Product classification
HS code for Mounted prism: 9002.90
Optical elements, n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Classification of mounted prism under HS 9002.90
Mounted prisms are classified under HS code 9002.90. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, and cinematographic instruments. Heading 9002 specifically addresses lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, of any material, which are "mounted," meaning they are fitted into a frame or support that allows them to be installed into an instrument or apparatus. Subheading 9002.90 is the "other" category for mounted optical elements that are not lenses or filters. Prisms are used to deviate, invert, or rotate light beams. To be classified here, the prism must be "optically worked," meaning its surfaces have been processed to produce the required optical properties. If the prism is not mounted, it would fall under heading 9001. The mounting distinguishes these items from raw glass or unmounted components, as they are ready-to-use parts for complex optical systems like telescopes, microscopes, or surveying equipment. This classification applies regardless of the material of the prism (glass, plastic, or crystal), provided it is optically worked and mounted.
- Covers
- Mounted roof prisms for binoculars
- Mounted Porro prisms for optical instruments
- Mounted beam splitters (prism type)
- Mounted dispersing prisms for spectrometers
- Mounted retroreflectors (corner cube prisms)
- Also under 9002.90
- Thorlabs mounted cube beam splitters
- Newport mounted broadband mirrors
- Edmund Optics mounted diffraction gratings
- Melles Griot mounted retroreflectors
- Optosigma mounted prisms
Codes often confused with 9002.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 9001.90, which is for unmounted optical elements. The presence of a permanent mount or frame is the deciding factor. Another error is using 7014.00, which covers signaling glassware and optical elements of glass not optically worked. If the prism is part of a specific instrument and imported with it, it may be classified under the heading for that instrument (e.g., 9005 for binoculars). Finally, mounted mirrors are sometimes confused with prisms but are specifically mentioned in the same heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900290 (the code used for mounted prism), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900290 (the code used for mounted prism) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.4% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 900290, not only mounted prism.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 19% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$989M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $732M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 29% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $749M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $511M 9.8% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.4% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $5.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 mounted prism
Brazil splits HS 9002.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9002.90.10Optomechanical switches for optical networks
- 9002.90.90Other mounted optical elements
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mounted prism
What is the HS code for Mounted prism?
The HS code for Mounted prism is 900290 (Optical elements; n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked)). The HS code for mounted prisms, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, is 9002.90.
How do I classify Mounted prism for customs?
Mounted prism is classified under HS code 900290 — Optical elements; n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What does "optically worked" mean for this classification?
"Optically worked" means that the surface of the prism has been ground and polished to achieve specific optical effects. Elements that are simply moulded or cast without further polishing do not qualify for Chapter 90 and may fall under Chapter 70 (Glass).
Which countries are the top exporters of mounted prism (HS 900290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900290 (the code used for mounted prism) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 19% of world exports), Taiwan (about $989M) and the Netherlands ($732M). World exports came to about $5.4B, 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 mounted prism (HS 900290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900290 (the code used for mounted prism) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 29% of world imports), the Netherlands ($749M) and South Korea ($511M). World imports came to about $5.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.4% of its imports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Mounted prism the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900290 for Mounted prism 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 mounted prism in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for mounted prism depends on the product's details: 9002.90.10 (Optomechanical switches for optical networks), 9002.90.90 (Other mounted optical elements).