Product classification
HS code for Optical device: 9013.80
Optical devices, appliances and instruments, n.e.c. in heading no. 9013.
Classification of optical device under HS 9013.80
Optical devices that are not specifically named in other headings of Chapter 90 are classified under HS code 9013.80. Chapter 90 is dedicated to optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments. Heading 9013 is a residual heading for liquid crystal devices, lasers (other than laser diodes), and other optical appliances and instruments not specified or included elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 9013.80 serves as the catch-all for complex optical devices that manipulate light but do not have a more specific classification. This includes devices that use lenses, mirrors, or prisms to achieve a specific technical result. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that if a device is primarily optical in nature and lacks a dedicated heading (like 9005 for binoculars or 9011 for microscopes), it falls into this residual category. This code is essential for emerging optical technologies that do not yet have their own specific HS nomenclature.
- Covers
- Liquid crystal devices (LCDs) not forming specific articles
- Hand-held magnifying glasses and magnifiers
- Optical door eyes (peepholes)
- Stereoscopes for viewing 3D images
- Optical light modulators
- Non-medical mirrors with optical work
- Also under 9013.80
- Mitutoyo optical comparators
- Edmund Optics polarizing filters
- Thorlabs optical benches
- Nikon optical comparators
- Zygo interferometers
Codes often confused with 9013.80
Common mistake. Optical devices are frequently misclassified under HS code 9001 or 9002. Heading 9001 is for unmounted optical elements like fibers or lenses, while 9002 is for mounted optical elements that are parts of other instruments. HS code 9013.80 is for finished appliances, not just components. Additionally, optical measuring instruments are often wrongly placed here instead of heading 9031, which is specific for measuring or checking instruments. If the device's primary function is measurement, 9031 is the correct choice over 9013.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901380 (the code used for optical device), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901380 (the code used for optical device) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% 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 901380, not only optical device.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.0B 26% of world exports
- 2 Canada $636M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $405M 11% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 34% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $396M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $172M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 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 code for optical device
Brazil classifies optical device under NCM 9013.80.00: HS 9013.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about optical device
What is the HS code for Optical device?
The HS code for Optical device is 901380 (Optical devices, appliances and instruments; n.e.c. in heading no. 9013). The HS code for general optical devices not specified elsewhere is 9013.80, covering other optical appliances and instruments.
How do I classify Optical device for customs?
Optical device is classified under HS code 901380 — Optical devices, appliances and instruments; n.e.c. in heading no. 9013. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital cameras?
No, digital cameras are classified under HS code 8525.80. HS code 9013.80 is reserved for purely optical or liquid crystal-based devices that do not have a more specific home in the tariff.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical device (HS 901380)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901380 (the code used for optical device) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 26% of world exports), Canada ($636M) and China ($405M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 optical device (HS 901380)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901380 (the code used for optical device) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 34% of world imports), South Korea ($396M) and Thailand ($172M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Optical device the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901380 for Optical device 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 optical device in Brazil?
In Brazil, optical device (HS 901380) is classified under NCM 9013.80.00.