Product classification
HS code for Optical fiber: 9001.10
Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables, excluding those of heading no. 8544.
Classification of optical fiber under HS 9001.10
Optical fibers are classified under HS code 9001.10. This heading covers optical fibers and optical fiber bundles, as well as optical fiber cables other than those of heading 8544. The classification is based on the material's primary function as an optical element. These fibers are typically made of glass (silica) or plastics and are designed to transmit light signals via total internal reflection. According to the Chapter 90 notes, this heading includes fibers not yet worked into finished optical elements, provided they are in the form of bundles or cables that do not contain individual sheaths for each fiber. The precision required in the manufacturing of these fibers, which allows for high-speed data transmission and medical imaging, places them within the category of optical instruments and apparatus rather than general glass or plastic products.
- Covers
- Bare glass optical fibers
- Plastic optical fibers (POF)
- Optical fiber bundles
- Optical fiber cables (without individual sheaths)
- Image conduits made of optical fibers
- Also under 9001.10
- Corning SMF-28 Ultra optical fiber
- Prysmian Group fiber optic cables
- Fujikura fiber optic cables
- OFS optical fibers
- Sumitomo Electric Lightwave cables
Codes often confused with 9001.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 8544.70. Heading 8544 covers optical fiber cables made of individually sheathed fibers, typically used for telecommunications. If the cable is finished with connectors and individual protective layers for each fiber, it belongs in 8544.70. Another error is classifying glass fibers under 7019, which is for glass fibers used for insulation or reinforcement (fiberglass), which do not have the optical properties of 9001.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900110 (the code used for optical fiber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900110 (the code used for optical fiber) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 900110, not only optical fiber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 31% of world exports
- 2 India $443M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $434M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $402M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $259M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $137M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 codes for optical fiber
Brazil splits HS 9001.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9001.10.11Optical fibres, core diameter under 11 µm
- 9001.10.19Optical fibres, core diameter 11 µm or more
- 9001.10.20Optical fibre bundles and cables
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about optical fiber
What is the HS code for Optical fiber?
The HS code for Optical fiber is 900110 (Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables; excluding those of heading no. 8544). The HS code for optical fiber and fiber bundles is 9001.10.
How do I classify Optical fiber for customs?
Optical fiber is classified under HS code 900110 — Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables; excluding those of heading no. 8544. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use HS code 8544.70 instead?
Use 8544.70 for optical fiber cables where each fiber is individually sheathed, usually for telecommunications or data transmission installations.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical fiber (HS 900110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900110 (the code used for optical fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 31% of world exports), India ($443M) and the United States ($434M). World exports came to about $3.4B, 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 fiber (HS 900110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900110 (the code used for optical fiber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($402M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($259M) and Thailand ($137M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Optical fiber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900110 for Optical fiber 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 fiber in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900110 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for optical fiber depends on the product's details: 9001.10.11 (Optical fibres, core diameter under 11 µm), 9001.10.19 (Optical fibres, core diameter 11 µm or more), 9001.10.20 (Optical fibre bundles and cables).