HS Code for Optical filter

Optical filters are classified under HS code 9002.20 because they represent mounted optical elements that have undergone precise optical working. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, heading 9002 covers lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, of any material, which are mounted and serve as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. To qualify for this specific code, the filter must be 'optically worked,' meaning its surfaces have been ground and polished to achieve specific optical properties, rather than being merely molded or cast. Furthermore, the 'mounted' requirement implies that the filter is set in a frame, ring, or holder that allows it to be attached to a camera, projector, or scientific instrument. This classification applies regardless of the material, whether it be glass, plastic, or quartz, provided the optical working and mounting criteria are met. The code 9002.20 is specifically reserved for filters, which are devices used to selectively transmit or block specific wavelengths of light, such as ultraviolet, infrared, or specific color bands.

Products Included

• Mounted color filters for photography
• Polarizing filters for microscopes
• Interference filters for spectrometers
• Infrared (IR) cut-off filters for digital cameras
• Neutral density (ND) filters in threaded mounts
• Ultraviolet (UV) absorption filters for laboratory equipment

Common Misclassification

Optical filters are frequently misclassified under HS code 9001.20, which covers sheets and plates of polarizing material that are unmounted. The primary distinction is the mounting; if the filter is a simple sheet without a frame, it belongs in 9001. Another common error is using HS code 7014.00, which applies to signaling glassware and optical elements of glass that are not optically worked. If a glass filter is molded and used for simple light diffusion or signaling without precision grinding, 7014 is more appropriate. Additionally, filters that are part of eyewear are classified under 9004.

FAQ

What is the HS code for optical filter?

The HS code for a mounted optical filter that has been optically worked is 9002.20. If the filter is unmounted, it typically falls under 9001.90.

Does the material of the filter change the HS code?

No, HS code 9002.20 applies to filters made of any material, including glass, plastics, or crystals, as long as they are optically worked and mounted.