HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9008.50 – Image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic
HS code 9008.50 is the 6-digit subheading for image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic. It is used for slide projectors, overhead projectors, opaque projectors, photographic enlargers and photographic reducers.
What HS 9008.50 covers
This HS code encompasses a broad range of optical apparatus used for projecting still images, as well as for enlarging or reducing photographic negatives or transparencies, explicitly excluding cinematographic equipment. This includes slide projectors, overhead projectors, opaque projectors, and darkroom enlargers. While some of these technologies have been superseded by digital alternatives, there remains a niche market for educational institutions, archives, artists, and hobbyists. Importers often include specialized educational suppliers, art supply stores, and vintage equipment collectors, while exporters are typically manufacturers or distributors of optical equipment. Key trade considerations involve optical quality, light source technology, and the specific application (e.g., fine art printing, educational presentations). The market for traditional darkroom equipment, in particular, sees demand from a dedicated community of analog photography enthusiasts.
- Covers
- Slide projectors
- Overhead projectors
- Opaque projectors
- Photographic enlargers
- Photographic reducers
- Microform readers
- Art projectors
- Examples
- Leica Focomat V35
- Beseler 45V-XL
- Epson ELPDC21 Document Camera
- Kodak Carousel Projector
- Artograph Tracer Projector
Codes often confused with 9008.50
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 852862 (projectors, other than cinematographic, for connecting to an automatic data processing machine or network) if the projector has digital connectivity, or with 900720 (cinematographic projectors) if the distinction between still and moving image projection is blurred.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 900850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 900850 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 China $206M 80% of world exports
- 2 United States $10M 4.0% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $6.4M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $259M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $43M 36% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Slovakia $6.7M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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. 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.
Brazil NCM code for 9008.50
Brazil does not split HS 9008.50: its NCM code is 9008.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9008.50
What is HS code 900850?
HS code 900850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic. This HS code encompasses a broad range of optical apparatus used for projecting still images, as well as for enlarging or reducing photographic negatives or transparencies, explicitly excluding cinematographic equipment. This includes slide projectors, overhead projectors, opaque projectors, and darkroom enlargers. While some of these technologies have been superseded by digital alternatives, there remains a niche market for educational institutions, archives, artists, and hobbyists. Importers often include specialized educational suppliers, art supply stores, and vintage equipment collectors, while exporters are typically manufacturers or distributors of optical equipment. Key trade considerations involve optical quality, light source technology, and the specific application (e.g., fine art printing, educational presentations). The market for traditional darkroom equipment, in particular, sees demand from a dedicated community of analog photography enthusiasts.
What products fall under HS code 900850?
Slide projectors, overhead projectors, opaque projectors, photographic enlargers, photographic reducers, microform readers, art projectors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 900850?
This code can be confused with 852862 (projectors, other than cinematographic, for connecting to an automatic data processing machine or network) if the projector has digital connectivity, or with 900720 (cinematographic projectors) if the distinction between still and moving image projection is blurred.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 900850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 900850 in UN Comtrade data were China ($206M, 80% of world exports), the United States ($10M) and Ireland ($6.4M). World exports came to about $259M, 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 900850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 900850 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 36% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($8.9M) and Slovakia ($6.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 900850 structured?
HS code 900850 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 900850?
In Brazil, HS code 900850 is NCM 9008.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.