Product classification
HS code for Electron microscope: 9012.10
Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes), diffraction apparatus.
Classification of electron microscope under HS 9012.10
Electron microscopes are classified under HS code 9012.10. This heading covers microscopes other than optical microscopes and diffraction apparatus. The distinction is based on the technology used to image the specimen; while optical microscopes use visible light and glass lenses, electron microscopes use a beam of accelerated electrons and electromagnetic or electrostatic lenses to achieve much higher resolution. This technical difference necessitates a separate classification from Chapter 9011. The classification includes the microscope column, the vacuum system, and the high-voltage power supply, provided they are presented together as a functional unit. If components are shipped separately, they may fall under 9012.90 as parts or accessories. The precision and scientific nature of these instruments place them firmly within Chapter 90, which deals with optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. The classification is consistent regardless of whether the device is a scanning or transmission type.
- Covers
- Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)
- Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopes (STEM)
- Electron probe microanalyzers equipped with microscopes
- Low-voltage electron microscopes
- 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. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 9011, which is reserved strictly for optical microscopes. Users often confuse the two because they share the name "microscope," but the physics of the imaging source (photons vs. electrons) is the deciding factor. Another common error is using 9027, which covers instruments for physical or chemical analysis; while electron microscopes analyze samples, they are specifically named in 9012, and specific headings always take precedence over general ones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901210 (the code used for electron microscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901210 (the code used for electron microscope) 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 electron microscope.
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 electron microscope
Brazil splits HS 9012.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9012.10.10Electron microscopes
- 9012.10.90Other non-optical microscopes and diffractographs
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electron microscope
What is the HS code for Electron microscope?
The HS code for Electron microscope is 901210 (Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus). The HS code for an electron microscope is 9012.10, covering microscopes other than optical ones.
How do I classify Electron microscope for customs?
Electron microscope is classified under HS code 901210 — Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are parts for electron microscopes under the same code?
No, parts and accessories for these instruments are classified under HS code 9012.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of electron microscope (HS 901210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901210 (the code used for electron microscope) 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 electron microscope (HS 901210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901210 (the code used for electron microscope) 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 Electron microscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901210 for Electron 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 electron microscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electron microscope depends on the product's details: 9012.10.10 (Electron microscopes), 9012.10.90 (Other non-optical microscopes and diffractographs).