Camera
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9006596000 | 16.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9006594060 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525894000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525895030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525895050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
📸 Camera (Cameras & Digital Imaging Systems)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Camera"?
In the global trade of electronics, "Cameras" are not a single category. They are split based on functionality (still vs. video), sensor technology (digital vs. film), and lens configuration (fixed vs. zoom). Misclassification here can lead to massive tariff discrepancies (from 16.8% to 35%) and customs delays.
Core Categories: 1. Digital Still Cameras: Devices designed primarily for capturing static images (DSLR, Mirrorless, Point-and-Shoot). 2. Video Cameras / Camcorders: Devices optimized for recording continuous motion (Handheld, Professional, Action Cams). 3. Digital Video Cameras: Hybrid devices capable of both high-quality stills and video (often grouped with camcorders for tariff purposes).
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Still Cameras (Photo-focused) often fall under Ch 90 (Optical Instruments) or Ch 85 (Electric Machines) depending on sensor type and lens configuration.
- Camcorders/Video Cameras (Video-focused) are almost exclusively HS 8525 (Broadcast/Wireless transmission equipment) due to their video recording capabilities.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a Camcorder as a "Still Camera" can trigger a 15% higher tax bill (20% vs 35% total).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Official Tariff Data)
Based on the latest 2026 tariff schedule, here is the breakdown of camera types and their exact HS Codes:
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Logic & Usage | Total Tax (CN Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8525.89.40.00 | Digital Still Cameras (Digital Cameras for Still Images) | High Match: Digital cameras capturing static images. No material/形态 conflict. | 17.5% |
| 8525.89.50.30 | Camcorders / Digital Video Cameras | High Match: Devices designed for video recording (Camcorders). High compatibility with video functions. | 35.0% |
| 9006.59.60.00 | Non-Fixed Lens Cameras (Reflex / Interchangeable Lens) | Perfect Match: Non-fixed focus cameras (DSLR/Mirrorless). Optical instrument classification. | 16.8% |
| 9006.59.40.60 | Other Cameras (General Purpose / Compact) | Consistent: General "Other" cameras. Usage matches classification criteria. | 21.5% |
| 8525.89.50.50 | Digital Cameras & Camcorders (Hybrid/Digital Range) | Exact Match: Falls under the digital video camera/recorder scope. | 35.0% |
🔍 Key Insight:
- HS 8525 codes (.40,.50) generally attract the highest tax (35%) due to "China Add-on Tariffs" (25%) + "Section 122" (10%). These are for video-capable devices.
- HS 9006 codes (.60,.40) often benefit from a lower base rate (6.8% or 4.0%), resulting in a lower total tax (16.8% - 21.5%), provided they are strictly "Photo Cameras" without video dominance.
- HS 8525.89.40.00 is a sweet spot for pure digital still cameras at 17.5%.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Components)
✅ Applicable Market: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Post-Nov 2025 / 2026 Tariff Cycle
🎯 1. 8525.89.40.00 – Digital Still Cameras (Low Risk, Medium Tax)
| Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Free trade baseline for this subheading. |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% | Specific China-targeted "Additional Duty". |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% | Specific "Section 122" tariff (Targeting China tech). |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% | Lowest of the Video/Camera categories. |
📌 Strategy: Ideal for DSLRs, Mirrorless Cameras, and Action Cams marketed primarily for photography. Ensure marketing specs emphasize "Still Image" capabilities.
🎯 2. 8525.89.50.30 & 8525.89.50.50 – Camcorders & Digital Video Recorders (High Risk, High Tax)
| Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Free trade baseline. |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% | High China-targeted Additional Duty. |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% | Specific "Section 122" tariff. |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% | Highest Tax Bracket. |
📌 Strategy: Applies to Handheld Camcorders, Broadcast Cameras, and Hybrid Video/Still Cameras with heavy video focus. The 25% Additional Duty is the main cost driver.
🎯 3. 9006.59.60.00 – Non-Fixed Lens Cameras (Optical Class)
| Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.8% | Standard optical instrument rate. |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% | No additional duty for this specific subheading. |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% | Section 122 applies. |
| Total Effective Rate | 16.8% | Most Cost-Effective for High-End Photo Gear. |
📌 Strategy: Best for Professional DSLR/Mirrorless bodies (interchangeable lenses) classified under Chapter 90 (Optical) rather than Chapter 85 (Electric).
🎯 4. 9006.59.40.60 – Other Cameras (Compact/Mid-Range)
| Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.0% | Lower base rate for general cameras. |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% | Moderate China-targeted Additional Duty. |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% | Section 122 applies. |
| Total Effective Rate | 21.5% | Middle ground for Compact Digital Cameras. |
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Action Plan (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Spec Sheet | ✔️ Critical | Must explicitly state "Still Image" vs "Video Recording" capabilities to justify HS 9006 vs 8525. |
| Circuit Diagram / PCB Layout | ✔️ High Priority | To prove sensor type and processing logic (Digital vs. Optical). |
| Marketing Materials | ✔️ Required | Brochures must not over-emphasize "4K Video" if claiming HS 9006 (Still Camera). |
| Product Photos | ✔️ Required | Clear view of lens mount, ports, and sensor type. |
| Commercial Invoice | ✔️ Required | Accurate description: "Digital Camera, 24MP, Still Image Focus". |
| Certificate of Origin | ✔️ Required | To verify China origin for Section 122/301 applicability. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Keyword" Game)
🔥 Golden Rule: "If it's for Video, pay 35%. If it's for Photo, pay ~17-20%."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code (Risk) | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSLR/Mirrorless Body | 9006.59.60.00 (16.8%) |
8525.89.50.30 (35%) |
Overpay 18.2% tax, potential audit for misdeclared value. |
| Compact Digital Camera | 9006.59.40.60 (21.5%) |
8525.89.50.50 (35%) |
Overpay 13.5% tax, customs delay. |
| Action Cam / Camcorder | 8525.89.50.30 (35.0%) |
9006.59.60.00 (16.8%) |
Underpayment → Penalties + Seizure. |
| Pure Digital Still | 8525.89.40.00 (17.5%) |
9006.59.40.60 (21.5%) |
Overpay 4%, but less severe than above. |
✅ 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Cameras (Video + Photo) | If the device is marketed as a "Video First" camera (e.g., Sony Alpha series for video), use 8525.89.50.30 (35%) to be safe. If "Photo First", argue for 9006.59.60.00 (16.8%). |
| Camera Lenses Only | Do not include lenses in the camera HS code. Lenses are 9002 (Optical Elements) with different tax rates. Do not bundle them to avoid "Misclassification of Parts". |
| Smartphones with Cameras | If the primary function is a phone, declare as Phone (8517), not Camera. The camera module is a component. |
| Raw Sensor Modules | If selling only the sensor (no housing/circuit), use HS 8541 (Diodes/Transistors) or similar, not Camera codes. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax (China) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8525.89.50.30 or 9006.59.60.00 | 16.8% ~ 35.0% | Section 122 & 301 heavily impact here. |
| 🇨🇳 China | Same as US (Import) | 5% - 10% | Lower base rates, no Section 122. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | Similar to US | 4% - 7% | No Section 122; CE marking required. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Similar to US | 0% - 5% | Generally free trade for electronics. |
📌 US Specific Warning: The Section 122 (10%) tax is a new layer for 2026. Even if you qualify for 0% base duty, the 10% + 7.5% or 25% add-ons make the US market expensive for camera imports from China.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned (Blood & Tears)
❌ Mistake 1: Calling a Camcorder a "Digital Camera"
👉 Result: Declaring 9006.59.60.00 (16.8%) for a Camcorder. Customs will detect the video recording feature via specs or testing.
👉 Outcome: Back taxes (35% vs 16.8%) + 200% Penalty.
❌ Mistake 2: Listing "Camera" generically on Invoice
👉 Result: Customs cannot determine if it's video or still.
👉 Outcome: Hold for Inspection (14-30 days delay) + Storage Fees.
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring "Section 122" in 2026
👉 Result: Calculating tax based only on 301 or Base.
👉 Outcome: Short payment leads to bond claims.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Digital Mirrorless Camera, 45MP, Still Image Primary, Interchangeable Lens Mount, Model XYZ, No Video Recording Function (or minimal)."
Use HS 9006.59.60.00 (16.8%) if valid.
🎯 VII. Final Verdict: Professional Clearance Strategy
🎯 Key Takeaway:
Taxation is not about the "Camera" name; it's about the "Function".
- Video Focus? → 35% Tax (8525)
- Photo Focus? → 16.8% - 21.5% Tax (9006/8525.89.40)
- Section 122 + 301 = The Double Kill.🔹 Rule of Thumb: "Photo = Optics (9006), Video = Electronics (8525)."
🔹 Cost Saving: If you can classify a hybrid camera as "Still Image Primary", you save ~13.2% to 18.2% instantly.
📌 Pro Tip:
Before shipping, request an Advance Ruling (CBP Ruling) from US Customs and Border Protection. Submit your product specs and a sample. This locks in the correct HS Code (e.g., 9006.59.60.00) and prevents future disputes.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your Freight Forwarder + Verify Product Specs + Confirm "Still vs Video" Dominance.
🚀 Optimize your HS Code, Slash your Tax Bill, and Clear Customs Smoothly!
✨ Precision in Classification = Profit in the Pocket!
💼 Don't let a 1% classification error cost you 18% of your profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.