HSChapter 90
U.S. imports of optical instruments for inspecting semiconductor wafers, photomasks & reticles (HS 903141) totaled $85.9M in April 2026, traded with 28 countries.
Importers of Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles paid $3.0M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 8.8% on $34.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles imports of $85.9M in April 2026 ran 67% above the year-to-date monthly average of $51.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSemiconductor fab and process-control engineers rely on these optical inspection systems to detect defects on wafers, photomasks, and reticles at nanometer-scale resolution — a critical quality gate in chip manufacturing. The US schedule breaks the heading into four 10-digit lines: 9031410000 (general wafer inspection), 9031410020 (photomask inspection), 9031410040 (wafer inspection appliances), and 9031410060 (semiconductor device inspection). Singapore leads US supply, reflecting the island's deep integration into global wafer-fab equipment networks, with Israel and Japan also significant sources. Importers should note that certain semiconductor inspection equipment may be subject to export-control classifications in the country of origin, which can affect re-export and end-use documentation requirements at US entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The key classification test is whether the instrument's primary function is optical inspection of semiconductor wafers, photomasks, or reticles used in semiconductor device manufacturing. Tools that measure dimensions or perform non-optical analysis (e.g., electron-beam) generally fall outside 9031.41. When a system combines optical and non-optical functions, CBP applies the essential-character rule; consulting a licensed customs broker or binding ruling request is advisable for multi-function platforms.
Equipment sourced from China may be subject to Section 301 tariffs depending on the specific 10-digit HTS line and product configuration. Singapore, Israel, and Japan — the leading suppliers under this heading — are not currently subject to Section 301 measures, but importers should verify the applicable tariff treatment for each shipment, as product-specific exclusions and modifications have occurred over time.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA | $519K | $99.5M | +$98.9M |
| SINGAPORE | $42.6M | $3.2M | -$39.4M |
| TAIWAN | $6.9M | $19.7M | +$12.8M |
| ISRAEL | $12.7M | $12.0M | -$760K |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $3.1M | $16.0M | +$12.9M |
Monthly import values over time
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9031410040 | OPTL INST/APPL, FOR INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER | $78.2M | 9.33% | $2.6M |
| 9031410020 | OPTL INST/APPL, INSPECT PHOTOMASKS, MANUF SEMICOND | $5.2M | 4.63% | $207K |
| 9031410060 | OPTL INST & APPL INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE | $2.6M | 11.01% | $223K |
OPTL INST/APPL, FOR INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER
OPTL INST/APPL, INSPECT PHOTOMASKS, MANUF SEMICOND
OPTL INST & APPL INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9031410000 | OPTICAL INST FOR INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFERS | $166.2M |
OPTICAL INST FOR INSPECTING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFERS
1.2K no
INSTR & APPL F MEDICAL SURGICAL DENTAL VET, NESOI
HS 901890
MED NEEDLES. NESOI, CATHERERS ETC AND PARTS ETC
HS 901839
ARTIFICIAL JOINTS & PARTS & ACCESSORIES THEROF,NES
HS 902139
ELECTRO-DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS NESOI, AND PARTS ETC.
HS 901819
OZONE,OXYGEN,ETC THERAPY, RESPIRATION APPARATUS,PT
HS 901920
MEAS CHECKNG INSTRUMENT & MACH, NOT OPTICAL, NESOI
HS 903180
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $9.0M | $131.0M | +$122.1M |
| Arizona | $29.2M | $21K | -$29.2M |
| Texas | $14.6M | $13.2M | -$1.5M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | $44.5M | $83.9M | +$39.4M |
| SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | $4.2M | $45.4M | +$41.2M |
| DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TX | $14.4M | $1.6M | -$12.8M |