HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9010.90 – Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment (including cinematographic); parts and accessories
HS code 9010.90 is the 6-digit subheading for photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment (including cinematographic), parts and accessories. It is used for film processors, darkroom enlargers, film dryers, digital film scanners and print washers.
What HS 9010.90 covers
This HS code encompasses a diverse range of specialized equipment and components essential for photographic and cinematographic laboratories, both professional and amateur. It covers everything from darkroom processing machinery to digital film scanners and editing consoles, playing a crucial role in the post-production phase of visual media. Importers typically include film studios, photo processing labs, educational institutions, and specialized retailers, while exporters are often manufacturers of precision optical and electronic equipment. Key aspects to consider in trade are technological advancements, compatibility with various film formats or digital workflows, and the increasing demand for automated and high-resolution processing solutions. The market is influenced by trends in photography and filmmaking, including the resurgence of analog film and the continuous evolution of digital imaging technologies, making this a dynamic sector for trade.
- Covers
- Film processors
- Darkroom enlargers
- Film dryers
- Digital film scanners
- Print washers
- Chemical mixing tanks
- Cinematographic editing consoles
- Film splicers
- Examples
- Noritsu QSS series
- Fuji Frontier series
- Jobo ATL film processors
- Kodak CTP systems
- DaVinci Resolve editing hardware
Codes often confused with 9010.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 9006 (Photographic cameras) or 8471 (Automatic data processing machines) if the equipment has significant computing functions, but 901090 specifically covers the lab apparatus for processing and finishing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901090, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901090 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 $9.7M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $7.9M 15% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $3.5M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $51M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.8M 13% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $7.4M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $7.3M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $75M 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 codes for 9010.90 2
Brazil splits HS 9010.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9010.90.10 Parts of automatic and electronic photo processorsDe aparelhos ou material da subposição 9010.10 ou do item 9010.50.10
- 9010.90.90 Other parts of photo lab gear, viewers and screensOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.10 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9010.90
What is HS code 901090?
HS code 901090 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment (including cinematographic); parts and accessories. This HS code encompasses a diverse range of specialized equipment and components essential for photographic and cinematographic laboratories, both professional and amateur. It covers everything from darkroom processing machinery to digital film scanners and editing consoles, playing a crucial role in the post-production phase of visual media. Importers typically include film studios, photo processing labs, educational institutions, and specialized retailers, while exporters are often manufacturers of precision optical and electronic equipment. Key aspects to consider in trade are technological advancements, compatibility with various film formats or digital workflows, and the increasing demand for automated and high-resolution processing solutions. The market is influenced by trends in photography and filmmaking, including the resurgence of analog film and the continuous evolution of digital imaging technologies, making this a dynamic sector for trade.
What products fall under HS code 901090?
Film processors, Darkroom enlargers, Film dryers, Digital film scanners, Print washers, Chemical mixing tanks, Cinematographic editing consoles, Film splicers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901090?
This code can be confused with 9006 (Photographic cameras) or 8471 (Automatic data processing machines) if the equipment has significant computing functions, but 901090 specifically covers the lab apparatus for processing and finishing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901090?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901090 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($9.7M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($7.9M) and Switzerland ($3.5M). World exports came to about $51M, 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 901090?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901090 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.8M, 13% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($7.4M) and South Korea ($7.3M). World imports came to about $75M, 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 901090 structured?
HS code 901090 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901090?
Brazil splits HS code 901090 into 2 NCM codes: 9010.90.10 (Parts of automatic and electronic photo processors), 9010.90.90 (Other parts of photo lab gear, viewers and screens). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.