Product classification

HS code for Photo enlarger: 9008.50

Image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic.

Classification of photo enlarger under HS 9008.50

Photographic enlargers and reducers are classified under HS code 9008.50, which specifically covers image projectors other than cinematographic ones. The classification logic is based on the optical function of the device: projecting an image from a negative or transparency onto a sensitized surface to create a larger or smaller print. This subheading excludes motion picture equipment, which is classified under heading 9007. The apparatus must utilize an optical system, typically consisting of a light source, a negative carrier, and a lens, to perform its primary function. Because these are considered optical instruments for the production of photographic images, they are situated within Chapter 90. The code 9008.50 is a broad category that includes both professional-grade darkroom enlargers and simpler optical projectors used for still images, provided they are not designed for the projection of motion picture film.

Covers
  • Vertical and horizontal photographic enlargers
  • Photographic reducers for making smaller prints
  • Still image projectors (slide projectors)
  • Overhead projectors for transparencies
  • Opaque projectors (episcope)
Also under 9008.50
  • Leica Focomat V35
  • Beseler 45V-XL
  • Epson ELPDC21 Document Camera
  • Kodak Carousel Projector
  • Artograph Tracer Projector

Codes often confused with 9008.50

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying photo enlargers under 9010.50, which covers photographic laboratory equipment. While an enlarger is used in a lab, heading 9008 is more specific to the projector nature of the device, and specificity takes precedence under GRI 3(a). Another common mistake is confusing these with cinematographic projectors, which belong under 9007.20. If the device is capable of projecting motion picture film, it cannot be classified under 9008.50. Additionally, digital data projectors that connect to computers are often misclassified here but should actually be under 8443.31 or 8443.39 depending on their connectivity and primary function, as they are considered office machines rather than traditional optical photographic enlargers.

9010.50Photographic laboratory apparatus and equipment; n.e.c. in item no. 9010.10, for photographic (including cinematographic) laboratories; negatoscopes90.08Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducers9007.20Projectors, cinematographic; whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus8443.31Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; machines which perform two or more of the functions of printing, copying or facsimile transmission, capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network8443.39Printing, copying, and facsimile machines; single-function printing, copying or facsimile machines, not capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network

Top exporters and importers of HS 900850 (the code used for photo enlarger), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900850 (the code used for photo enlarger) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 900850, not only photo enlarger.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $206M
  2. 2 United States $10M
  3. 3 Ireland $6.4M

World total: $259M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $43M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $8.9M
  3. 3 Slovakia $6.7M

World total: $119M 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 photo enlarger

Brazil classifies photo enlarger under NCM 9008.50.00: HS 9008.50 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about photo enlarger

What is the HS code for Photo enlarger?

The HS code for Photo enlarger is 900850 (Image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic). The correct HS code is 9008.50, which includes photographic enlargers and reducers for still photography.

How do I classify Photo enlarger for customs?

Photo enlarger is classified under HS code 900850 — Image projectors, photographic enlargers and reducers, excluding cinematographic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can this code be used for overhead projectors?

Yes, 9008.50 also covers standard overhead projectors and slide projectors, as they are image projectors that do not involve motion picture film.

Which countries are the top exporters of photo enlarger (HS 900850)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900850 (the code used for photo enlarger) in UN Comtrade data were China ($206M, 80% of world exports), the United States ($10M) and Ireland ($6.4M). World exports came to about $259M, 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 photo enlarger (HS 900850)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 900850 (the code used for photo enlarger) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 36% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($8.9M) and Slovakia ($6.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 Photo enlarger the same in all countries?

The base HS code 900850 for Photo enlarger 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 photo enlarger in Brazil?

In Brazil, photo enlarger (HS 900850) is classified under NCM 9008.50.00.