Other

CN subheading 9025 19 covers thermometers and pyrometers other than liquid-in-glass thermometers, which are classified under subheading 9025 11. The subheading encompasses a wide range of temperature-measuring instruments that do not rely on a liquid in a capillary tube: resistance temperature detectors (RTD), including platinum sensors Pt100 and Pt1000 and nickel sensors Ni100; thermistors, both NTC (negative temperature coefficient) and PTC (positive temperature coefficient) - semiconductor resistive elements with a strong temperature-dependent resistance characteristic; thermocouples of all standardised types (J, K, T, E, N, R, S, B) based on various metal combinations; optical pyrometers - including disappearing-filament and ratio pyrometers; radiation pyrometers - including infrared thermometers and total-radiation pyrometers; non-contact infrared thermometers; and bimetallic thermometers and non-liquid dilatometric thermometers. The essential classification criterion is the measurement of temperature by a non-liquid method - irrespective of the operating principle (resistive, thermoelectric, radiometric, bimetallic). Only instruments whose principal function is temperature measurement are classified here. Bare sensing elements - thermocouples without housings or readout systems - may be classified under heading 8543 or 9033. Classification is performed under GIRs 1 and 6 read with the Notes to Chapter 90.

Import of thermometers and pyrometers classified under CN 9025 19 into the EU is subject to several parallel regulatory systems. Thermometers intended for medical use - measuring human body temperature - are medical devices governed by Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) or Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) and require CE marking and conformity assessment before being placed on the EU market. Non-contact infrared and ear thermometers for medical use are typically class IIa devices. Thermometers for industrial, laboratory and construction applications may be subject to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID - Directive 2014/32/EU) or the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Clinical contact thermometers are within the scope of Directive 2004/22/EC (MID) for legal metrology purposes. Mains-powered industrial thermometers and pyrometers must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD - 2014/35/EU) and the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Compliance with harmonised standards EN 60584 (thermocouples), EN 60751 (Pt100) and EN 13190 (thermal indicators) is not mandatory but facilitates demonstration of conformity with directive requirements. Imported thermometers and pyrometers must satisfy the market surveillance requirements of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008. Duty rates and trade measures must be verified in the TARIC system.

Correct classification under CN 9025 19 requires resolving several common tariff boundaries between Chapter 90 and Chapter 85. Complete thermocouple assemblies with a protective sheath, electrical connector and display of temperature are classified under 9025 19. By contrast, bare thermocouple wire - without a housing or readout system - is typically classified as wire or conductors under Chapters 74, 75 or 81, depending on the metal. Bare Pt100 elements without a protective housing and signal-conditioning circuit may be classified as resistors under heading 8533 or as transducers under 9027. Industrial pyrometers with an integrated signal processor and 4–20 mA or HART output are classified under 9025 19 when temperature measurement is the principal function; where they incorporate elaborate multi-parameter acquisition and processing systems, classification under 9027 or 9032 may apply. Infrared thermometers with integrated humidity or pressure measurement are classified according to their essential character under GIR 3(b). Thermal imaging cameras (thermal cameras) are generally classified under heading 9027 or 9025, depending on their design and intended purpose. Where the classification of a specific article is uncertain, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is advisable - a BTI is legally binding throughout the EU for three years. Decisions can be searched in the Commission's EBTI database. Current duty rates must be verified in TARIC.

Subheading CN 9025 19 covers non-liquid thermometers: digital (thermocouple, thermistor, RTD), pyrometers (non-contact, IR), bimetallic thermometers, and thermographs. Medical non-contact thermometers (forehead) are also classified here. Industrial pyrometers for temperature measurement in steel mills and foundries are a popular import item.