HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9031.41 – Optical instruments and appliances; for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90
HS code 9031.41 is the 6-digit subheading for optical instruments and appliances, for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90. It is used for wafer inspection systems (optical), photomask inspection tools, reticle inspection systems, critical dimension (CD) SEMs (optical components) and overlay metrology tools.
What HS 9031.41 covers
This highly specialized category covers optical instruments and appliances specifically designed for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, as well as photomasks or reticles used in their manufacturing. These tools are absolutely vital for the semiconductor industry, employing advanced optics and imaging techniques to detect microscopic defects, measure critical dimensions, and ensure the quality and integrity of components at every stage of fabrication. Major importers and exporters are countries with significant semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, such as those with advanced foundries and integrated device manufacturers. Key aspects include ultra-high resolution, automated defect detection, and precise metrology, which are crucial for maximizing yield, ensuring product reliability, and maintaining the cutting edge in microelectronics production. The trade in these instruments underpins the global technology supply chain.
- Covers
- Wafer inspection systems (optical)
- Photomask inspection tools
- Reticle inspection systems
- Critical dimension (CD) SEMs (optical components)
- Overlay metrology tools
- Surface defect inspection systems
- Examples
- KLA-Tencor (now KLA) Wafer Inspection Systems
- Applied Materials PROVision
- ASML YieldStar
- ZEISS AIMS (Advanced Imaging and Metrology System)
Codes often confused with 9031.41
Common mistake. Often confused with electrical testing equipment for semiconductors under 903082, but 903141 specifically refers to *optical* inspection and measurement. It's also distinct from general optical measuring instruments under 903149 by its specific application to semiconductors.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 903141, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 903141 in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% 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 Singapore $3.1B 30% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.6B 25% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.9B 18% of world exports
World total: $10.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.5B 38% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$2.6B 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $2.1B 18% of world imports
World total: $11.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 code for 9031.41
Brazil does not split HS 9031.41: its NCM code is 9031.41.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.31 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9031.41
What is HS code 903141?
HS code 903141 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Optical instruments and appliances; for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90. This highly specialized category covers optical instruments and appliances specifically designed for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, as well as photomasks or reticles used in their manufacturing. These tools are absolutely vital for the semiconductor industry, employing advanced optics and imaging techniques to detect microscopic defects, measure critical dimensions, and ensure the quality and integrity of components at every stage of fabrication. Major importers and exporters are countries with significant semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, such as those with advanced foundries and integrated device manufacturers. Key aspects include ultra-high resolution, automated defect detection, and precise metrology, which are crucial for maximizing yield, ensuring product reliability, and maintaining the cutting edge in microelectronics production. The trade in these instruments underpins the global technology supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 903141?
Wafer inspection systems (optical), photomask inspection tools, reticle inspection systems, critical dimension (CD) SEMs (optical components), overlay metrology tools, surface defect inspection systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 903141?
Often confused with electrical testing equipment for semiconductors under 903082, but 903141 specifically refers to *optical* inspection and measurement. It's also distinct from general optical measuring instruments under 903149 by its specific application to semiconductors.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 903141?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 903141 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($3.1B, 30% of world exports), the United States ($2.6B) and Japan ($1.9B). World exports came to about $10.6B, 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 903141?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 903141 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 38% of world imports), Taiwan (about $2.6B) and South Korea ($2.1B). World imports came to about $11.8B, 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 903141 structured?
HS code 903141 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (31) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 903141?
In Brazil, HS code 903141 is NCM 9031.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.