Heading 9001

Optical fibers and optical fiber bundles; optical fiber cables other than those of heading 8544; sheets and plates of polarizing material; lenses (including contact lenses), prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, unmounted, other than such elements of glass not optically worked

14 declarable lines

Heading 9001 covers optical fibers and optical fiber bundles and cables, polarizing sheets and plates, and unmounted optical elements such as contact lenses, spectacle lenses, prisms and mirrors. The heading separates fiber products by use and material, then separates lenses, polarizing plates and other optical elements by type and material. Mounted optical elements and finished optical goods are classified in other headings.

Products in this heading

Optical fiber for voice, data or video communications
Plastic optical fibers
Plastic optical fiber bundles and cables
Sheets and plates of polarizing material
Contact lenses
Glass spectacle lenses
Spectacle lenses of other materials
Unmounted optical prisms or mirrors

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the article is an optical fiber, a fiber bundle or cable, or another optical element.
For optical fibers, check whether the fiber is for voice, data or video communications and whether it is plastic or another material.
For fiber bundles and cables, check whether the product is plastic or another material.
For lenses, distinguish contact lenses, glass spectacle lenses, and spectacle lenses of other materials.
For other optical elements, identify whether the item is a lens, prism, mirror, halftone screen, or other article, and confirm it is unmounted.

Often confused with

Mounted lenses and prisms for instruments or apparatus
Mounted optical elements that are parts of or fittings for instruments go to heading 9002.
Heading 9002
Frames and mountings for spectacles
Frames and mountings are classified separately from unmounted lenses.
Heading 9003
Finished spectacles and goggles
Finished eyewear is classified in heading 9004, not as unmounted optical elements.
Heading 9004
Lasers other than laser diodes
Lasers are classified in heading 9013, not as optical elements of heading 9001.
Heading 9013
Optical fiber cables of heading 8544
The heading text excludes optical fiber cables of heading 8544.
Heading 8544

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for contact lenses?

Contact lenses are classified under 9001.30.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 2%.

What is the duty on plastic optical fiber bundles and cables?

Plastic optical fiber bundles and cables fall under 9001.10.00.75 and carry a general (MFN) rate of 6.7%.

How do I classify spectacle lenses?

Glass spectacle lenses go under 9001.40.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 2%. Spectacle lenses of other materials go under 9001.50.00.00, also at a general (MFN) rate of 2%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.