Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter are characterized by high precision and high technology content, and are mainly used in fields such as measurement, testing, medical treatment, and industrial control. For HS classification, focus should be on functional principles, use, and technical parameters, rather than mere material or appearance. Heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors. It includes optical measuring equipment, electronic measuring instruments, mechanical gauges, etc., but excludes automatic regulating instruments of heading 90.32. This heading emphasizes 'not specified or included elsewhere' and 'measuring or checking' functions, and applies to precision measurement scenarios in industry and scientific research. First 2 digits 90: belongs to Chapter 90, optical, measuring, checking instruments. Digits 3-4, 31: heading 9031, referring to measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors. Digits 5-6, 30: subheading 9031.30, specifically optical profilometers, i.e., instruments that use optical principles to non-contact measure parameters such as surface profile, roughness, and steps of objects. This subheading is distinguished from other 9031 subheadings (such as 9031.10 mechanical gauges, 9031.20 checking fixtures, etc.) and specifically refers to profile measuring equipment based on optical principles. Vehicle-mounted optical profilometers use the principle of optical non-contact measurement to measure road surface or object surface profiles, and belong to measuring or checking instruments. Their function falls within the scope of heading 9031 'other measuring or checking instruments,' and because they use optical principles, they are classified under subheading 9031.30 optical profilometers. They are not classified under 9031.49 (other optical instruments) because that subheading already specifically lists optical profilometers; nor under 9017 (drawing instruments) or 9027 (physical or chemical analysis instruments), because the use and principle do not match.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter are characterized by high precision and high technology content, and are mainly used in fields such as measurement, testing, medical treatment, and industrial control. For HS classification, focus should be on functional principles, use, and technical parameters, rather than mere material or appearance.
Heading
Heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors. It includes optical measuring equipment, electronic measuring instruments, mechanical gauges, etc., but excludes automatic regulating instruments of heading 90.32. This heading emphasizes 'not specified or included elsewhere' and 'measuring or checking' functions, and applies to precision measurement scenarios in industry and scientific research.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: belongs to Chapter 90, optical, measuring, checking instruments. Digits 3-4, 31: heading 9031, referring to measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors. Digits 5-6, 30: subheading 9031.30, specifically optical profilometers, i.e., instruments that use optical principles to non-contact measure parameters such as surface profile, roughness, and steps of objects. This subheading is distinguished from other 9031 subheadings (such as 9031.10 mechanical gauges, 9031.20 checking fixtures, etc.) and specifically refers to profile measuring equipment based on optical principles.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted optical profilometers use the principle of optical non-contact measurement to measure road surface or object surface profiles, and belong to measuring or checking instruments. Their function falls within the scope of heading 9031 'other measuring or checking instruments,' and because they use optical principles, they are classified under subheading 9031.30 optical profilometers. They are not classified under 9031.49 (other optical instruments) because that subheading already specifically lists optical profilometers; nor under 9017 (drawing instruments) or 9027 (physical or chemical analysis instruments), because the use and principle do not match.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declared product name should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted optical profilometer' or 'optical profile measuring instrument' Use: Explain the specific application scenario, such as vehicle-mounted road surface inspection, industrial surface profile measurement, etc. Working Principle: Describe the optical measurement method, such as laser triangulation, white light interferometry, confocal, etc. Brand Type: Fill in the brand attribute: foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, no brand, etc. Model: Fill in the specific model to distinguish different specifications under the same brand Measuring Range: Indicate the range, such as vertical resolution, lateral scanning range, and other key parameters Vehicle-mounted or Not: Clearly state whether it is designed for vehicle installation, which affects the classification determination Customs declaration example: Product name: vehicle-mounted optical profilometer; Use: installed on vehicles for measuring road surface flatness and texture profile; Working principle: laser triangulation, non-contact; Brand type: foreign brand (OEM production); Model: LP-3000; Measuring range: vertical resolution 0.01 mm, lateral scanning width 2 m; Vehicle-mounted: yes. Remarks: The equipment consists of an optical lens, laser emitter, and data processing unit, and obtains three-dimensional surface profile data through optical scanning. Failure to indicate the optical principle may lead to incorrect classification under 9031.49 other optical instruments Use description is too broad and does not reflect vehicle-mounted or profile measurement functions Incorrect brand type, such as filling OEM production as domestic brand
Product Name
Declared product name should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted optical profilometer' or 'optical profile measuring instrument'
⚠️ Writing only 'profilometer' without indicating the optical principle, or mistakenly writing it as 'laser rangefinder'
Use
Explain the specific application scenario, such as vehicle-mounted road surface inspection, industrial surface profile measurement, etc.
⚠️ Writing generally 'for measurement' without specifying vehicle-mounted use or the specific industry
Working Principle
Describe the optical measurement method, such as laser triangulation, white light interferometry, confocal, etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the optical principle, or mistakenly writing it as mechanical contact type
Brand Type
Fill in the brand attribute: foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, no brand, etc.
⚠️ Directly filling in the brand name without selecting the type, or confusing brand with model
Model
Fill in the specific model to distinguish different specifications under the same brand
⚠️ Confusing model with item number, or leaving it blank
Measuring Range
Indicate the range, such as vertical resolution, lateral scanning range, and other key parameters
⚠️ Not providing specific values, only writing 'high precision'
Vehicle-mounted or Not
Clearly state whether it is designed for vehicle installation, which affects the classification determination
⚠️ Not specifying, which may lead to incorrect classification under other subheadings
Example： Customs declaration example: Product name: vehicle-mounted optical profilometer; Use: installed on vehicles for measuring road surface flatness and texture profile; Working principle: laser triangulation, non-contact; Brand type: foreign brand (OEM production); Model: LP-3000; Measuring range: vertical resolution 0.01 mm, lateral scanning width 2 m; Vehicle-mounted: yes. Remarks: The equipment consists of an optical lens, laser emitter, and data processing unit, and obtains three-dimensional surface profile data through optical scanning.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate the optical principle may lead to incorrect classification under 9031.49 other optical instruments
Use description is too broad and does not reflect vehicle-mounted or profile measurement functions
Incorrect brand type, such as filling OEM production as domestic brand
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) Function: non-contact optical measurement of surface profile; 2) Principle: optical (laser, white light, etc.); 3) Use: measuring or checking, not automatic regulating; 4) Structure: includes optical system and data processing unit, with no mechanical contact probe. According to HS notes, 9031.30 specifically refers to optical profilometers, including vehicle-mounted types. If the equipment also has other functions (such as automatic regulation), it should be classified according to the principal function. 9031.49 Other optical instruments and appliances: 9031.49 is for optical measuring instruments not specified or included elsewhere, while 9031.30 already specifically lists optical profilometers, so profilometers should be classified under 9031.30 first 9031.10 Mechanical gauges: Mechanical gauges are contact measurement, while optical profilometers are non-contact optical measurement, with different principles 9027.50 Other instruments using optical radiations: 9027.50 is used for physical or chemical analysis, such as spectrometers, while profilometers are used for geometric quantity measurement, with different functions 9017.80 Other drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments: 9017.80 is used for drawing or calculation and does not have profile measurement functions Does it use the principle of optical non-contact measurement? Is it used to measure surface profile or roughness? Is it installed on vehicles or specifically designed for vehicle-mounted use? Does it include a data processing unit to output a three-dimensional profile? Does it exclude automatic regulation or physical/chemical analysis functions?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Function: non-contact optical measurement of surface profile; 2) Principle: optical (laser, white light, etc.); 3) Use: measuring or checking, not automatic regulating; 4) Structure: includes optical system and data processing unit, with no mechanical contact probe. According to HS notes, 9031.30 specifically refers to optical profilometers, including vehicle-mounted types. If the equipment also has other functions (such as automatic regulation), it should be classified according to the principal function.
Confused Codes：
9031.49 - Other optical instruments and appliances
9031.49 is for optical measuring instruments not specified or included elsewhere, while 9031.30 already specifically lists optical profilometers, so profilometers should be classified under 9031.30 first
9031.10 - Mechanical gauges
Mechanical gauges are contact measurement, while optical profilometers are non-contact optical measurement, with different principles
9027.50 - Other instruments using optical radiations
9027.50 is used for physical or chemical analysis, such as spectrometers, while profilometers are used for geometric quantity measurement, with different functions
9017.80 - Other drawing, marking-out or mathematical calculating instruments
9017.80 is used for drawing or calculation and does not have profile measurement functions
Self-Check：
✓ Does it use the principle of optical non-contact measurement?
✓ Is it used to measure surface profile or roughness?
✓ Is it installed on vehicles or specifically designed for vehicle-mounted use?
✓ Does it include a data processing unit to output a three-dimensional profile?
✓ Does it exclude automatic regulation or physical/chemical analysis functions?
❓ FAQ
Is there any difference in HS code between vehicle-mounted optical profilometers and ordinary optical profilometers? There is no difference. Both are classified under 9031.30, because subheading 9031.30 is described as 'optical profilometers' and does not distinguish whether they are vehicle-mounted. However, when declaring, 'vehicle-mounted' should be noted in the Use field so that customs can confirm the function. If a profilometer uses the laser principle, should it be classified under 9027.50? No. 9027.50 applies to physical or chemical analysis instruments, such as spectrometers and spectrophotometers. Laser profilometers are used for geometric quantity measurement and belong to 9031.30. If they also have analysis functions, they should be classified according to the principal function. How can I check the import tariff rate for 9031.30? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' through the General Administration of Customs website or the 'Single Window.' You may also use an HS code query tool and enter 903130 to obtain the real-time tariff rate. How should the brand type be filled in when declaring? Brand types are divided into: foreign brand (OEM production), foreign brand (other), domestic brand, and no brand. OEM production means a domestic enterprise manufactures for a foreign brand and must provide authorization proof. What technical materials are required for optical profilometers? It is recommended to provide a product manual, working principle diagram, technical parameter table, and materials that can prove the optical measurement principle. Customs may require supplementary explanations to confirm classification. If a profilometer has an automatic adjustment function, does it affect classification? If automatic adjustment is an auxiliary function and the principal function is still profile measurement, it is classified under 9031.30. If automatic adjustment is the core function, it may be classified under 9032. It must be judged according to the principal function. What is the classification boundary between 9031.30 and 9031.49? 9031.30 specifically refers to optical profilometers, while 9031.49 is for other optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere. If the equipment can measure surface profile (such as steps and roughness), it should be classified under 9031.30; if it only measures angles, distances, etc., it may be classified under 9031.49. What should be noted when declaring this product for cross-border e-commerce retail export? The product name, use, and working principle must be filled in accurately to avoid return of the declaration due to classification errors. It is recommended to check regulatory conditions in advance, such as whether an export license is involved. Declaration requirements differ between personal items and commercial samples.
Q: Is there any difference in HS code between vehicle-mounted optical profilometers and ordinary optical profilometers?
A: There is no difference. Both are classified under 9031.30, because subheading 9031.30 is described as 'optical profilometers' and does not distinguish whether they are vehicle-mounted. However, when declaring, 'vehicle-mounted' should be noted in the Use field so that customs can confirm the function.
Q: If a profilometer uses the laser principle, should it be classified under 9027.50?
A: No. 9027.50 applies to physical or chemical analysis instruments, such as spectrometers and spectrophotometers. Laser profilometers are used for geometric quantity measurement and belong to 9031.30. If they also have analysis functions, they should be classified according to the principal function.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 9031.30?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' through the General Administration of Customs website or the 'Single Window.' You may also use an HS code query tool and enter 903130 to obtain the real-time tariff rate.
Q: How should the brand type be filled in when declaring?
A: Brand types are divided into: foreign brand (OEM production), foreign brand (other), domestic brand, and no brand. OEM production means a domestic enterprise manufactures for a foreign brand and must provide authorization proof.
Q: What technical materials are required for optical profilometers?
A: It is recommended to provide a product manual, working principle diagram, technical parameter table, and materials that can prove the optical measurement principle. Customs may require supplementary explanations to confirm classification.
Q: If a profilometer has an automatic adjustment function, does it affect classification?
A: If automatic adjustment is an auxiliary function and the principal function is still profile measurement, it is classified under 9031.30. If automatic adjustment is the core function, it may be classified under 9032. It must be judged according to the principal function.
Q: What is the classification boundary between 9031.30 and 9031.49?
A: 9031.30 specifically refers to optical profilometers, while 9031.49 is for other optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere. If the equipment can measure surface profile (such as steps and roughness), it should be classified under 9031.30; if it only measures angles, distances, etc., it may be classified under 9031.49.
Q: What should be noted when declaring this product for cross-border e-commerce retail export?
A: The product name, use, and working principle must be filled in accurately to avoid return of the declaration due to classification errors. It is recommended to check regulatory conditions in advance, such as whether an export license is involved. Declaration requirements differ between personal items and commercial samples.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.