Product classification
HS code for Periscope: 9013.10
Optical appliances and instruments, telescopic sights for fitting to arms, periscopes, telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of this chapter.
Classification of periscope under HS 9013.10
Periscopes are classified under HS code 9013.10, which falls within Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Specifically, heading 9013 applies to liquid crystal devices, lasers, and other optical appliances and instruments not specified elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 9013.10 is dedicated to telescopic sights for fitting to arms, periscopes, and telescopes designed to form parts of machines or instruments. The classification is determined by the primary function of the device, which is to provide an optical view through a series of lenses, mirrors, or prisms, often from a position that is otherwise obstructed. Whether used in naval vessels, armored vehicles, or for scientific observation, the optical nature of the periscope dictates its placement here rather than under machinery or transport equipment chapters. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System require that products be classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since periscopes are explicitly named in heading 9013, this specific classification takes precedence over more general headings.
- Covers
- Submarine periscopes for underwater observation
- Tank and armored vehicle periscopes for protected viewing
- Trench periscopes for infantry use
- Industrial periscopes for observing hazardous processes
- Fixed periscopes for architectural or scientific installations
- Also under 9013.10
- Leupold Mark 5HD
- Nightforce ATACR
- Zeiss SFL periscopes
- Safran Sagem periscopes
- Schmidt & Bender PM II
- Elcan SpecterDR
Codes often confused with 9013.10
Common mistake. Periscopes are frequently misclassified under HS code 9005.80, which covers other optical instruments like monoculars or telescopes. However, 9005 is generally for handheld magnifying instruments, whereas 9013.10 specifically names periscopes. Another common error is using HS code 9015.80, which relates to surveying or hydrographic instruments. While periscopes are used in naval environments, they are viewing tools rather than measuring or surveying tools. Military periscopes are also sometimes incorrectly placed in Chapter 93 (Arms and Ammunition), but Chapter 90 notes clarify that optical elements remain in Chapter 90 even if designed for use with weapons.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901310 (the code used for periscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901310 (the code used for periscope) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 901310, not only periscope.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $434M 23% of world exports
- 2 Greece $349M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $165M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $324M 21% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $228M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $222M 14% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 periscope
Brazil splits HS 9013.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9013.10.10Telescopic sights for arms
- 9013.10.90Periscopes and telescopes for machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about periscope
What is the HS code for Periscope?
The HS code for Periscope is 901310 (Optical appliances and instruments; telescopic sights for fitting to arms; periscopes; telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of this chapter). The primary HS code for periscopes is 9013.10, which covers periscopes and telescopic sights for arms.
How do I classify Periscope for customs?
Periscope is classified under HS code 901310 — Optical appliances and instruments; telescopic sights for fitting to arms; periscopes; telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of this chapter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are periscopes for toys classified under this code?
No, periscopes that are clearly designed as toys for children are classified under HS code 9503.00, which covers toys, games, and sports equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of periscope (HS 901310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901310 (the code used for periscope) in UN Comtrade data were China ($434M, 23% of world exports), Greece ($349M) and the United States ($165M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 periscope (HS 901310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901310 (the code used for periscope) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($324M, 21% of world imports), Indonesia ($228M) and Germany ($222M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Periscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901310 for Periscope 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 periscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for periscope depends on the product's details: 9013.10.10 (Telescopic sights for arms), 9013.10.90 (Periscopes and telescopes for machines).