HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9012.10 – Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus
HS code 9012.10 is the 6-digit subheading for microscopes (excluding optical microscopes), diffraction apparatus. It is used for scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM), atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) systems and electron Diffraction systems.
What HS 9012.10 covers
This HS code covers advanced microscopes that operate on principles other than visible light optics, such as electron microscopes, scanning probe microscopes, and ion microscopes, alongside diffraction apparatus. These instruments are at the forefront of materials science, nanotechnology, and biological research, enabling visualization and analysis at atomic and molecular scales far beyond the capabilities of optical microscopes. Importers are typically high-tech research institutions, universities, semiconductor manufacturers, and advanced materials companies. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of highly sophisticated scientific instruments. Key trade considerations include resolution capabilities, vacuum systems, sample preparation techniques, and integrated analytical features like energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The market is characterized by high capital investment, rapid technological advancements, and a strong demand for ultra-high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis in cutting-edge fields.
- Covers
- Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)
- Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM)
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD) systems
- Electron Diffraction systems
- Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM)
- Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems
- Examples
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Apreo SEM
- JEOL JEM-F200 TEM
- Bruker Dimension Icon AFM
- Rigaku SmartLab XRD
- Hitachi SU8200 SEM
Codes often confused with 9012.10
Common mistake. This code is critical for distinguishing non-optical microscopes from all types of optical microscopes (9011 series), as their operating principles and applications are fundamentally different.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901210 in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 Czechia $1.5B 42% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $569M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $426M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.0B 43% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $750M 16% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $305M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 9012.10 2
Brazil splits HS 9012.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9012.10.10 Electron microscopesMicroscópios eletrônicos
- 9012.10.90 Other non-optical microscopes and diffractographsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9012.10
What is HS code 901210?
HS code 901210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus. This HS code covers advanced microscopes that operate on principles other than visible light optics, such as electron microscopes, scanning probe microscopes, and ion microscopes, alongside diffraction apparatus. These instruments are at the forefront of materials science, nanotechnology, and biological research, enabling visualization and analysis at atomic and molecular scales far beyond the capabilities of optical microscopes. Importers are typically high-tech research institutions, universities, semiconductor manufacturers, and advanced materials companies. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of highly sophisticated scientific instruments. Key trade considerations include resolution capabilities, vacuum systems, sample preparation techniques, and integrated analytical features like energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The market is characterized by high capital investment, rapid technological advancements, and a strong demand for ultra-high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis in cutting-edge fields.
What products fall under HS code 901210?
Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) systems, Electron Diffraction systems, Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901210?
This code is critical for distinguishing non-optical microscopes from all types of optical microscopes (9011 series), as their operating principles and applications are fundamentally different.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901210 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($1.5B, 42% of world exports), the Netherlands ($569M) and Japan ($426M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 901210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901210 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 43% of world imports), South Korea ($750M) and the Netherlands ($305M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 901210 structured?
HS code 901210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901210?
Brazil splits HS code 901210 into 2 NCM codes: 9012.10.10 (Electron microscopes), 9012.10.90 (Other non-optical microscopes and diffractographs). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.