HS Code:
The category 'Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts of or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked; parts and accessories thereof' (HS Code: 9002) encompasses a wide range of optical components used in various instruments and apparatuses. These components are critical in industries such as medical equipment, photography, scientific research, and industrial machinery. The category includes mounted lenses, prisms, and mirrors made from materials like glass, plastic, or metal, which are integral to devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and laser systems. This category excludes unmounted optical elements and those made of glass not optically worked, which fall under different classifications.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for optical components in medical devices
Increased trade volume due to rising production of diagnostic and surgical equipment like endoscopes and laser systems
2021-2022
Advancements in laser technology
Higher demand for precision optical elements in industrial and defense applications, boosting exports from technologically advanced countries
2020-2022
Shift towards automation and AI in manufacturing
Increased need for optical sensors and components in robotics and automated systems, driving market growth
2022
Additional tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese optical components have led to supply chain disruptions and increased costs for manufacturers.
Mid-2022
Shift in sourcing to alternative suppliers in countries like South Korea and Japan
New EU regulations under the Green Deal mandate eco-friendly production processes for optical components, affecting exporters to the EU market.
Early 2023
Increased compliance costs but potential for long-term market access benefits for sustainable producers
Innovations in anti-reflective and durable optical coatings have enhanced the performance of lenses and mirrors, driving demand in high-end applications.
Late 2022
Higher export potential for companies adopting cutting-edge technologies, particularly in Japan and Germany