Product classification
HS code for Optical element: 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 optical element under HS 9002.90
Optical elements classified under HS code 9002.90 are defined as mounted optical components that are not elsewhere specified within the 9002 heading. The primary criterion for classification here is that the element must be mounted—meaning it is fixed in a frame, holder, or support that allows it to be fitted into an instrument or apparatus. Unlike heading 9001, which covers unmounted elements, 9002 requires a permanent or semi-permanent assembly. These elements must be made of materials other than glass that has not been optically worked. Optically worked glass refers to glass that has undergone grinding or polishing to produce specific optical properties. This code serves as a residual category for various mounted components used in scientific, medical, and industrial imaging systems where the specific function does not fall under objective lenses or filters.
- Covers
- Mounted prisms for binoculars or microscopes
- Mounted mirrors for laser systems or telescopes
- Mounted beam splitters used in laboratory equipment
- Mounted polarizing elements for industrial sensors
- Mounted diffraction gratings for spectrometers
- Mounted lenses that are not objective lenses
- 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. A frequent error involves confusing 9002.90 with 9001.90. The distinction lies entirely in the mounting; 9001.90 is for unmounted elements, while 9002.90 is for mounted ones. Additionally, objective lenses for cameras or projectors must be classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19, rather than the general 9002.90 category. Another common mistake is classifying simple glass mirrors under 7009; however, if the mirror is optically worked and mounted for an instrument, 9002.90 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900290 (the code used for optical element), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900290 (the code used for optical element) 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 optical element.
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 optical element
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 optical element
What is the HS code for Optical element?
The HS code for Optical element 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 optical elements not specified elsewhere is 9002.90. If the element is unmounted, it typically falls under 9001.90.
How do I classify Optical element for customs?
Optical element 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.
Does 9002.90 include mounted lenses?
Yes, it includes mounted lenses provided they are not objective lenses, which are specifically categorized under 9002.11 or 9002.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical element (HS 900290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900290 (the code used for optical element) 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 optical element (HS 900290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900290 (the code used for optical element) 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 Optical element the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900290 for Optical element 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 element in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for optical element depends on the product's details: 9002.90.10 (Optomechanical switches for optical networks), 9002.90.90 (Other mounted optical elements).