Product classification
HS code for Microscope camera: 9011.20
Microscopes, compound optical, for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection.
Classification of microscope camera under HS 9011.20
Microscope cameras and microscopes equipped with imaging capabilities are classified under HS code 9011.20. This code specifically covers compound optical microscopes designed for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection. Unlike standard microscopes used only for visual observation, these instruments are engineered with internal prisms, beam splitters, or dedicated digital sensors to capture high-resolution images of the specimen. The classification applies to the entire system when the camera is integrated or when the microscope is specifically designed to support a photographic unit. This code falls under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, and cinematographic instruments, reflecting the high precision and specialized nature of these devices compared to general-purpose digital cameras. The technical requirement for 9011.20 is that the microscope must be a compound optical type, meaning it uses a system of lenses (objective and eyepiece) to achieve magnification, and it must have the specific function of image capture or projection.
- Covers
- Digital microscopes with built-in CMOS or CCD sensors
- Photomicrographic microscopes for laboratory research
- Microscopes with integrated video output for real-time display
- Microprojectors used for educational demonstrations
- Compound microscopes with dedicated camera ports
- Also under 9011.20
- Olympus BX series with camera
- Zeiss Axio Imager
- Leica DM series with imaging
- Nikon Eclipse Ti2
- Keyence BZ-X800
Codes often confused with 9011.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 8525.89, which covers general digital cameras. If the camera is a standalone unit that attaches to a standard microscope via a C-mount, it might be 8525, but if the system is sold as a photomicrographic microscope, 9011.20 is more appropriate. It is also confused with 9011.10 (stereoscopic microscopes), which provide a 3D view but do not necessarily include imaging capabilities. Furthermore, 9012.10 for electron microscopes is a separate category entirely.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901120 (the code used for microscope camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901120 (the code used for microscope camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% 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 901120, not only microscope camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $66M 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $32M 16% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $377M 74% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $26M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 Japan $11M 2.2% of world imports
World total: $510M 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 microscope camera
Brazil splits HS 9011.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9011.20.10Photomicrography microscopes
- 9011.20.20Cinephotomicrography microscopes
- 9011.20.30Microprojection microscopes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about microscope camera
What is the HS code for Microscope camera?
The HS code for Microscope camera is 901120 (Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection).
How do I classify Microscope camera for customs?
Microscope camera is classified under HS code 901120 — Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a digital microscope?
A digital microscope with integrated imaging capabilities is classified under HS code 9011.20.
What if the camera is a separate attachment?
If the camera is sold separately as a modular component, it may be classified under 8525.89, while the microscope itself would fall under 9011.10 or 9011.80 depending on its design.
Which countries are the top exporters of microscope camera (HS 901120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901120 (the code used for microscope camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 33% of world exports), Japan ($38M) and Hong Kong ($32M). World exports came to about $203M, 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 microscope camera (HS 901120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901120 (the code used for microscope camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($377M, 74% of world imports), Hong Kong ($26M) and Japan ($11M). World imports came to about $510M, 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 Microscope camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901120 for Microscope camera 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 microscope camera in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for microscope camera depends on the product's details: 9011.20.10 (Photomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.20 (Cinephotomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.30 (Microprojection microscopes).