Product classification
HS code for Negatoscope: 9010.50
Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment, n.e.c. in item no. 9010.10, for photographic (including cinematographic) laboratories, negatoscopes.
Classification of negatoscope under HS 9010.50
A negatoscope, also known as an X-ray film viewer or illuminator, is classified under HS code 9010.50. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9010 specifically covers apparatus and equipment for photographic (including cinematographic) laboratories, not specified or included elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 9010.50 is a residual category for other apparatus and equipment within this heading, and the HS Explanatory Notes explicitly mention negatoscopes under this heading. These devices consist of a backlit screen used to examine radiographic films or transparencies. While they are frequently used in medical environments to view X-rays, they are classified based on their technical function as photographic/radiographic laboratory equipment rather than as medical instruments under heading 9018. The classification is driven by GRI 1 and the specific mention of the device in the official HS Explanatory Notes for heading 9010. The device typically includes a light source, a diffusing screen, and clips to hold the film in place. Even modern LED-based versions remain under this classification as they serve the same fundamental purpose of film illumination for diagnostic or laboratory review.
- Covers
- Medical X-ray film viewers
- Radiographic illuminators
- Dental X-ray viewers
- Photographic transparency viewers for laboratories
- Industrial radiographic negatoscopes
- Also under 9010.50
- Kaiser Fototechnik negatoscope
- Jobo film processor (manual)
- Paterson darkroom equipment
- Kodak film splicer
- FujiFilm film dryer
Codes often confused with 9010.50
Common mistake. Negatoscopes are frequently misclassified under HS code 9405, which covers general lighting fixtures and lamps. However, because the negatoscope is a specialized instrument for laboratory or diagnostic use, the more specific heading 9010 takes precedence. They are also sometimes incorrectly placed in 9018 (medical instruments), but since they do not perform a medical procedure and are essentially laboratory viewing equipment, 9010.50 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901050 (the code used for negatoscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901050 (the code used for negatoscope) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% 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 901050, not only negatoscope.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $91M 30% of world exports
- 2 Japan $82M 27% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$30M 9.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $307M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $113M 38% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $35M 12% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$30M 10.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $300M 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 negatoscope
Brazil splits HS 9010.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9010.50.10Electronic photo image processors
- 9010.50.20Automatic photopolymer plate developers
- 9010.50.90Other photo lab equipment; negatoscopes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about negatoscope
What is the HS code for Negatoscope?
The HS code for Negatoscope is 901050 (Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment; n.e.c. in item no. 9010.10, for photographic (including cinematographic) laboratories; negatoscopes). The HS code for a negatoscope is 9010.50.
How do I classify Negatoscope for customs?
Negatoscope is classified under HS code 901050 — Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment; n.e.c. in item no. 9010.10, for photographic (including cinematographic) laboratories; negatoscopes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is it not classified as a medical device in 9018?
While used in medicine, the HS nomenclature classifies negatoscopes as photographic laboratory equipment under 9010 because they are essentially specialized light boxes for viewing film.
Which countries are the top exporters of negatoscope (HS 901050)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901050 (the code used for negatoscope) in UN Comtrade data were China ($91M, 30% of world exports), Japan ($82M) and Taiwan (about $30M). World exports came to about $307M, 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 negatoscope (HS 901050)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901050 (the code used for negatoscope) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113M, 38% of world imports), Thailand ($35M) and Taiwan (about $30M). World imports came to about $300M, 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 Negatoscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901050 for Negatoscope 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 negatoscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901050 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for negatoscope depends on the product's details: 9010.50.10 (Electronic photo image processors), 9010.50.20 (Automatic photopolymer plate developers), 9010.50.90 (Other photo lab equipment; negatoscopes).