Product classification
HS code for Optical instrument: 9013.80
Optical devices, appliances and instruments, n.e.c. in heading no. 9013.
Classification of optical instrument under HS 9013.80
HS code 9013.80 serves as a residual or 'basket' category for optical devices, appliances, and instruments that are not specifically named in other headings of Chapter 90. This classification is determined by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which dictate that products not covered by specific headings like 9011 (microscopes) or 9005 (telescopes) must be placed in the most appropriate general heading. Heading 9013 specifically includes liquid crystal devices (LCDs) that do not constitute articles provided for more specifically in other headings, lasers (other than laser diodes), and other optical appliances. The instruments classified here typically manipulate light for viewing, magnification, or signaling purposes but do not perform a specific measurement or medical function that would trigger a more specific classification. Because Chapter 90 is highly specialized, 9013.80 is essential for capturing emerging optical technologies and miscellaneous optical tools that utilize lenses or prisms to function.
- Covers
- Liquid crystal devices (LCD) not forming specific articles
- Magnifying glasses and hand magnifiers
- Door eyes (optical peep holes)
- Stereoscopes for viewing 3D images
- Optical periscopes for tanks or submarines
- Searchlights and spotlights (optical type)
- 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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 9031.49, which is reserved for optical measuring or checking instruments. If the device is used to measure a dimension or check a tolerance, it must go to 9031. Another common error involves HS code 8528.52, where LCD monitors are classified. If an LCD module includes control circuitry and is intended for use as a computer monitor, it moves to Chapter 85. Furthermore, laser diodes are classified under 8541.41, whereas the lasers themselves (the complete apparatus) remain in 9013.20 or 9013.80 depending on their configuration.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901380 (the code used for optical instrument), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901380 (the code used for optical instrument) 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 instrument.
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 instrument
Brazil classifies optical instrument 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 instrument
What is the HS code for Optical instrument?
The HS code for Optical instrument is 901380 (Optical devices, appliances and instruments; n.e.c. in heading no. 9013). General optical instruments not specified elsewhere are classified under HS code 9013.80. Specific instruments like microscopes or telescopes have their own dedicated codes.
How do I classify Optical instrument for customs?
Optical instrument 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.
Are LCD screens classified as optical instruments?
LCD modules without complex control circuitry are classified under 9013.80. However, complete monitors or screens for specific devices like laptops are classified in Chapter 85.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical instrument (HS 901380)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901380 (the code used for optical instrument) 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 instrument (HS 901380)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901380 (the code used for optical instrument) 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 instrument the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901380 for Optical instrument 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 instrument in Brazil?
In Brazil, optical instrument (HS 901380) is classified under NCM 9013.80.00.