Product classification
HS code for Wafer inspection system: 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 wafer inspection system under HS 9031.41
Wafer inspection systems are classified under HS code 9031.41. This classification is highly specific and is governed by the legal notes of Chapter 90, which covers optical, measuring, and checking instruments. Heading 9031 is a residual heading for measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines not specified or included elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 9031.41 is dedicated to optical instruments and appliances for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in semiconductor manufacturing. These systems are essential in the fabrication process to detect microscopic defects, contamination, or pattern irregularities. The 'optical' designation means the system uses light (including ultraviolet or infrared) and lenses to perform the inspection. This classification is preferred over more general headings because of the specific end-use in the semiconductor industry. It is important to note that this code covers the complete system used for inspection, which often includes complex software and robotic handling components integrated into the optical unit.
- Covers
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems for wafers
- Photomask inspection equipment
- Reticle inspection systems
- Defect review stations (optical)
- Critical Dimension (CD) measurement tools (optical)
- Wafer surface scanners
- 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. Wafer inspection systems are often confused with HS code 9012.10, which covers microscopes other than optical microscopes (such as electron microscopes). If the inspection system uses an electron beam rather than light, 9012.10 is the correct code. Another common error is 8486.20, which covers machines and apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices. While inspection is part of the manufacturing environment, heading 9031 is more specific for the 'checking' function. Additionally, general-purpose optical inspection tools not specifically designed for semiconductors would fall under 9031.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903141 (the code used for wafer inspection system), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903141 (the code used for wafer inspection system) 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 wafer inspection system.
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 wafer inspection system
Brazil classifies wafer inspection system 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 wafer inspection system
What is the HS code for Wafer inspection system?
The HS code for Wafer inspection system 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 specific HS code for optical wafer inspection systems is 9031.41.
How do I classify Wafer inspection system for customs?
Wafer inspection system 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.
Does this code include electron-beam inspection tools?
No, electron-beam (e-beam) tools are generally classified under 9012.10 because they are not 'optical' instruments in the traditional sense of using light.
Which countries are the top exporters of wafer inspection system (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903141 (the code used for wafer inspection system) 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 wafer inspection system (HS 903141)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903141 (the code used for wafer inspection system) 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 Wafer inspection system the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903141 for Wafer inspection system 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 wafer inspection system in Brazil?
In Brazil, wafer inspection system (HS 903141) is classified under NCM 9031.41.00.