HS-2 · Chapter 90
HS chapter 90: Optical, photographic, medical instruments
Section XVIII — Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; clocks and watches; musical instruments; parts and accessories thereof
Goods classified under this chapter include optical instruments like binoculars, medical devices such as surgical tools, and photographic equipment like cameras. For example, if you're importing a batch of digital cameras, HS-90 is the relevant chapter for classification.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by examining the specific use and characteristics of your product. For instance, if your item is a microscope, you would look into HS-9011 for compound optical microscopes or HS-9012 for other types. Pay attention to the notes and definitions for precise classification.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by checking the title text and any applicable notes for your selected HS-4 code. If you're dealing with a medical instrument, HS-9018 covers a variety of medical applications. Ensure you verify the end-use and packaging to avoid confusion with similar products.
Finally, consult with a customs broker if you're uncertain about the classification. They can provide guidance on national digits and help you understand any specific rulings that may apply to your goods.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
optical instruments · medical devices · photographic equipment · HS-90 classification · surgical tools · binoculars · microscopes · cameras · import export codes · customs classification · national digits · trade compliance · measuring instruments · optical fibres · surgical instruments · therapeutic devices · n.e.c. in chapter 90
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify optical instruments for import
- HS-90 codes for medical and surgical devices
- guidelines for importing photographic equipment
- understanding HS-4 codes for microscopes
- requirements for importing gas masks under HS-90
- how to use HS-90 for measuring instruments
- what to check for optical fibres classification
- consulting a broker for HS-90 trade compliance
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Optical fibre cables for telecommunications
- Corrective spectacles with plastic lenses
- Digital cameras for professional photography
- Compound microscopes for laboratory use
- Surgical instruments for dental procedures
- Thermometers for medical applications
- Navigational compasses for maritime use
- Gas masks for emergency response
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for optical instruments?
- How do I classify medical devices under HS-90?
- What are the requirements for importing cameras?
- How to find the correct HS-4 code for surgical tools?
- Are there specific notes for measuring instruments in HS-90?
- What should I check before classifying optical fibres?
- How do I determine national digits for HS-90?
- Can a customs broker help with HS-90 classification?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of goods fall under HS-90?
- HS-90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, and medical instruments, including items like cameras, microscopes, and surgical tools.
- How do I select the right HS-4 code?
- Identify the specific use and features of your product, then refer to the relevant HS-4 headings in HS-90 to find the most accurate classification.
- What if my product fits multiple HS-4 codes?
- Choose the HS-4 code that best describes the primary function of your product. Review the notes for each code to ensure compliance.
- Are there specific regulations for importing medical devices?
- Yes, medical devices may require additional documentation and compliance with health regulations. Consult with a customs broker for guidance.
- What should I do if I'm unsure about my classification?
- It's advisable to consult a customs broker who can provide expert advice on classification and assist with national digits and rulings.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 90 (32)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 9001 | Optical fibres and optical fibre bundles; optical fibre cables not of heading no. 8544; sheets, plates of polarising material; lenses, prisms, mirrors, of any material; unmounted; not non optical glass | |
| 9002 | Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked | |
| 9003 | Frames and mountings; for spectacles, goggles or the like, and parts | |
| 9004 | Spectacles, goggles and the like; corrective, protective or other | |
| 9005 | Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, mountings therefore; other astronomical instruments, mountings therefore, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy | |
| 9006 | Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading no. 8539 | |
| 9007 | Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus | |
| 9008 | Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducers | |
| 9010 | Photographic (including cinematographic) laboratory apparatus and equipment, n.e.c. in chapter 90; negatoscopes; projection screens | |
| 9011 | Microscopes, compound optical; including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection | |
| 9012 | Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus | |
| 9013 | Lasers, other than laser diodes; other optical appliances and instruments n.e.c. in this chapter | |
| 9014 | Navigational instruments and appliances; direction finding compasses | |
| 9015 | Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses, rangefinders | |
| 9016 | Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weights | |
| 9017 | Drawing, marking-out, mathematical calculating instruments (drafting machines, protractors, drawing sets etc); instruments for measuring length (e.g. measuring rods, tapes, micrometers, callipers) n.e.c. | |
| 9018 | Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments | |
| 9019 | Mechano-therapy, massage appliances; psychological aptitude testing apparatus; ozone, oxygen, aerosol therapy, artificial respiration or other therapeutic respiration apparatus | |
| 9020 | Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20 | |
| 9021 | Orthopaedic appliances; including crutches, surgical belts and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other which are worn, carried or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability | |
| 9022 | Apparatus based on the use of x-rays or of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, x-ray tubes and other x-ray generators, high tens | |
| 9023 | Instruments, apparatus and models, designed for demonstrational purposes (in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other uses | |
| 9024 | Machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity of other mechanical properties of materials (e.g. metals, wood, textiles, paper, plastics) | |
| 9025 | Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or not | |
| 9026 | Instruments, apparatus for measuring or checking the flow, level, pressure of liquids, gases (e.g. flow meters, heat meters etc), not instruments and apparatus of heading no. 9014, 9015, 9028 or 9032 | |
| 9027 | Instruments and apparatus; for physical or chemical analysis (e.g. polarimeters, spectrometers), for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, etc, for measuring quantities of heat, sound or light | |
| 9028 | Gas, liquid or electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters therefor | |
| 9029 | Revolution counter, production counters, taximeters, mileometers, pedometers and the like, speed indicators and tachometers, other than those of heading no. 9015, stroboscopes | |
| 9030 | Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities not meters of heading no. 9028; instruments, apparatus for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations | |
| 9031 | Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, n.e.c. or included in this chapter; profile projectors | |
| 9032 | Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic type | |
| 9033 | Machines and appliances, instruments or apparatus of chapter 90; parts and accessories n.e.c. in chapter 90 |
Browse first heading (HS-4 9001)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (9001). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
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