import and export sides. Cross-direction exports are not shown for this slug.
Monthly import values over time