Product classification

HS code for Prism: 9001.90

Optical elements, lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, unmounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked).

Classification of prism under HS 9001.90

Prisms are classified under HS code 9001.90. This classification is found within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, measuring, and precision instruments. Heading 9001 specifically includes optical fibers, polarizing material, and unmounted optical elements. Subheading 9001.90 is a residual category for optical elements such as lenses, prisms, and mirrors that are not mounted and are made of materials other than glass that has not been optically worked. To be classified here, a prism must be "optically worked," a technical term meaning it has undergone precise grinding and polishing to achieve specific optical properties and surface quality. Prisms are used to disperse light into its spectral components, reflect light, or split beams. The classification is guided by GRI 1 and the specific exclusion of mounted elements from this heading. If a prism is mounted in a frame or housing, it would move to heading 9002. The material of the prism can vary, including various types of glass, quartz, or plastic, provided the optical working has been performed. This code is essential for components used in cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and laser systems where the prism is imported as a standalone optical component.

Covers
  • Unmounted glass prisms
  • Dispersion prisms for spectrometers
  • Right-angle reflection prisms
  • Beam splitter prisms (unmounted)
  • Roof prisms and Dove prisms
  • Optical quartz prisms
Also under 9001.90
  • Edmund Optics plano-convex lenses
  • Thorlabs right-angle prisms
  • Schott optical glass blanks
  • Newport dielectric mirrors
  • Melles Griot cylindrical lenses

Codes often confused with 9001.90

Common mistake. Prisms are often misclassified under HS code 9002.90, which is for *mounted* optical elements. The distinction is whether the prism is a bare component or fixed in a holder. Another error is using Chapter 70 (e.g., 7009) for glass mirrors or glass shapes; however, if the glass has been optically worked into a prism, Chapter 90 takes precedence. Prisms that are part of a complete instrument (like a periscope) are classified with that instrument.

9002.90Optical elements; n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked)70.09Glass mirrors; whether or not framed, including rear-view mirrors

Top exporters and importers of HS 900190 (the code used for prism), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900190 (the code used for prism) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% 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 900190, not only prism.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.7B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $1.2B
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$1.2B

World total: $10.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.8B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $1.1B
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$1.0B

World total: $10.5B 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 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 codes for prism

Brazil splits HS 9001.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about prism

What is the HS code for Prism?

The HS code for Prism is 900190 (Optical elements; lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, unmounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked)).

How do I classify Prism for customs?

Prism is classified under HS code 900190 — Optical elements; lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, unmounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for an unmounted optical prism?

The HS code for an unmounted, optically worked prism is 9001.90.

What if the prism is made of plastic?

As long as the plastic has been optically worked to function as a prism, it remains under 9001.90, as the heading covers optical elements of any material except glass not optically worked.

Which countries are the top exporters of prism (HS 900190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900190 (the code used for prism) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 34% of world exports), Hong Kong ($1.2B) and Taiwan (about $1.2B). World exports came to about $10.9B, 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 prism (HS 900190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 900190 (the code used for prism) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 26% of world imports), Hong Kong ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $1.0B). World imports came to about $10.5B, 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 Prism the same in all countries?

The base HS code 900190 for Prism 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 prism in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 900190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for prism depends on the product's details: 9001.90.10 (Other unmounted lenses), 9001.90.90 (Unmounted prisms, mirrors and optical elements).