HTS Chapter 90 — Optical, Medical Instruments Tariff Rates (2026)

Covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, and surgical instruments and apparatus.

Rate Overview

2.5%

Avg MFN Rate

10%

Section 122

N/A

Section 232

7.5-100%

Section 301 (China)

Key Headings in Chapter 90

HTS Code	Description	MFN Rate	Sec 232	Sec 301
9001	Optical fibers, lenses, and prisms	2%	N/A	25%
9002	Lenses and optical elements, mounted	2%	N/A	25%
9004	Spectacles and sunglasses	2%	N/A	25%
9013	Liquid crystal devices and lasers	Free	N/A	25%
9015	Surveying and navigation instruments	Free	N/A	25%
9018	Medical and surgical instruments	Free	N/A	25%
9019	Mechano-therapy and massage apparatus	Free	N/A	25%
9021	Orthopedic appliances and artificial body parts	Free	N/A	N/A
9022	X-ray and irradiation apparatus	Free	N/A	N/A
9026	Instruments for measuring liquid or gas flow	Free	N/A	25%
9027	Instruments for physical or chemical analysis	Free	N/A	25%
9028	Gas, liquid, or electricity meters	Free	N/A	25%
9030	Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and test instruments	Free	N/A	25%
9031	Measuring or checking instruments NES	Free	N/A	25%
9032	Automatic regulating or controlling instruments	Free	N/A	25%
9033	Parts for instruments (Chapter 90)	Free	N/A	25%
9003	Frames and mountings for spectacles	2.5%	N/A	25%
9006	Photographic cameras and equipment	Free	N/A	25%
9008	Image projectors and enlargers	Free	N/A	25%
9010	Apparatus for photographic processing	Free	N/A	25%

Common Products

LensesMicroscopesMedical instrumentsX-ray apparatusHearing aidsThermometersOscilloscopesGPS devicesSpectacles and frames

Chapter 90 of the HTS — Optical, Medical Instruments — is among the most tariff-impacted categories in US trade. Covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, and surgical instruments and apparatus. The average MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate for products in this chapter is 2.5%. Individual rates vary significantly within the chapter, ranging from duty-free to well above the average. In addition to MFN rates, all imports face the 10% Section 122 tariff (effective February 24, 2026, expiring approximately July 24, 2026). Chinese imports in this chapter face additional Section 301 tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 100%, depending on the specific product classification. Common products in this chapter include Lenses, Microscopes, Medical instruments, X-ray apparatus, Hearing aids, Thermometers, Oscilloscopes, GPS devices, Spectacles and frames. Related HTS chapters include Chapter 84, Chapter 85, Chapter 37, which cover similar or complementary product categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average tariff rate for HTS Chapter 90 (Optical, Medical Instruments)?

The average MFN duty rate for optical, medical instruments is 2.5%. All imports also face the 10% Section 122 tariff. Chinese imports may face additional Section 301 tariffs.

What products are in HTS Chapter 90?

Chapter 90 covers optical, medical instruments, including Lenses, Microscopes, Medical instruments, X-ray apparatus, Hearing aids. Related chapters include Chapter 84, Chapter 85, Chapter 37.

Are optical, medical instruments subject to Section 232 or Section 301 tariffs?

Section 232 tariffs generally do not apply to products in this chapter. Chinese imports in this chapter face Section 301 tariffs of 7.5-100%.