Product classification
HS code for Photomask inspection: 9031.41
Optical instruments and appliances, for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90.
Classification of photomask inspection under HS 9031.41
HS code 9031.41 is a highly specialized classification for optical instruments and appliances designed specifically for the semiconductor industry. This code covers equipment used for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, as well as the photomasks and reticles used in their manufacture. The classification is justified by the instrument's function as a checking and measuring device that utilizes optical principles (such as light reflection, refraction, or interference) to detect microscopic defects. Because these instruments are critical for quality control in the fabrication of integrated circuits, they are grouped under Chapter 90, which deals with high-precision medical, surgical, and technical instruments, rather than general machinery in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Optical photomask inspection systems
- Reticle defect inspection tools
- Automated optical inspection (AOI) for wafers
- Laser-based mask repair inspection units
- Also under 9031.41
- KLA-Tencor (now KLA) Wafer Inspection Systems
- Applied Materials PROVision
- ASML YieldStar
- ZEISS AIMS (Advanced Imaging and Metrology System)
Codes often confused with 9031.41
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 9011, which covers compound optical microscopes. While inspection tools use microscopy, 9031.41 is a specific functional classification that takes precedence for semiconductor applications. Another common error is HS code 8486.20, which covers machines for the manufacture of semiconductor devices; however, if the primary function is inspection or measurement rather than fabrication, 9031.41 is the correct code. Additionally, electron-beam inspection tools are classified under 9031.80 or 9012.10, as they do not use optical radiation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903141 (the code used for photomask inspection), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903141 (the code used for photomask inspection) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% 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 903141, not only photomask inspection.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $3.1B 30% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.6B 25% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.9B 18% of world exports
World total: $10.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.5B 38% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$2.6B 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $2.1B 18% 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 photomask inspection
Brazil classifies photomask inspection under NCM 9031.41.00: HS 9031.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photomask inspection
What is the HS code for Photomask inspection?
The HS code for Photomask inspection is 903141 (Optical instruments and appliances; for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90). The HS code for optical instruments for inspecting photomasks or reticles in semiconductor manufacturing is 9031.41.
How do I classify Photomask inspection for customs?
Photomask inspection is classified under HS code 903141 — Optical instruments and appliances; for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices, n.e.c. in chapter 90. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a standard laboratory microscope classified here?
No, a standard microscope is classified under 9011. HS code 9031.41 is reserved for specialized industrial inspection systems used for wafers and masks.
Which countries are the top exporters of photomask inspection (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903141 (the code used for photomask inspection) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($3.1B, 30% of world exports), the United States ($2.6B) and Japan ($1.9B). World exports came to about $10.6B, 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 photomask inspection (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903141 (the code used for photomask inspection) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 38% of world imports), Taiwan (about $2.6B) and South Korea ($2.1B). 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 Photomask inspection the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903141 for Photomask inspection 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 photomask inspection in Brazil?
In Brazil, photomask inspection (HS 903141) is classified under NCM 9031.41.00.