HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9011.80 – Microscopes, compound optical; (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection)
HS code 9011.80 is the 6-digit subheading for microscopes, compound optical, (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). It is used for monocular compound microscopes, binocular compound microscopes, trinocular compound microscopes, inverted microscopes and polarizing microscopes.
What HS 9011.80 covers
This category covers a broad range of compound optical microscopes that are neither stereoscopic nor specifically designed for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection. These are the workhorse microscopes found in countless laboratories, schools, and clinics worldwide, used for general observation and analysis of magnified specimens. They are fundamental tools for biology, pathology, materials science, and education. Importers include educational institutions, medical diagnostic labs, quality control departments in various industries, and general research facilities. Exporters are typically global manufacturers of optical instruments. Key trade considerations include magnification capabilities, illumination types (brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast), ergonomic design, and the ability to upgrade with accessories. The market is characterized by a balance between cost-effectiveness for educational and routine use and advanced features for more specialized research, constantly evolving with new optical technologies.
- Covers
- Monocular compound microscopes
- Binocular compound microscopes
- Trinocular compound microscopes
- Inverted microscopes
- Polarizing microscopes
- Metallurgical microscopes
- Phase contrast microscopes
- Examples
- Olympus CX series
- Zeiss Primo Star
- Leica DM E
- Nikon E200
- Motic BA series
Codes often confused with 9011.80
Common mistake. This code serves as a residual category for compound optical microscopes, differentiating them from the more specialized stereoscopic (901110) and imaging/projection (901120) types within the same heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901180, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901180 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $452M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $161M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $136M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $199M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $142M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $108M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 9011.80 2
Brazil splits HS 9011.80 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9011.80.10 Binocular microscopes with movable stageBinoculares de platina móvel
- 9011.80.90 Other compound optical microscopesOutros
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 9011.80
What is HS code 901180?
HS code 901180 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microscopes, compound optical; (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). This category covers a broad range of compound optical microscopes that are neither stereoscopic nor specifically designed for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection. These are the workhorse microscopes found in countless laboratories, schools, and clinics worldwide, used for general observation and analysis of magnified specimens. They are fundamental tools for biology, pathology, materials science, and education. Importers include educational institutions, medical diagnostic labs, quality control departments in various industries, and general research facilities. Exporters are typically global manufacturers of optical instruments. Key trade considerations include magnification capabilities, illumination types (brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast), ergonomic design, and the ability to upgrade with accessories. The market is characterized by a balance between cost-effectiveness for educational and routine use and advanced features for more specialized research, constantly evolving with new optical technologies.
What products fall under HS code 901180?
Monocular compound microscopes, Binocular compound microscopes, Trinocular compound microscopes, Inverted microscopes, Polarizing microscopes, Metallurgical microscopes, Phase contrast microscopes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901180?
This code serves as a residual category for compound optical microscopes, differentiating them from the more specialized stereoscopic (901110) and imaging/projection (901120) types within the same heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901180?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901180 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($452M, 33% of world exports), China ($161M) and the United States ($136M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 901180?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901180 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($199M, 14% of world imports), China ($142M) and Germany ($108M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 901180 structured?
HS code 901180 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901180?
Brazil splits HS code 901180 into 2 NCM codes: 9011.80.10 (Binocular microscopes with movable stage), 9011.80.90 (Other compound optical microscopes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.