HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9011.20 – Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection
HS code 9011.20 is the 6-digit subheading for microscopes, compound optical, for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection. It is used for photomicroscopes, cinephotomicroscopes, microprojectors, digital pathology scanners and fluorescence imaging microscopes.
What HS 9011.20 covers
This HS code is dedicated to compound optical microscopes specifically designed or adapted for capturing images or projecting microscopic views, encompassing photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, and microprojection. These specialized instruments are crucial for documentation, teaching, and presentation in scientific research, medical diagnostics, and educational settings. Importers typically include research laboratories, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies that require high-quality visual records of microscopic phenomena. Exporters are often leading manufacturers of advanced optical and imaging equipment. Key considerations in trade involve the integration of high-resolution cameras, advanced illumination techniques, and software for image analysis and management. The market is driven by the continuous need for precise visual data and effective communication of microscopic findings, pushing innovation in digital imaging and automation.
- Covers
- Photomicroscopes
- Cinephotomicroscopes
- Microprojectors
- Digital pathology scanners
- Fluorescence imaging microscopes
- Confocal microscopes with imaging capabilities
- Live-cell imaging systems
- Examples
- Olympus BX series with camera
- Zeiss Axio Imager
- Leica DM series with imaging
- Nikon Eclipse Ti2
- Keyence BZ-X800
Codes often confused with 9011.20
Common mistake. While related to other compound microscopes (901110, 901180), this code is distinguished by its primary function of image capture or projection, often featuring integrated cameras or projection systems.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% 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 $66M 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $32M 16% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $377M 74% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $26M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 Japan $11M 2.2% of world imports
World total: $510M 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 9011.20 3
Brazil splits HS 9011.20 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9011.20.10 Photomicrography microscopesPara fotomicrografia
- 9011.20.20 Cinephotomicrography microscopesPara cinefotomicrografia
- 9011.20.30 Microprojection microscopesPara microprojeção
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9011.20
What is HS code 901120?
HS code 901120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection. This HS code is dedicated to compound optical microscopes specifically designed or adapted for capturing images or projecting microscopic views, encompassing photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, and microprojection. These specialized instruments are crucial for documentation, teaching, and presentation in scientific research, medical diagnostics, and educational settings. Importers typically include research laboratories, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies that require high-quality visual records of microscopic phenomena. Exporters are often leading manufacturers of advanced optical and imaging equipment. Key considerations in trade involve the integration of high-resolution cameras, advanced illumination techniques, and software for image analysis and management. The market is driven by the continuous need for precise visual data and effective communication of microscopic findings, pushing innovation in digital imaging and automation.
What products fall under HS code 901120?
Photomicroscopes, Cinephotomicroscopes, Microprojectors, Digital pathology scanners, Fluorescence imaging microscopes, Confocal microscopes with imaging capabilities, Live-cell imaging systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901120?
While related to other compound microscopes (901110, 901180), this code is distinguished by its primary function of image capture or projection, often featuring integrated cameras or projection systems.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 33% of world exports), Japan ($38M) and Hong Kong ($32M). World exports came to about $203M, 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 901120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($377M, 74% of world imports), Hong Kong ($26M) and Japan ($11M). World imports came to about $510M, 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 901120 structured?
HS code 901120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901120?
Brazil splits HS code 901120 into 3 NCM codes: 9011.20.10 (Photomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.20 (Cinephotomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.30 (Microprojection microscopes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.