U.S. exports of Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles (HS 903141) totaled $174.5M in August 2026.
Importers of Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles paid $1.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 5.54% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles imports of $44.6M in August 2026 ran 25% below the year-to-date monthly average of $59.2M.
Last updated: August 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.
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197 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 2 of 6 in heading 9031
Subheading 903141 · $174.5M of $669.0M
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9031410040 | Optl Inst/Appl, For Inspecting Semiconductor Wafer | $12.9M | 4.32% | 31.97% | $557K |
| 9031410060 | Optl Inst & Appl Inspecting Semiconductor Device | $5.6M | 9.33% | 55.07% | $527K |
| 9031410020 | Optl Inst/Appl, Inspect Photomasks, Manuf Semicond | $1.0M | 0.00% | 0.00% | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9031410000 | Optical Inst for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers | $174.5M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$44.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$174.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $582.9M of Optical Instruments for Inspecting Semiconductor Wafers, Photomasks & Reticles and exported $2.1B.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · August 2026
destination
China and Taiwan together take 66% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
27.7% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 5.54% of imports for consumption.