Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. imports of Microtomes; Parts & Accessories for Physical or Chemical Analysis Instruments (SITC 87449) totaled $200.6M in August 2026, imported from 79 countries.
Importers of Microtomes; Parts & Accessories for Physical or Chemical Analysis Instruments paid $21.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.79% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMicrotomes—precision instruments that cut tissue or material specimens into thin sections for microscopic examination—share this heading with parts and accessories for the broader family of physical and chemical analysis instruments, including those measuring viscosity, heat, sound, and light. The pairing reflects the SITC structure's approach to grouping ancillary equipment with related analytical tools rather than treating microtomes as standalone capital equipment. For importers, the parts-and-accessories scope means that replacement components for instruments classified across headings 87441 through 87446 may consolidate here, simplifying multi-line shipments but requiring careful line-item documentation to support classification.
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12.2K import shipments a month
A cryostat microtome integrates a microtome mechanism within a refrigerated chamber. Classification depends on whether the combined unit is considered a microtome (87449) or a refrigeration apparatus with an ancillary cutting function. In practice, instruments marketed and used primarily for histological sectioning are generally classified as microtomes, but the refrigeration component may complicate the analysis; a binding ruling is advisable for high-value cryostats.
Both items can fall under 87449, but they should be listed as separate line items on the commercial invoice with distinct part descriptions. The HPLC detector module is a part for a chromatograph (originally 87442), and the microtome blade set is an accessory for a microtome—both converge in 87449 under the SITC structure. Accurate part descriptions and cross-references to the parent instrument support CBP review and help avoid delays.
Basic heading 50 of 419 in section 8
Basic heading 87449 · $200.6M of $46.9B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
China pays 34.9% duty; Mexico 0.3%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$200.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$199.3MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $2.3B of Microtomes; Parts & Accessories for Physical or Chemical Analysis Instruments.
Through August 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.