Product classification
HS code for Laboratory microscope: 9011.80
Microscopes, compound optical, (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection).
Classification of laboratory microscope under HS 9011.80
The classification of laboratory microscopes falls under HS code 9011.80. This code is designated for compound optical microscopes that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of stereoscopic instruments or those designed for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection. A compound optical microscope typically consists of an objective and an eyepiece, providing high magnification for the examination of specimens that are often mounted on slides. The classification within Chapter 90 is reserved for optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Because these microscopes utilize visible light and a series of lenses to magnify images, they are distinct from electron microscopes. The 9011.80 subheading acts as a residual category for advanced laboratory microscopes used in biological, metallurgical, and chemical research that require high-resolution magnification beyond what a simple magnifying glass or a stereoscopic (3D) microscope provides. These instruments are essential in clinical and research environments for analyzing cellular structures, microorganisms, and material properties at a microscopic level.
- Covers
- Biological compound microscopes
- Metallurgical microscopes
- Phase contrast microscopes
- Polarizing microscopes for laboratory analysis
- Fluorescence microscopes
- Darkfield microscopes
- 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. Laboratory microscopes are frequently confused with stereoscopic microscopes, which are classified under HS code 9011.10. Stereoscopic microscopes provide a three-dimensional view and generally have lower magnification. Another common error is classifying them under 9011.20, which is reserved specifically for microscopes equipped for photomicrography (taking still photos) or cinephotomicrography (taking moving images). Furthermore, electron microscopes, which do not use optical lenses but rather electron beams, must be classified under HS code 9012.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901180 (the code used for laboratory microscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901180 (the code used for laboratory 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 laboratory 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 laboratory 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 laboratory microscope
What is the HS code for Laboratory microscope?
The HS code for Laboratory microscope is 901180 (Microscopes, compound optical; (other than stereoscopic and microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection)). The primary HS code for a standard compound optical laboratory microscope is 9011.80.
How do I classify Laboratory microscope for customs?
Laboratory 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 9011 differ from 9012?
Heading 9011 is strictly for optical microscopes that use light and glass lenses, whereas heading 9012 covers non-optical microscopes, such as electron or proton microscopes, which use particle beams and electromagnetic lenses.
Which countries are the top exporters of laboratory microscope (HS 901180)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901180 (the code used for laboratory 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 laboratory microscope (HS 901180)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901180 (the code used for laboratory 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 Laboratory microscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901180 for Laboratory 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 laboratory microscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901180 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for laboratory microscope depends on the product's details: 9011.80.10 (Binocular microscopes with movable stage), 9011.80.90 (Other compound optical microscopes).