Other instruments

CN subheading 9025 80 of the Combined Nomenclature covers instruments for measuring temperature, pressure and humidity other than those classified under subheadings 9025 11 and 9025 19 (liquid-in-glass and non-liquid thermometers and pyrometers). The subheading encompasses: hygrometers and psychrometers - instruments measuring relative air humidity by wet-and-dry-bulb, capacitive or resistive methods; thermohygrographs - continuous recorders of both temperature and humidity as a function of time, using a chart drum or digital storage; thermographs - time-recording instruments for temperature alone; hygrographs - chart recorders for relative humidity; barographs and digital barometers measuring atmospheric pressure; and multi-parameter weather stations recording temperature, pressure, humidity and wind. The essential classification criterion is the measurement of one or more of the parameters: temperature, pressure or humidity. Multi-function instruments are classified according to their principal function; where that cannot be determined, GIR 3(c) directs classification to the subheading last in numerical order. Pressure gauges measuring liquid or process gas pressure are generally classified under heading 9026 rather than 9025. Classification is performed under GIRs 1 and 6 read with the Notes to Chapter 90.

Import of instruments classified under CN 9025 80 into the European Union is subject to several parallel regulatory regimes depending on the intended application. Hygrometers, barometers and thermohygrographs used in professional metrological applications - such as calibration laboratories or legal meteorology - may be subject to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID - Directive 2014/32/EU). Mains-powered weather stations with data recording and transmission capabilities must comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD - 2014/35/EU) and the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Instruments with wireless radio modules are subject to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED - 2014/53/EU). Instruments intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as industrial hygrometers for hazardous area installations, require ATEX certification under Directive 2014/34/EU and approval from a Notified Body. Barographs and pressure recorders used for aviation safety purposes may require EASA certification. All imported instruments must comply with the general product safety requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), applicable from 13 December 2024. Required import documents include: a customs declaration with the correct TARIC code, a commercial invoice, a technical specification or manufacturer's datasheet, and a CE Declaration of Conformity. Duty rates and trade measures must be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database taking into account the country of origin.

Correct classification under CN 9025 80 requires resolving several common tariff boundaries. Barometers are classified under this subheading because they have no dedicated 6-digit subheading within heading 9025 in the current CN structure, and are therefore collected in the residual subheading 9025 80. Thermohygrographs with analogue chart-drum recording are classified under 9025 80 as recording instruments; data loggers measuring temperature only may fall under 9025 19. Psychrometric hygrometers consisting of paired dry-bulb and wet-bulb thermometers are classified under 9025 80 - the set comprises two thermometers, but the principal function of the combination is humidity measurement, justifying classification here under GIR 3(b). Bare capacitive humidity sensor chips - ceramic or polymer substrates with electrode structures, sold without housing or processing circuitry - may be classified as electronic components under heading 8533 or 8542 rather than 9025 80; classification in 9025 80 requires confirmation of exclusive or principal suitability for use in instruments of heading 9025. Multi-parameter weather stations also recording wind speed and direction may be classified under 9025 80 or under heading 9015 (meteorological instruments) depending on the principal function and construction. Where the classification of a specific article is uncertain, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is recommended; a BTI is legally binding throughout the EU for three years. Issued BTI decisions are searchable in the European Commission's EBTI database. Current duty rates must be verified in TARIC.

Subheading CN 9025 80 covers hygrometers, barometers, psychrometers, thermohygrographs, and other instruments for measuring humidity and atmospheric pressure. Industrial hygrometers for warehouse and production monitoring are popular imports. Aneroid and electronic barometers are classified here. Home weather stations with displays are usually classified here as multifunctional measuring instruments.