Find HS Code and trade information for lens cap

Lens Cap

A lens cap is a removable cover for the front objective lens of a camera or camcorder lens. Its primary function is to protect the lens from physical damage, dust, moisture, and fingerprints when the lens is not in use.

Material

Lens caps are commonly constructed from:

• Plastic: The most prevalent material due to its low cost, lightweight nature, and adequate protection for general use. ABS plastic is frequently employed.
• Metal: Offers enhanced durability and impact resistance. Aluminum alloy is a common choice. Metal caps are often preferred for professional use or lenses with delicate coatings.
• Rubber: Primarily used for pinch lens caps, providing a snug fit and better grip.

Purpose

• Protection: Shields the lens element from scratches, impacts, and abrasions.
• Dust and Moisture Prevention: Prevents the ingress of dust particles, water droplets, and other contaminants.
• Fingerprint Avoidance: Keeps the lens surface clean from oils and smudges.

Function

Lens caps operate by physically covering the front element of the lens. They typically utilize one of several attachment mechanisms:

• Snap-on: The most common type; the cap features a ring that snaps onto the threads of the lens.
• Screw-on: The cap threads directly onto the lens’s filter threads, providing a more secure attachment.
• Pinch: Features spring-loaded arms that clamp onto the lens barrel.

Usage Scenarios

• Storage: Essential for protecting lenses when not in use, such as during transport or when changing lenses.
• General Handling: Used routinely to protect the lens from accidental contact during everyday photography.
• Outdoor Photography: Provides a barrier against dust, sand, and light rain.

Common Types

• Front Lens Caps: The standard type, covering the front element. Available in various sizes to match lens diameters (e.g., 49mm, 52mm, 77mm).
• Rear Lens Caps: Protect the rear element of the lens when the lens is detached from the camera body.
• Pinch Lens Caps: Spring-loaded caps offering a quick and convenient attachment/detachment method. Often used with lenses lacking filter threads.
• Self-Centering Lens Caps: Designed to automatically align with the lens when attached, simplifying use.
• Flower/Petal Lens Caps: Feature a multi-petal design to minimize vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses and to provide additional protection from stray light.

A lens cap is a protective cover for the lens of a camera or other optical instrument. It prevents damage, dust, and unwanted light from affecting the lens. Considering its function and application, the following HS codes are potentially relevant:

• 9002907000: Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts of or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked; parts and accessories thereof: Other: Halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes (While not a direct match, a lens cap could be considered a component related to photographic processes).

  • 90: Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof.
  • 02: Heading 9002 specifically relates to lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, mounted as parts of instruments or apparatus.
  • 907000: This subheading covers "Other" optical elements and accessories, including halftone screens. The reference material notes a lens cap could be considered a component related to photographic processes, potentially falling under this classification.

• 9002909500: Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts of or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked; parts and accessories thereof: Other: Other.

  • 90: Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof.
  • 02: Heading 9002 specifically relates to lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, mounted as parts of instruments or apparatus.
  • 909500: This subheading covers "Other" parts and accessories, providing a broad classification for items not specifically detailed elsewhere.

• 3923500000: Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures.

  • 39: Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof.
  • 23: Heading 3923 specifically relates to articles for conveyance or packing of goods, made of plastics.
  • 500000: This subheading covers stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, which a lens cap could be classified as if made of plastic.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'lens cap' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Regarding HS code 3923500000, please note a lens cap made of plastic would fall under this classification. The total tax rate for this HS code is 60.3% (based on a 5.3% base tariff and a 25% additional tariff, increasing to 30% after 2025.4.2).