HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9011.90 – Microscopes, compound optical; parts and accessories (including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection)
HS code 9011.90 is the 6-digit subheading for microscopes, compound optical, parts and accessories (including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). It is used for objective lenses, eyepieces, mechanical stages, condensers and illumination units.
What HS 9011.90 covers
This HS code covers the vast array of parts and accessories specifically designed for compound optical microscopes, including those used for stereoscopy, photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, and microprojection. This category is crucial for the maintenance, upgrade, and customization of microscopes, ensuring their longevity and adaptability to evolving research and diagnostic needs. It includes everything from objective lenses and eyepieces to specialized stages, illumination systems, and digital camera adapters. Importers are typically research institutions, universities, hospitals, and industrial labs that need to service or enhance their existing microscope fleets. Exporters are often the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or specialized suppliers of optical components. Key trade considerations include compatibility with various microscope brands, precision engineering, optical quality, and the availability of specialized components for advanced applications. The market is driven by the continuous need for microscope upkeep and the desire to extend the capabilities of existing instruments.
- Covers
- Objective lenses
- Eyepieces
- Mechanical stages
- Condensers
- Illumination units
- Digital microscope cameras
- Filters
- Micrometer slides
- Examples
- Olympus UPlanFLN objectives
- Zeiss Plan-Apochromat objectives
- Leica HC eyepieces
- Nikon DS-Fi3 camera
- Prior Scientific motorized stages
Codes often confused with 9011.90
Common mistake. This code is specifically for parts and accessories of compound optical microscopes, and should not be confused with parts for non-optical microscopes (901290) or general optical elements not specifically for microscopes (9001).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901190 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 $303M 24% of world exports
- 2 Japan $260M 21% of world exports
- 3 China $117M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $148M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $139M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $77M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $982M 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 9011.90 2
Brazil splits HS 9011.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9011.90.10 Parts of photo, cine and projection microscopesDos artigos da subposição 9011.20
- 9011.90.90 Other optical microscope parts and accessoriesOutros
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 9011.90
What is HS code 901190?
HS code 901190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microscopes, compound optical; parts and accessories (including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). This HS code covers the vast array of parts and accessories specifically designed for compound optical microscopes, including those used for stereoscopy, photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, and microprojection. This category is crucial for the maintenance, upgrade, and customization of microscopes, ensuring their longevity and adaptability to evolving research and diagnostic needs. It includes everything from objective lenses and eyepieces to specialized stages, illumination systems, and digital camera adapters. Importers are typically research institutions, universities, hospitals, and industrial labs that need to service or enhance their existing microscope fleets. Exporters are often the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or specialized suppliers of optical components. Key trade considerations include compatibility with various microscope brands, precision engineering, optical quality, and the availability of specialized components for advanced applications. The market is driven by the continuous need for microscope upkeep and the desire to extend the capabilities of existing instruments.
What products fall under HS code 901190?
Objective lenses, Eyepieces, Mechanical stages, Condensers, Illumination units, Digital microscope cameras, Filters, Micrometer slides
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901190?
This code is specifically for parts and accessories of compound optical microscopes, and should not be confused with parts for non-optical microscopes (901290) or general optical elements not specifically for microscopes (9001).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901190 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($303M, 24% of world exports), Japan ($260M) and China ($117M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 901190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901190 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($148M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($139M) and China ($77M). World imports came to about $982M, 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 901190 structured?
HS code 901190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901190?
Brazil splits HS code 901190 into 2 NCM codes: 9011.90.10 (Parts of photo, cine and projection microscopes), 9011.90.90 (Other optical microscope parts and accessories). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.