Product classification
HS code for Semiconductor metrology: 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 semiconductor metrology under HS 9031.41
Semiconductor metrology equipment is classified under HS code 903141. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which covers optical, measuring, checking, and precision instruments. Heading 9031 is a residual heading for measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines not specified elsewhere in Chapter 90. Subheading 903141 is highly specialized, covering optical instruments and appliances specifically designed for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, or for inspecting the photomasks or reticles used in the manufacturing process. The classification is determined by the optical nature of the measurement or inspection process. These tools use light, lasers, or other optical systems to detect microscopic defects, measure film thickness, or verify circuit patterns. Because these instruments are essential for the quality control and yield management of semiconductor fabrication, they are distinguished from general-purpose measuring tools by their specific application and high precision.
- Covers
- Optical wafer inspection systems
- Photomask inspection equipment
- Reticle inspection tools
- Critical dimension (CD) metrology tools
- Overlay metrology systems
- 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. Semiconductor metrology tools are often confused with HS code 8486, which covers machines and apparatus used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices. While metrology tools are used in the factory, heading 8486 generally excludes measuring and checking instruments of Chapter 90. Another common misclassification is HS code 9030, which covers instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities. If the tool measures electrical properties (like voltage or resistance) rather than using optical methods to inspect physical structures, it may fall under 9030.82.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903141 (the code used for semiconductor metrology), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903141 (the code used for semiconductor metrology) 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 semiconductor metrology.
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 semiconductor metrology
Brazil classifies semiconductor metrology 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 semiconductor metrology
What is the HS code for Semiconductor metrology?
The HS code for Semiconductor metrology 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 primary HS code for optical semiconductor metrology and inspection equipment is 903141.
How do I classify Semiconductor metrology for customs?
Semiconductor metrology 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 electron beam inspection included here?
No, electron beam (e-beam) inspection tools are typically classified under HS code 903180 or 8486, as they do not use optical light in the traditional sense defined by the 903141 subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of semiconductor metrology (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903141 (the code used for semiconductor metrology) 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 semiconductor metrology (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903141 (the code used for semiconductor metrology) 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 Semiconductor metrology the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903141 for Semiconductor metrology 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 semiconductor metrology in Brazil?
In Brazil, semiconductor metrology (HS 903141) is classified under NCM 9031.41.00.