Product classification
HS code for Optical measuring instrument: 9031.49
Optical instruments and appliances, for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90.
Classification of optical measuring instrument under HS 9031.49
Optical measuring instruments are classified under HS code 9031.49. Heading 9031 is dedicated to measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines that are not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 90. The sub-heading 9031.4x specifically identifies instruments that utilize optical phenomena—such as light reflection, refraction, interference, or diffraction—to perform their measuring or checking functions. The 'other' designation in 9031.49 is used for a wide variety of sophisticated industrial and scientific tools that do not fit into the more specific 9031.41 (for inspecting semiconductor wafers). These instruments are essential in quality control and precision engineering, as they allow for non-contact measurement of dimensions, surface roughness, or alignment. The classification is driven by the primary function of the device: if the optical component is the means by which a measurement is taken, 9031.49 is the correct code.
- Covers
- Optical profile projectors
- Laser distance measuring tools (industrial)
- Optical comparators
- Interferometers for surface analysis
- Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) with optical sensors
- Optical alignment telescopes
- Also under 9031.49
- Keyence IM-series
- Mitutoyo Quick Vision
- Hexagon Metrology CMMs (with optical sensors)
- Alicona InfiniteFocus
Codes often confused with 9031.49
Common mistake. These instruments are often confused with HS code 9013.80, which covers general optical appliances. The distinction lies in the function: if the device measures a specific value (length, angle, etc.), it belongs in 9031. Another common misclassification is 9027.50, which covers instruments using optical radiations for physical or chemical analysis (like spectrometers). If the tool measures physical dimensions, use 9031; if it analyzes the composition of a substance, use 9027. Additionally, simple hand tools like calipers are in 9017, even if they have a small digital display.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903149 (the code used for optical measuring instrument), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903149 (the code used for optical measuring instrument) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 903149, not only optical measuring instrument.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.7B 20% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $2.2B 16% of world exports
- 3 China $2.1B 16% of world exports
World total: $13.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.8B 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $892M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $11.8B 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 measuring instrument
Brazil splits HS 9031.49 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9031.49.10Laser measuring apparatus for cellulose fibres
- 9031.49.20Laser tyre thickness measuring apparatus
- 9031.49.90Other optical measuring instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about optical measuring instrument
What is the HS code for Optical measuring instrument?
The HS code for Optical measuring instrument is 903149 (Optical instruments and appliances; for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90). The standard HS code for optical measuring or checking instruments not specified elsewhere is 9031.49.
How do I classify Optical measuring instrument for customs?
Optical measuring instrument is classified under HS code 903149 — Optical instruments and appliances; for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a laser level an optical measuring instrument?
Yes, laser levels used for alignment and checking horizontal or vertical planes are typically classified under 9031.49 as optical checking instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical measuring instrument (HS 903149)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903149 (the code used for optical measuring instrument) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7B, 20% of world exports), South Korea ($2.2B) and China ($2.1B). World exports came to about $13.4B, 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 measuring instrument (HS 903149)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903149 (the code used for optical measuring instrument) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 23% of world imports), the United States ($1.5B) and Germany ($892M). World imports came to about $11.8B, 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 measuring instrument the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903149 for Optical measuring 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 measuring instrument in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 903149 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for optical measuring instrument depends on the product's details: 9031.49.10 (Laser measuring apparatus for cellulose fibres), 9031.49.20 (Laser tyre thickness measuring apparatus), 9031.49.90 (Other optical measuring instruments).