HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 90.02 – Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked
What HS 90.02 covers
HS Code 9002 specifically covers lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, of any material, that are mounted and intended as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. A crucial distinction is that this heading excludes elements of glass that are not optically worked. This classification is vital for components that have been precisely mounted in a frame, cell, or housing, making them ready for integration into a larger optical system, such as microscopes, telescopes, cameras, or medical devices. Unlike HS 9001, which deals with unmounted elements, 9002 focuses on the 'ready-to-install' optical sub-assemblies. The scope is broad, encompassing various materials like glass, plastic, or even specialized crystals, as long as they are optically worked and mounted. Trade compliance professionals must accurately identify whether an optical element is mounted to ensure correct duty assessment and adherence to specific import/export controls, especially for precision or dual-use components. The significance of 9002 lies in its role in the supply chain for complex optical instruments, representing a stage beyond raw materials but before the complete finished product. This heading is a cornerstone for trade in advanced manufacturing within Section XVIII, facilitating the movement of critical optical sub-systems across borders.
- Covers
- Mounted microscope objective lenses
- Mounted camera lens assemblies (without camera body)
- Mounted telescope eyepieces
- Mounted laser focusing lenses
- Mounted beam splitter cubes
- Mounted dichroic mirrors
- Mounted optical filters (bandpass, neutral density)
- Mounted collimator lenses
- Mounted anamorphic lenses
- Mounted prism assemblies
- Mounted reticles for scopes
- Mounted fiber optic connectors with integrated lenses
- Mounted periscope elements
- Mounted infrared optical elements
- Mounted UV optics
- Mounted projector lenses
- Mounted security camera lenses
- Mounted medical endoscope optics
- Mounted photographic enlarger lenses
- Mounted optical windows
- Mounted ophthalmic instrument lenses
- Mounted rangefinder optics
- Mounted night vision intensifier optics
- Mounted spectrophotometer optics.
- Examples
A Taiwanese drone manufacturer imports high-precision mounted gimbal lenses from a South Korean optical firm for integration into their aerial photography and surveillance drones, utilizing efficient air cargo routes. A medical device company in the UK sources mounted endoscopy objective lens systems from Germany for assembly into their surgical diagnostic equipment, often through specialized logistics providers. An American defense contractor imports mounted infrared optical elements from Israel for use in advanced targeting systems and night vision apparatus, navigating strict export control regulations.
Subheadings under 90.02 4
Codes often confused with 90.02
Common mistake. A common error is confusing 9002 with 9001, where the 'mounted' vs. 'unmounted' status is the key differentiator. Mounted lenses, prisms, or mirrors belong to 9002, while their unmounted counterparts are under 9001. Another frequent mistake is classifying complete optical instruments (e.g., a full telescope under 9005 or a microscope under 9011) as 9002; this heading is strictly for *parts* or *fittings*. Additionally, optical elements that are merely encased for protection but not designed for immediate integration into an instrument might be confused, but true 'mounted' elements imply a functional assembly. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates and potential delays or penalties at customs.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9002, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9002 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $4.9B 23% of world exports
- 2 China $3.5B 16% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$2.8B 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $21.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.2B 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.6B 9.2% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $1.5B 8.5% of world imports
World total: $17.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 90.02
What is HS code 9002?
HS code 9002 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked. HS Code 9002 specifically covers lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, of any material, that are mounted and intended as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. A crucial distinction is that this heading excludes elements of glass that are not optically worked. This classification is vital for components that have been precisely mounted in a frame, cell, or housing, making them ready for integration into a larger optical system, such as microscopes, telescopes, cameras, or medical devices. Unlike HS 9001, which deals with unmounted elements, 9002 focuses on the 'ready-to-install' optical sub-assemblies. The scope is broad, encompassing various materials like glass, plastic, or even specialized crystals, as long as they are optically worked and mounted. Trade compliance professionals must accurately identify whether an optical element is mounted to ensure correct duty assessment and adherence to specific import/export controls, especially for precision or dual-use components. The significance of 9002 lies in its role in the supply chain for complex optical instruments, representing a stage beyond raw materials but before the complete finished product. This heading is a cornerstone for trade in advanced manufacturing within Section XVIII, facilitating the movement of critical optical sub-systems across borders.
What products fall under HS code 9002?
Mounted microscope objective lenses, mounted camera lens assemblies (without camera body), mounted telescope eyepieces, mounted laser focusing lenses, mounted beam splitter cubes, mounted dichroic mirrors, mounted optical filters (bandpass, neutral density), mounted collimator lenses, mounted anamorphic lenses, mounted prism assemblies, mounted reticles for scopes, mounted fiber optic connectors with integrated lenses, mounted periscope elements, mounted infrared optical elements, mounted UV optics, mounted projector lenses, mounted security camera lenses, mounted medical endoscope optics, mounted photographic enlarger lenses, mounted optical windows, mounted ophthalmic instrument lenses, mounted rangefinder optics, mounted night vision intensifier optics, mounted spectrophotometer optics.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9002?
A common error is confusing 9002 with 9001, where the 'mounted' vs. 'unmounted' status is the key differentiator. Mounted lenses, prisms, or mirrors belong to 9002, while their unmounted counterparts are under 9001. Another frequent mistake is classifying complete optical instruments (e.g., a full telescope under 9005 or a microscope under 9011) as 9002; this heading is strictly for *parts* or *fittings*. Additionally, optical elements that are merely encased for protection but not designed for immediate integration into an instrument might be confused, but true 'mounted' elements imply a functional assembly. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates and potential delays or penalties at customs.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9002?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9002 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($4.9B, 23% of world exports), China ($3.5B) and Taiwan (about $2.8B). World exports came to about $21.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 9002?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9002 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.2B, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.6B) and South Korea ($1.5B). World imports came to about $17.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 9002 structured?
HS code 9002 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.