Product classification
HS code for Objective lens: 9002.19
Lenses, objective, (other than for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers), mounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).
Classification of objective lens under HS 9002.19
Objective lenses that are mounted but not intended for use in cameras, projectors, or photographic enlargers are classified under HS code 9002.19. This classification is part of Chapter 90, which covers optical, medical, and precision instruments. Heading 9002 specifically deals with mounted optical elements, which are lenses, prisms, or mirrors that have been set in a frame or casing ready for installation into an instrument. The "objective" lens is the primary lens in an optical system, such as a microscope or telescope, that faces the object and gathers light to form the initial image. Subheading 9002.19 is a residual category for objectives used in specialized scientific, medical, and industrial equipment. This includes lenses for laboratory microscopes, astronomical telescopes, binoculars, and industrial laser systems. The key distinction for this code is the exclusion of photographic objectives, which are classified under 9002.11. To be classified here, the lens must be "optically worked," meaning its surfaces have been ground and polished to achieve specific optical properties. If the lens were unmounted (a bare glass element), it would be classified under heading 9001. This code is vital for tracking the trade of high-tech optical components used in research and manufacturing.
- Covers
- Microscope objective lenses (mounted)
- Telescope objective lenses (mounted)
- Mounted lenses for industrial laser cutting heads
- Objective lenses for binoculars and monoculars
- Mounted objectives for medical diagnostic imaging equipment
- Also under 9002.19
- Olympus UPlanFLN microscope objectives
- Karl Storz endoscope lenses
- Edmund Optics C-mount machine vision lenses
- Celestron telescope objective assemblies
- Leica APO-Chromat microscope objectives
Codes often confused with 9002.19
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying these lenses under 9002.11, which is strictly for camera or projector lenses. Another misclassification occurs with 9001.90, which is for unmounted optical elements. Industrial sensors with integrated lenses are also sometimes incorrectly placed here instead of under their specific functional code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900219 (the code used for objective lens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900219 (the code used for objective lens) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world imports. Vietnam 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 54% of its imports here ($452M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 900219, not only objective lens.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $3.9B 41% of world exports
- 2 China $1.8B 19% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$1.1B 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.8B 36% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $737M 15% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $496M 9.9% of world imports
Vietnam 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 54% of its imports here ($452M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $5.0B 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 code for objective lens
Brazil classifies objective lens under NCM 9002.19.00: HS 9002.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about objective lens
What is the HS code for Objective lens?
The HS code for Objective lens is 900219 (Lenses; objective, (other than for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers), mounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked)). For mounted objective lenses not used for cameras or projectors, the HS code is 9002.19.
How do I classify Objective lens for customs?
Objective lens is classified under HS code 900219 — Lenses; objective, (other than for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers), mounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include camera lenses?
No, camera lenses and lenses for projectors or photographic enlargers are classified under HS code 9002.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of objective lens (HS 900219)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900219 (the code used for objective lens) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.9B, 41% of world exports), China ($1.8B) and Taiwan (about $1.1B). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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 objective lens (HS 900219)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900219 (the code used for objective lens) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 36% of world imports), Hong Kong ($737M) and the Netherlands ($496M). World imports came to about $5.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 54% of its imports here ($452M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Objective lens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900219 for Objective lens 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 objective lens in Brazil?
In Brazil, objective lens (HS 900219) is classified under NCM 9002.19.00.