Product classification

HS code for Diffraction apparatus: 9012.10

Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes), diffraction apparatus.

Classification of diffraction apparatus under HS 9012.10

Diffraction apparatus is classified under HS code 9012.10 because it belongs to the category of microscopes other than optical microscopes and diffraction apparatus. Unlike optical microscopes that use visible light and lenses to magnify images, diffraction apparatus utilizes radiation such as X-rays, electrons, or neutrons to study the internal structure of matter. The classification is determined by the physical principle of operation; specifically, the device must be designed to produce a diffraction pattern that reveals the atomic or molecular arrangement of a specimen. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the heading 9012 is specifically named for these instruments. The apparatus typically includes a radiation source, a sample holder, and a detector or photographic plate to capture the resulting interference patterns. Because these instruments do not rely on the refraction of light through glass lenses for their primary function, they are excluded from heading 9011 and placed firmly within 9012.10.

Covers
  • X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometers
  • Electron diffraction units
  • Neutron diffraction instruments
  • Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) systems
  • Crystal structure analysis apparatus
  • Powder diffractometers
Also under 9012.10
  • 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. A frequent error involves misclassifying diffraction apparatus under HS code 9011, which is reserved for optical microscopes. While both are used for high-resolution analysis, 9011 is strictly for light-based systems. Another common confusion occurs with HS code 9022, which covers X-ray apparatus for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary uses. While XRD units use X-rays, they are classified under 9012.10 because their primary purpose is scientific diffraction analysis rather than medical imaging or industrial radiography.

90.11Microscopes, compound optical; including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection90.22Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, x-ray tubes and other x-ray generators, high tens

Top exporters and importers of HS 901210 (the code used for diffraction apparatus), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901210 (the code used for diffraction apparatus) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 901210, not only diffraction apparatus.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Czechia $1.5B
  2. 2 Netherlands $569M
  3. 3 Japan $426M

World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.0B
  2. 2 South Korea $750M
  3. 3 Netherlands $305M

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 diffraction apparatus

Brazil splits HS 9012.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about diffraction apparatus

What is the HS code for Diffraction apparatus?

The HS code for Diffraction apparatus is 901210 (Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus). The primary HS code for diffraction apparatus is 9012.10, which covers microscopes other than optical microscopes and diffraction apparatus.

How do I classify Diffraction apparatus for customs?

Diffraction apparatus is classified under HS code 901210 — Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include electron microscopes?

Yes, electron microscopes are also classified under heading 9012, though they may fall under the same or adjacent subheadings depending on the specific configuration and the presence of diffraction capabilities.

Which countries are the top exporters of diffraction apparatus (HS 901210)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901210 (the code used for diffraction apparatus) 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 diffraction apparatus (HS 901210)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901210 (the code used for diffraction apparatus) 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.

Is the HS code for Diffraction apparatus the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901210 for Diffraction apparatus 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 diffraction apparatus in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for diffraction apparatus depends on the product's details: 9012.10.10 (Electron microscopes), 9012.10.90 (Other non-optical microscopes and diffractographs).