HS 90

Chapter

Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories

HS Code 90 classifies "Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, parts and accessories" under Section XVIII (Optical, Photographic, Measuring, Medical Instruments). This chapter-level code is used internationally for customs classification, tariff determination, and trade statistics.

Classification Details

HS Code90

DescriptionOptical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories

LevelChapter (2-digit)

SectionXVIII — Optical, Photographic, Measuring, Medical Instruments

Chapter90

🇺🇸 US Import Duty

Average Duty Rate2%

Duty Range0-6.6%

NotesOptical, medical, measuring instruments

Free Trade AgreementsITA: 0% for many items. Most FTAs: 0%

Rates are approximate and based on MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by specific product classification. Always verify with USITC for official rates.

Classification Guide

When classifying goods under HS 90, ensure the product matches the specific description. As a chapter-level code, this is a broad category. You'll need to narrow down to a 4-digit heading or 6-digit subheading for customs declaration.

🇺🇸 US Import Document Checklist

Documents required when importing products under HS 90 into the United States.

Required for All Imports

☑Commercial InvoiceCBP

Detailed invoice from the seller showing product description, quantity, unit price, total value, and terms of sale (Incoterms).

☑Packing ListCBP

Itemized list of contents in each package, including weights, dimensions, and marks/numbers matching the shipping containers.

☑Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway BillCarrier

Transport document issued by the carrier confirming receipt of goods for shipment. Acts as a contract of carriage and receipt.

☑CBP Entry Summary (Form 7501)CBP

The formal customs declaration filed with US Customs and Border Protection for all commercial imports.

☑Importer Security Filing (ISF/10+2)CBP

Must be filed at least 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded. Required for all ocean shipments to the US.

☑Customs BondCBP

A financial guarantee ensuring payment of duties, taxes, and fees. Required for commercial shipments over $2,500.

FTA Certificate of Origin (for preferential rates)

🤝USMCA Certificate of Origin — self-certification by importer, exporter, or producer. No prescribed format.

🤝Korea-US FTA Certificate of Origin — can be issued by importer, exporter, or producer.

This checklist is for general guidance only. Actual requirements may vary based on specific product, country of origin, and current regulations. Always consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant agency for official requirements.

Sub-Classifications

90.01Optical 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 glassHeading 90.02Lenses, 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 workedHeading 90.03Frames and mountings; for spectacles, goggles or the like, and partsHeading 90.04Spectacles, goggles and the like; corrective, protective or otherHeading 90.05Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, mountings therefore; other astronomical instruments, mountings therefore, but not including instruments for radio-astronomyHeading 90.06Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading no. 8539Heading 90.07Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatusHeading 90.08Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducersHeading 90.10Photographic (including cinematographic) laboratory apparatus and equipment, n.e.c. in chapter 90; negatoscopes; projection screensHeading 90.11Microscopes, compound optical; including those for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojectionHeading 90.12Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatusHeading 90.13Lasers, other than laser diodes; other optical appliances and instruments n.e.c. in this chapterHeading 90.14Navigational instruments and appliances; direction finding compassesHeading 90.15Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses, rangefindersHeading 90.16Balances; of a sensitivity of 5cg or better, with or without weightsHeading 90.17Drawing, 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.Heading 90.18Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instrumentsHeading 90.19Mechano-therapy, massage appliances; psychological aptitude testing apparatus; ozone, oxygen, aerosol therapy, artificial respiration or other therapeutic respiration apparatusHeading 90.20Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20Heading 90.21Orthopaedic 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 disabilityHeading 90.22Apparatus 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 tensHeading 90.23Instruments, apparatus and models, designed for demonstrational purposes (in education or exhibitions), unsuitable for other usesHeading 90.24Machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity of other mechanical properties of materials (e.g. metals, wood, textiles, paper, plastics)Heading 90.25Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or notHeading 90.26Instruments, 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 9032Heading 90.27Instruments 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 lightHeading 90.28Gas, liquid or electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereforHeading 90.29Revolution counter, production counters, taximeters, mileometers, pedometers and the like, speed indicators and tachometers, other than those of heading no. 9015, stroboscopesHeading 90.30Instruments, 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 radiationsHeading 90.31Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, n.e.c. or included in this chapter; profile projectorsHeading 90.32Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic typeHeading 90.33Machines and appliances, instruments or apparatus of chapter 90; parts and accessories n.e.c. in chapter 90Heading

Related HS Codes

90.01Optical fibres and optical fibre bundles; optical fibre cabl 9001.10Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables; excluding 9001.20Optical elements; polarising material, sheets and plates the 9001.30Lenses, contact; unmounted, of any material, excluding eleme 9001.40Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of glass, excluding elements o 9001.50Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of materials other than glass 9001.90Optical elements; lenses n.e.c. in heading no. 9001, prisms,90.02Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any m

Related Data Resources

ShipCalcWize - Shipping cost calculator →CalcPeek - Unit converters →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 90?

What products fall under HS 90?

HS Code 90 covers: Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, parts and accessories. This is a broad category that includes more specific subcategories. Browse the child codes below for detailed product classifications.

How do I use HS Code 90 for customs?

Is HS 90 the same in every country?

The first 6 digits of HS codes are standardized worldwide by the World Customs Organization (WCO). However, most countries add additional digits (8-10 total) for their national tariff schedules. Always verify the full code with your destination country's customs authority.

What is the US import duty for HS 90?

The average US import duty for products under HS 90 is approximately 2% (range: 0-6.6%). ITA: 0% for many items. Most FTAs: 0% Note: actual rates depend on the specific product classification and country of origin. Verify with USITC for official rates.

Can I get a lower tariff rate under a Free Trade Agreement?

ITA: 0% for many items. Most FTAs: 0%. The US has FTAs with 20 countries including Canada, Mexico (USMCA), South Korea (KORUS), Australia, and others. To qualify for preferential rates, goods must meet rules of origin requirements and have proper documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin).

Data verified March 2026 · Source: UN Comtrade & USITC

Was this data helpful?

Need Import/Export Assistance?

Find licensed customs brokers and freight forwarding services for this HS code. Compare trade compliance solutions, cargo insurance quotes, and international shipping rates to optimize your supply chain costs.