HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9031.49 – Optical instruments and appliances; for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90
HS code 9031.49 is the 6-digit subheading for optical instruments and appliances, for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90. It is used for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with optical probes, profile projectors, optical comparators, vision measurement systems and laser micrometers.
What HS 9031.49 covers
This is a broad residual category for optical instruments and appliances used for general measuring or checking purposes, not specifically covered by other more precise headings in Chapter 90, particularly excluding those for semiconductor inspection (903141). These versatile instruments find applications across diverse industries, including manufacturing, quality control, materials science, and precision engineering, for tasks such as dimensional measurement, surface inspection, alignment, and defect detection. Importers and exporters include a wide range of industrial manufacturers, research and development laboratories, and metrology service providers. Key aspects involve non-contact measurement, high precision, and adaptability for various materials and geometries, making them indispensable for ensuring product quality and adherence to specifications in numerous industrial processes.
- Covers
- Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with optical probes
- Profile projectors
- Optical comparators
- Vision measurement systems
- Laser micrometers
- Surface roughness testers (optical)
- Machine vision inspection systems
- Examples
- Keyence IM-series
- Mitutoyo Quick Vision
- Hexagon Metrology CMMs (with optical sensors)
- Alicona InfiniteFocus
Codes often confused with 9031.49
Common mistake. Can be confused with 903141 if the semiconductor-specific application is not clear, or with general measuring instruments under 903180 if the 'optical' nature is overlooked. It's the general optical measuring category.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 903149, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 903149 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 $2.7B 20% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $2.2B 16% of world exports
- 3 China $2.1B 16% of world exports
World total: $13.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.8B 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $892M 7.5% 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 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 9031.49 3
Brazil splits HS 9031.49 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9031.49.10 Laser measuring apparatus for cellulose fibresPara medida de parâmetros dimensionais de fibras de celulose, por meio de raios laser
- 9031.49.20 Laser tyre thickness measuring apparatusPara medida da espessura de pneumáticos de veículos automóveis, por meio de raios laser
- 9031.49.90 Other optical measuring instrumentsOutros
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 9031.49
What is HS code 903149?
HS code 903149 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Optical instruments and appliances; for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90. This is a broad residual category for optical instruments and appliances used for general measuring or checking purposes, not specifically covered by other more precise headings in Chapter 90, particularly excluding those for semiconductor inspection (903141). These versatile instruments find applications across diverse industries, including manufacturing, quality control, materials science, and precision engineering, for tasks such as dimensional measurement, surface inspection, alignment, and defect detection. Importers and exporters include a wide range of industrial manufacturers, research and development laboratories, and metrology service providers. Key aspects involve non-contact measurement, high precision, and adaptability for various materials and geometries, making them indispensable for ensuring product quality and adherence to specifications in numerous industrial processes.
What products fall under HS code 903149?
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) with optical probes, profile projectors, optical comparators, vision measurement systems, laser micrometers, surface roughness testers (optical), machine vision inspection systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 903149?
Can be confused with 903141 if the semiconductor-specific application is not clear, or with general measuring instruments under 903180 if the 'optical' nature is overlooked. It's the general optical measuring category.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 903149?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 903149 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7B, 20% of world exports), South Korea ($2.2B) and China ($2.1B). World exports came to about $13.4B, 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 903149?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 903149 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 23% of world imports), the United States ($1.5B) and Germany ($892M). 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 903149 structured?
HS code 903149 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 903149?
Brazil splits HS code 903149 into 3 NCM codes: 9031.49.10 (Laser measuring apparatus for cellulose fibres), 9031.49.20 (Laser tyre thickness measuring apparatus), 9031.49.90 (Other optical measuring instruments). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.