Product classification
HS code for Compound microscope: 9011.80
Microscopes, compound optical, (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection).
Classification of compound microscope under HS 9011.80
Compound optical microscopes are classified under heading 9011, which covers instruments that use a combination of lenses (objective and eyepiece) to produce an enlarged image of small objects. Subheading 901180 is a residual category for compound microscopes that do not fall under the more specific subheadings of 901110 (stereoscopic microscopes) or 901120 (microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection). The classification under 901180 typically includes standard laboratory microscopes used in biological, clinical, or industrial settings for viewing transparent or translucent specimens. These instruments are characterized by having a single optical path (unlike stereoscopic versions) and are intended for direct visual observation rather than specialized photographic recording. The classification is based on the optical complexity and the specific configuration of the magnification system, ensuring that high-precision scientific instruments are grouped separately from simpler magnifying glasses or more complex electron-based imaging systems. The presence of multiple objectives on a rotating nosepiece and a sub-stage condenser are typical features of the compound microscopes found in this classification.
- Covers
- Standard biological laboratory microscopes
- Metallurgical compound microscopes (non-stereoscopic)
- Phase-contrast microscopes
- Polarizing microscopes
- Binocular compound microscopes for clinical use
- Also under 9011.80
- Olympus CX series
- Zeiss Primo Star
- Leica DM E
- Nikon E200
- Motic BA series
Codes often confused with 9011.80
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 901110, which is specifically for stereoscopic microscopes that provide a 3D view. Another common error is using HS code 901210, which is for electron microscopes; these use electron beams rather than light and lenses. Finally, 901120 is often confused with 901180, but 901120 is strictly for microscopes with built-in equipment for photography or projection.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901180 (the code used for compound microscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901180 (the code used for compound microscope) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 901180, not only compound microscope.
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 compound microscope
Brazil splits HS 9011.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9011.80.10Binocular microscopes with movable stage
- 9011.80.90Other compound optical microscopes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about compound microscope
What is the HS code for Compound microscope?
The HS code for Compound microscope is 901180 (Microscopes, compound optical; (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection)). The HS code for compound optical microscopes (other than stereoscopic or those for photomicrography) is 901180.
How do I classify Compound microscope for customs?
Compound microscope is classified under HS code 901180 — Microscopes, compound optical; (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 901180 differ from 901110?
HS code 901180 is for standard compound microscopes with a single optical path, while 901110 is for stereoscopic microscopes which use two separate optical paths to create a three-dimensional image.
Which countries are the top exporters of compound microscope (HS 901180)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901180 (the code used for compound microscope) 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 compound microscope (HS 901180)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901180 (the code used for compound microscope) 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.
Is the HS code for Compound microscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901180 for Compound microscope is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for compound microscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901180 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for compound microscope depends on the product's details: 9011.80.10 (Binocular microscopes with movable stage), 9011.80.90 (Other compound optical microscopes).