Product classification
HS code for Photomicroscope: 9011.20
Microscopes, compound optical, for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection.
Classification of photomicroscope under HS 9011.20
A photomicroscope is classified under HS code 901120. This classification is found in Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9011 is specifically for compound optical microscopes, including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography, or microprojection. Subheading 901120 is the specific category for microscopes that are equipped with integrated means for photography or cinematography. The classification is determined by the instrument's primary function as a compound optical microscope (using a system of lenses for magnification) combined with its specialized capability to capture images. This distinguishes it from standard laboratory microscopes used only for visual observation. Even if the image capture is digital, the device remains under 901120 if the magnification is achieved through a compound optical system. This code is essential for high-precision research equipment used in metallurgy, biology, and forensic science.
- Covers
- Compound optical microscopes with integrated cameras
- Cinephotomicrographic units
- Microscopes with microprojection attachments
- Metallurgical photomicroscopes
- Fluorescence microscopes with integrated imaging systems
- Also under 9011.20
- Olympus BX series with camera
- Zeiss Axio Imager
- Leica DM series with imaging
- Nikon Eclipse Ti2
- Keyence BZ-X800
Codes often confused with 9011.20
Common mistake. Photomicroscopes are often misclassified under 901110, which is for stereoscopic microscopes, or 901180, which covers other microscopes like digital-only microscopes that lack a compound optical viewing system. They may also be confused with 901210, which is specifically for electron microscopes or proton microscopes that do not use light optics.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901120 (the code used for photomicroscope), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901120 (the code used for photomicroscope) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% 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 901120, not only photomicroscope.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $66M 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $32M 16% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $377M 74% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $26M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 Japan $11M 2.2% of world imports
World total: $510M 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 photomicroscope
Brazil splits HS 9011.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9011.20.10Photomicrography microscopes
- 9011.20.20Cinephotomicrography microscopes
- 9011.20.30Microprojection microscopes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photomicroscope
What is the HS code for Photomicroscope?
The HS code for Photomicroscope is 901120 (Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection). The HS code for a compound optical microscope designed for photomicrography is 901120.
How do I classify Photomicroscope for customs?
Photomicroscope is classified under HS code 901120 — Microscopes, compound optical; for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital microscopes?
It includes digital microscopes only if they are compound optical microscopes with an integrated digital imaging system. Simple USB digital microscopes often fall under 901180.
Which countries are the top exporters of photomicroscope (HS 901120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901120 (the code used for photomicroscope) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 33% of world exports), Japan ($38M) and Hong Kong ($32M). World exports came to about $203M, 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 photomicroscope (HS 901120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901120 (the code used for photomicroscope) in UN Comtrade data were China ($377M, 74% of world imports), Hong Kong ($26M) and Japan ($11M). World imports came to about $510M, 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 Photomicroscope the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901120 for Photomicroscope 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 photomicroscope in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for photomicroscope depends on the product's details: 9011.20.10 (Photomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.20 (Cinephotomicrography microscopes), 9011.20.30 (Microprojection microscopes).