9001.90.50.00 - Prisms

This HTS category, 9001.90.50.00, specifically classifies "Prisms" within the broader heading for optical elements. Prisms, in this context, refer to optical components made of glass, plastic, or other materials that are designed to refract or reflect light in a specific manner. This includes a wide variety of prisms used in optical instruments for tasks such as dispersing light into its spectrum, reflecting images, or altering the direction of light beams.

Unlike its sibling categories, which cover lenses (9001.90.40.00) and mirrors (9001.90.60.00), this classification is solely for prisms. While lenses primarily focus or diverge light, and mirrors reflect it, prisms utilize both refraction and internal reflection to manipulate light paths and properties. This category excludes optically worked glass elements that are not prisms, as well as mounted prisms that are integrated into a finished optical apparatus.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories under 9001.90.50.00. Therefore, classification at this level is determined by the definitive characteristic of the article being a prism. Importers should ensure that the item's primary function and optical design align with the definition of a prism to correctly apply this classification.