US Tariffs on Optical, Medical Instruments from Germany — 10% (2026)

Among US trading partners for optical, medical instruments, Germany plays a notable role, with approximately $252B in total bilateral trade.

As of March 2026, optical, medical instruments imports from Germany face a base tariff rate of 10% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This rate replaced the previous IEEPA reciprocal tariff following the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling in V.O.S. Selections Inc. v. United States on February 20, 2026.

Under the Trade Act of 1974, Section 122 tariffs are limited to 150 days. The current 10% rate expires around July 24, 2026. Congressional action would be required to extend these tariffs beyond that date.

Optical, Medical Instruments (HTS Chapter 90) carry an average MFN duty rate of 2.5% in addition to the Section 122 tariff. No additional Section 232 or Section 301 surcharges apply to most products in this category from Germany.

Key products in HTS Chapter 90 imported from Germany include Lenses, Microscopes, Medical instruments, X-ray apparatus, Hearing aids, and Thermometers.