Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods of this chapter generally have the characteristics of high precision and high technology content, and are used for measuring, checking, analyzing, controlling, etc. This chapter does not include ordinary mechanical or electrical equipment, but includes their dedicated parts and accessories. Heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, such as optical inspection instruments, profile projectors, coordinate measuring machines, etc. These instruments are generally used for precision measurement, quality control in industrial manufacturing, and laboratory analysis. First 2 digits 90: Belongs to Chapter 90 for optical, photographic, measuring, checking, medical and other instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 31: Heading 9031, referring to measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter. Digits 5-6, 41: Subheading 903141, specifically optical instruments and appliances for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices. Therefore, 903141 as a whole represents vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments, used for optical inspection in semiconductor manufacturing. Vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments are used for automatic optical inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices, with high-precision optical systems, and are classified under 903141 rather than 903149 (other optical instruments) or 903180 (other measuring or checking instruments), because they are specifically used for semiconductor inspection and are based on optical principles.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods of this chapter generally have the characteristics of high precision and high technology content, and are used for measuring, checking, analyzing, controlling, etc. This chapter does not include ordinary mechanical or electrical equipment, but includes their dedicated parts and accessories.
Heading
Heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, such as optical inspection instruments, profile projectors, coordinate measuring machines, etc. These instruments are generally used for precision measurement, quality control in industrial manufacturing, and laboratory analysis.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: Belongs to Chapter 90 for optical, photographic, measuring, checking, medical and other instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 31: Heading 9031, referring to measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter. Digits 5-6, 41: Subheading 903141, specifically optical instruments and appliances for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices. Therefore, 903141 as a whole represents vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments, used for optical inspection in semiconductor manufacturing.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments are used for automatic optical inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices, with high-precision optical systems, and are classified under 903141 rather than 903149 (other optical instruments) or 903180 (other measuring or checking instruments), because they are specifically used for semiconductor inspection and are based on optical principles.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted optical inspection instrument' or 'wafer inspection equipment'. Use: Explain the specific use of the goods, such as for semiconductor wafer surface defect inspection, dimension measurement, etc. Working Principle: Briefly describe the optical inspection principle, such as using optical imaging, laser scanning, image processing and other technologies for inspection. Brand: Declare the brand of the goods, such as KLA, Camtek, etc.; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Declare the model of the goods, such as Model 8 series, SP series, etc. Vehicle-mounted: Clearly state whether it is installed on a vehicle for use, such as 'yes' or 'no'. Inspection Object: Explain the inspection object, such as semiconductor wafers, photomasks, chips, etc. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted optical inspection instrument; Use: For semiconductor wafer surface defect inspection; Working Principle: Uses optical imaging and image processing technology; Brand: KLA; Model: 8 series; Vehicle-mounted: Yes; Inspection Object: 12-inch wafer. Misunderstanding vehicle-mounted as automotive use, leading to classification under Chapter 87. Not specifying the inspection object as semiconductor, possibly leading to classification under 903149. Unclear description of working principle, possibly raising doubts about classification.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle-mounted optical inspection instrument' or 'wafer inspection equipment'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as 'optical inspection instrument' without reflecting vehicle-mounted or semiconductor use.
Use
Explain the specific use of the goods, such as for semiconductor wafer surface defect inspection, dimension measurement, etc.
⚠️ Only writing 'inspection' is too general and does not specify the semiconductor industry.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the optical inspection principle, such as using optical imaging, laser scanning, image processing and other technologies for inspection.
⚠️ Incorrectly described as 'mechanical inspection' or 'electrical inspection'.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods, such as KLA, Camtek, etc.; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it.
Model
Declare the model of the goods, such as Model 8 series, SP series, etc.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or incorrectly.
Vehicle-mounted
Clearly state whether it is installed on a vehicle for use, such as 'yes' or 'no'.
⚠️ Misunderstanding 'vehicle-mounted' as automotive parts.
Inspection Object
Explain the inspection object, such as semiconductor wafers, photomasks, chips, etc.
Misunderstanding vehicle-mounted as automotive use, leading to classification under Chapter 87.
Not specifying the inspection object as semiconductor, possibly leading to classification under 903149.
Unclear description of working principle, possibly raising doubts about classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Classification basis: The goods are optical inspection instruments used for inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices, conforming to the description of subheading 903141 'optical instruments and appliances for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices'. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under 903141. 903149 Other optical instruments and appliances: 903149 is for other optical measuring or checking instruments, not specifically for semiconductors; 903141 is specifically for semiconductor inspection. 903180 Other measuring or checking instruments: 903180 includes measuring and checking instruments based on non-optical principles, such as electronic or mechanical; 903141 is based on optical principles and specifically for semiconductors. 848620 Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: 848620 is semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as lithography machines, etching machines; 903141 is inspection instruments and does not participate in the manufacturing process. 902750 Other optical instruments: 902750 is for optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere, such as spectrometers; 903141 is specifically for semiconductor inspection. Is it used for inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices? Does it use optical principles (such as imaging, laser)? Is it installed on a vehicle for use? Does it have automatic inspection functions? Is it classified under 9031 rather than other headings?
Basis
Classification basis: The goods are optical inspection instruments used for inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices, conforming to the description of subheading 903141 'optical instruments and appliances for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices'. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under 903141.
Confused Codes：
903149 - Other optical instruments and appliances
903149 is for other optical measuring or checking instruments, not specifically for semiconductors; 903141 is specifically for semiconductor inspection.
903180 - Other measuring or checking instruments
903180 includes measuring and checking instruments based on non-optical principles, such as electronic or mechanical; 903141 is based on optical principles and specifically for semiconductors.
848620 - Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
848620 is semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as lithography machines, etching machines; 903141 is inspection instruments and does not participate in the manufacturing process.
902750 - Other optical instruments
902750 is for optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere, such as spectrometers; 903141 is specifically for semiconductor inspection.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it used for inspection of semiconductor wafers or devices?
✓ Does it use optical principles (such as imaging, laser)?
✓ Is it installed on a vehicle for use?
✓ Does it have automatic inspection functions?
✓ Is it classified under 9031 rather than other headings?
❓ FAQ
Why is a vehicle-mounted optical inspection instrument classified under 903141 rather than 903149? Because 903141 is specifically for optical instruments for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, while 903149 is for other optical instruments. Vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments are used for semiconductor inspection, conforming to the description of 903141. How to determine whether an optical inspection instrument belongs to 903141? The key is whether the inspection object is a semiconductor wafer or device and whether it uses optical principles. If it is used for other industries, such as PCB inspection, it may be classified under 903149. Does 'vehicle-mounted' in the declaration mean it is classified as automotive parts? No. Vehicle-mounted only means it is installed on a vehicle for use, but the product is essentially an optical inspection instrument and is still classified under Chapter 90. If it is a dedicated automotive part, it should be classified under Chapter 87. What are common errors in the declaration elements of 903141? Common errors include: not specifying the inspection object as semiconductor, describing the working principle as mechanical or electrical, omitting brand and model, and misunderstanding vehicle-mounted as automotive parts. If an inspection instrument has both semiconductor and other inspection functions, how should it be classified? Classify according to the principal function. If the principal function is semiconductor inspection, classify under 903141; if the principal function is other, classify under 903149 or other corresponding subheadings. What is the difference between 903141 and 902750? 902750 is for optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere, such as spectrometers, interferometers; 903141 is for optical instruments specifically for semiconductor inspection, with a specific use. How to inquire about the tariff rate for 903141? It can be inquired through the website of the General Administration of Customs, the Customs Import and Export Tariff of China, or by consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates may change, and the latest tariff schedule shall prevail. What regulatory conditions are required for the import of vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments? Usually, an import license for mechanical and electrical products, CCC certification (if applicable), etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions shall be determined according to customs regulations and product characteristics.
Q: Why is a vehicle-mounted optical inspection instrument classified under 903141 rather than 903149?
A: Because 903141 is specifically for optical instruments for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, while 903149 is for other optical instruments. Vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments are used for semiconductor inspection, conforming to the description of 903141.
Q: How to determine whether an optical inspection instrument belongs to 903141?
A: The key is whether the inspection object is a semiconductor wafer or device and whether it uses optical principles. If it is used for other industries, such as PCB inspection, it may be classified under 903149.
Q: Does 'vehicle-mounted' in the declaration mean it is classified as automotive parts?
A: No. Vehicle-mounted only means it is installed on a vehicle for use, but the product is essentially an optical inspection instrument and is still classified under Chapter 90. If it is a dedicated automotive part, it should be classified under Chapter 87.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements of 903141?
A: Common errors include: not specifying the inspection object as semiconductor, describing the working principle as mechanical or electrical, omitting brand and model, and misunderstanding vehicle-mounted as automotive parts.
Q: If an inspection instrument has both semiconductor and other inspection functions, how should it be classified?
A: Classify according to the principal function. If the principal function is semiconductor inspection, classify under 903141; if the principal function is other, classify under 903149 or other corresponding subheadings.
Q: What is the difference between 903141 and 902750?
A: 902750 is for optical instruments not specified or included elsewhere, such as spectrometers, interferometers; 903141 is for optical instruments specifically for semiconductor inspection, with a specific use.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for 903141?
A: It can be inquired through the website of the General Administration of Customs, the Customs Import and Export Tariff of China, or by consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates may change, and the latest tariff schedule shall prevail.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for the import of vehicle-mounted optical inspection instruments?
A: Usually, an import license for mechanical and electrical products, CCC certification (if applicable), etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions shall be determined according to customs regulations and product characteristics.
⚠️ 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.