Outdoor Camera
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8525895030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9006596000 | 16.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525895050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9006594060 | 21.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525895030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π· Outdoor Camera (Action Cam / Security Cam)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Outdoor Camera"?
Outdoor Cameras are versatile imaging devices used for surveillance, action recording, or general photography. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on whether the device functions primarily as a still image camera (photography) or a video recording device (camcorder/cameras for television).
Key Distinction Criteria: * Primary Function: Does it take photos primarily? β Chapter 90 (Optical/Photographic) * Primary Function: Does it record video primarily? β Chapter 85 (Electrical/Videos) * Lens Type: Fixed focus vs. Non-interchangeable lenses?
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the device is marketed primarily as a camcorder or video camera (even with photo capabilities) β 8525.89.50.xx
- If the device is marketed primarily as a digital still camera (even with video capabilities) β 9006.59.xx
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the four possible HS Code classifications for Outdoor Cameras, along with their tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Primary Use Case | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
8525.89.50.30 |
Cameras for Television | Video recording focus; fits definition of "cameras" in this subheading. | 35.0% |
9006.59.60.00 |
Non-Interchangeable Lens Cameras | Still photography focus; fits "non-interchangeable lens cameras." | 16.8% |
8525.89.50.50 |
Digital Cameras & Video Cameras | General camera device; fits "digital cameras and video cameras." | 35.0% |
9006.59.40.60 |
Other Cameras (Catch-all) | General camera category; fits the residual "other cameras" clause. | 21.5% |
π Key Insight:
- Cheapest Option:9006.59.60.00(16.8%) is the most tax-efficient if the device can be justified as a standard still camera.
- Most Expensive Options:8525.89.50.30and8525.89.50.50(35.0%) apply if classified under electrical video equipment.
- Middle Ground:9006.59.40.60(21.5%) serves as a fallback if the device doesn't fit the specific "non-interchangeable lens" definition but is still a photographic device.
π° Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: As per current trade policies (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 8525.89.50.30 & 8525.89.50.50 ββ Video/Digital Cameras (Electrical)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Clause) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (High tariff items generally excluded from de minimis thresholds if subject to specific trade remedies) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% + Sec 301: 25% + Sec 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is the standard punitive tariff on many Chinese electronics.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is an additional surcharge applicable to certain video/electrical goods.
- Total 35% is significantly high. Clearing under this code requires robust documentation proving the product nature.
π― 2. 9006.59.60.00 ββ Non-Interchangeable Lens Cameras (Optical/Still)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.8% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 16.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β Possible (Check current de minimis thresholds, but lower base rate helps) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6.8% + Sec 122: 10% |
π Advantage:
- Lowest Total Tax (16.8%).
- The Section 301 25% surcharge does NOT apply to this specific optical camera subheading in this dataset.
- Strategic Implication: If your outdoor camera is primarily a still image device (e.g., GoPro-style action cam used for photos), classify here to save 18.2% in taxes compared to the 35% bracket.
π― 3. 9006.59.40.60 ββ Other Cameras (Optical/Still)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 21.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β Possible (Check current de minimis thresholds) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 4.0% + Sec 301: 7.5% + Sec 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the "catch-all" for optical cameras.
- It incurs a 7.5% Section 301 surcharge (lower than the 25% on electrical cameras) but still has a 10% Section 122 tariff.
- Use this if the camera doesn't fit the "non-interchangeable lens" definition but is still clearly a photographic device.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Still Image Camera" vs. "Video Camera," resolution, lens type. |
| β Marketing Materials | βοΈ | Brochures, website screenshots showing primary use (photos vs. video). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the device, buttons, ports, and lens. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Digital Outdoor Action Camera, Model XYZ." |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Internal memo explaining why it fits 9006.59.60.00 (e.g., "Primary function is high-res photography; video is secondary"). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Define Function, Not Form. Still = Optical. Video = Electrical."
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| GoPro-style Action Cam (Primarily takes photos, records 4K video) | 9006.59.60.00 |
Justify as "Digital Still Camera." Video is a secondary feature. Saves 18.2% tax. |
| Security CCTV Camera (Primarily records video 24/7) | 8525.89.50.30 or 8525.89.50.50 |
Clearly a video surveillance device. High tax expected. |
| Hybrid Device (Unclear primary use) | 9006.59.40.60 |
Fallback "Other Camera" option. Moderate tax. |
| Reflex/Interchangeable Lens | Not in Data | Usually 9006.53 or 9006.54 β Avoid these if not explicitly supported by data. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/ODM Products | Ensure marketing materials emphasize "Photography" if targeting 9006.59.60.00. Avoid terms like "Video Recorder" in primary descriptions. |
| Bundled Accessories | Declare camera and mounts/power adapters together under the main HS Code. Do not split if it creates misclassification risk. |
| Custom Firmware | If software allows toggling "Photo Mode" vs. "Video Mode," argue that Photo Mode is the default or primary consumer use case. |
| Section 122 Tariff (10%) | Note: This tariff applies to ALL four options in the provided data. It cannot be avoided. Focus efforts on avoiding the 25% Section 301 surcharge by choosing 9006 codes. |
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tariff | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9006.59.60.00 |
16.8% | Strong justification for "Still Camera" |
| πΊπΈ USA | 8525.89.50.30 |
35.0% | If classified as Video Equipment |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8525.80.30 / 9006.59 |
~6-14% | CE Marking, WEEE Directive |
| π¨π³ China | 8525.89.50 / 9006.59 |
4-10% | CCC Certification |
π Conclusion for US Importers:
- Maximize Savings: Aim for9006.59.60.00(16.8%).
- Avoid:8525.89.50.30(35.0%) unless the product is undeniably a video-only device.
- Section 122 Tariff (10%) is Universal: Do not waste resources trying to avoid it; focus on avoiding the 25% Section 301 surcharge.
π Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling a "Security Camera" an "Outdoor Camera" without specifying function.
π Result: CBP may assume it's for surveillance (Video) β Assigns 8525.89.50.30 β 35% Tax.
β Error 2: Using "Video Camera" in the product description for a device that takes high-res photos.
π Result: Misclassification. You might have qualified for 9006.59.60.00 (16.8%) but paid 35%.
β Error 3: Ignoring the Section 122 Tariff (10%).
π Result: Surprise additional cost. All codes in the data include this 10% surcharge. Factor it into pricing.
β Correct Approach:
"Outdoor Digital Action Camera, 4K Video & 20MP Photo, Non-Interchangeable Lens, Waterproof, Model XYZ."
Argument: Primary function is capturing high-resolution images for social media/adventure documentation; video is a secondary feature. β Justifies9006.59.60.00.
π― Part VII: Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximum Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Still = 16.8% | Video = 35.0% | Section 122 = 10% (Always)"
πΉ "Choose 'Camera' (Optical) over 'Video Recorder' (Electrical) to save 18.2%!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is a hybrid (like a GoPro), emphasize "Photography" in all marketing, invoices, and technical specs.
- Prepare a Technical Justification Memo explaining why the device is a "Still Camera" under HTS 9006.59.60.00. This is your best defense against CBP audits aiming for the 35% bracket.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Provide product images and marketing copy.
π Draft Justification Memo: Highlight "Still Image Capabilities" over "Video Recording."
π Optimize for 16.8%: Avoid unnecessary video-centric terminology in import documentation.
β¨ Smart Classification Starts Here!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Saved is Pure 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) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β 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 β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β 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.