9025.80.20.00 - Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, whether or not incorporating a thermometer, non-recording

This HTS category, 9025.80.20.00, specifically encompasses hydrometers and similar floating instruments. These instruments are designed to measure the specific gravity or density of liquids by employing buoyancy. The classification extends to those that may incorporate a thermometer for simultaneous temperature reading, but crucially, they are non-recording devices. Their primary function is to provide a direct, visual reading of liquid density or specific gravity, commonly used in industries such as brewing, winemaking, battery maintenance, and chemical analysis.

It is important to distinguish this category from its siblings. While it falls under "Other instruments" within the broader hydrometers, thermometers, etc., grouping, 9025.80.20.00 is unique in its focus on floating instruments for liquid density measurement. It is distinct from sibling categories like 9025.80.15.00, which covers barometers (measuring atmospheric pressure), and 9025.80.35.00, which covers hygrometers and psychrometers (measuring humidity). Furthermore, it differs from 9025.80.40.00 which deals with all recording instruments within this chapter, whereas this category is explicitly for non-recording devices.

As this HTS code represents a leaf node, there are no further subcategories within this specific classification. Therefore, the classification is determined by the precise nature of the instrument as a non-recording hydrometer or similar floating device for liquid density measurement. Examples include standard glass hydrometers used for sugar content (Brix meters), alcohol content, or battery acid specific gravity, provided they do not have any automatic recording mechanisms.