Wireless Camera
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8517620090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8517690000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525895050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525893000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9006599100 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9006596000 | 16.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π· Wireless Camera (Television, Digital, & Video Camera Recorders)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Wireless Camera"?
The term "Wireless Camera" is a broad consumer description. In international trade, it is not a standalone HS Code. It must be dissected based on its primary function, technical capability, and data transmission method.
In the provided context, "Wireless Cameras" generally fall into two distinct legal categories: 1. Television/Digital Cameras & VCRs (Heading 8525): Professional broadcast equipment or consumer video recorders that transmit/receive signals. 2. Photographic Cameras (Heading 9006): Devices primarily for taking still images, which may have wireless features but are classified by their photographic nature. 3. Data Transmission Apparatus (Heading 8517): If the device is essentially a "wireless bridge" or "router" disguised as a camera, it may fall under communication equipment.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the device is a standalone video recorder/camera with wireless capability β 8525 or 9006.
- If the device is a network appliance (e.g., IP camera hub, router) β 8517.
- Do not assume "Wireless" automatically means "Data Transmission" (8517). If it captures video/images, it usually belongs to 8525 or 9006 first.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based strictly on the provided , here are the applicable HS Codes and their precise definitions:
| HS Code | Product Description (Legal Definition) | Key Features & Applicable Scenarios | Wireless? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8525.89.50.50 | Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television... Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: Other | β’ Generic "Other" wireless broadcast cameras. β’ Professional wireless video transmitters. β’ Non-standard digital cameras not fitting other specific subheadings. |
β Yes |
| 8525.89.30.00 | Television cameras: Other | β’ Professional TV broadcast cameras. β’ Studio cameras. β’ Often wireless or fiber-optic connected. |
β Yes |
| 9006.59.91.00 | Photographic cameras... Other than fixed focus: Valued over [Threshold] each | β’ High-end digital still cameras (DSLR/Mirrorless). β’ Valued over the threshold. β’ May have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth but classified as "Photographic". |
β Possible |
| 9006.59.60.00 | Photographic cameras... Other than fixed focus: Valued not over [Threshold] each | β’ Consumer compact cameras, action cams. β’ Valued not over the threshold. β’ Common for basic wireless security cameras or GoPro-style devices if valued low. |
β Possible |
| 8517.62.00.90 | Other apparatus for transmission/reception of voice, images or other data... Machines for reception, conversion and transmission... including switching/routing | β’ IP Cameras / Network Video Recorders (NVRs). β’ Devices acting as data endpoints/routers. β’ Note: Only if classified as data transmission apparatus, not pure camera. |
β Yes |
| 8517.69.00.00 | Other apparatus for transmission/reception of voice, images or other data | β’ Generic wireless communication modules. β’ Other data transmission equipment not specified elsewhere. |
β Yes |
π Key Insight from DATA:
- 8525/9006 are for Image Capture devices.
- 8517 is for Data Transmission devices.
- If your "Wireless Camera" is a security IP camera, customs often classify it under 8517.62.00.90 because it is primarily a "machine for reception, conversion and transmission of images/data" over a network. However, if it is a standalone camcorder with Wi-Fi, it goes to 8525.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Period (Based on DATA provided)
π― 1. Camera/Video Equipment (High Tax Risk Group)
A. 8525.89.50.50 & 8525.89.30.00 (Television/Digital Cameras)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Legal Basis | DATA: tax_detail "εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Analysis | π’ Zero Duty! These HS codes currently have no additional tariffs in the provided dataset. This makes them highly favorable for import if correctly classified as "Television Cameras." |
B. 9006.59.91.00 (High-Value Photographic Cameras)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 7.5% |
| Legal Basis | DATA: tax_detail "εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 7.5%" |
| Analysis | π‘ Low Tax. Applies to high-value digital cameras. The 7.5% is a specific added tariff, not the typical 25%. |
C. 9006.59.60.00 (Low-Value Photographic Cameras)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Legal Basis | DATA: tax_detail "εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Analysis | π’ Zero Duty! Consumer-grade, lower-valued cameras are duty-free. |
π― 2. Data Transmission/Network Equipment (High Tax Risk Group)
D. 8517.62.00.90 & 8517.69.00.00 (Communication/Data Apparatus)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Legal Basis | DATA: tax_detail "εΊη‘ε
³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε
³η¨: 25.0%" |
| Analysis | π΄ High Tax! If your wireless camera is classified as a "Data Transmission Apparatus" (e.g., IP Camera, Network Bridge), it incurs a 25% penalty tariff. This is the most common pitfall for "Smart/Wireless" cameras. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Manual | βοΈ | Must specify: Is it a "Camera" (8525/9006) or "Data Transmission Device" (8517)? |
| β Circuit Diagram | βοΈ | Proves if it has image capture sensors (CCD/CMOS) vs. just RF modules. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show lens, viewfinder, or sensor housing to prove photographic/video function. |
| β Invoice | βοΈ | Value must be accurate. For 9006, value determines if it's 0% or 7.5%. |
| β Declaration Statement | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Digital Video Camera with Wireless Transmission" or "IP Network Camera Module." |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ Rule: Capture Function > Transmission Function
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Wireless Camcorder | 8525.89.50.50 or 8525.89.30.00 |
0% | Primary function is TV/Video transmission & capture. Zero tariff in DATA. |
| Consumer Wireless Security Camera (IP Cam) | 8517.62.00.90 |
25% | Often classified as "Data Transmission Apparatus." High tariff risk. |
| DSLR/Mirrorless Camera with Wi-Fi | 9006.59.91.00 (High Value) |
7.5% | Primary function is photography. Lower added tariff than comms equipment. |
| Cheap Action Cam/GoPro Clone | 9006.59.60.00 (Low Value) |
0% | If valued under threshold, it's 0%. Best for low-cost wireless cameras. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT declare a standard IP Camera as "8525 Television Camera" if it lacks broadcast standards. Customs may audit and reclassify to 8517.62.00.90, applying 25% + penalties.
- Do NOT declare a professional broadcast camera as "9006 Photographic Camera" to save tax if it clearly transmits video signals. It fits 8525 (0% tax) better anyway!
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Combo Kits (Camera + Router) | Declare as one unit. If it's a wireless camera system, use 8525.89.50.50 (0%) rather than splitting into 8517 (25%). |
| Cloud-Connected Camera | If it only transmits data to cloud without local recording, it leans toward 8517.62.00.90 (25%). If it has local storage (SD card), argue for 8525/9006 (0-7.5%). |
| Value Threshold for 9006 | Know the exact dollar threshold for "Valued over/not over" in your specific trade agreement. For 9006.59.91.00, exceeding the value triggers 7.5%. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Market | Typical HS Code for Wireless Camera | Est. Tariff | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8525.89.50.50 / 9006.59.60.00 |
0% | Favorable for 8525/9006. Avoid 8517 (25%). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8525.89 / 9006.59 |
0% - 4% | No Section 301 equivalent. Generally low duty. |
| π¨π³ China (Export) | N/A | Varies | Check Chinese export controls for high-res wireless cameras. |
π Conclusion for US Imports:
- Maximize use of 8525.89.50.50 (0%) for any device that can be described as a "Television Camera" or "Video Camera Recorder."
- Use 9006.59.60.00 (0%) for low-value photographic cameras.
- Minimize 8517.62.00.90 (25%) unless the device is purely a data router without image capture hardware.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling an IP Camera a "Wireless Router" to avoid 8517?
π Reality: It has a lens and sensor. It's a camera. But if classified as 8517, it's 25%. If classified as 8525, it's 0%. Argue for 8525 if it has video recording capability.
β Error 2: Declaring a high-value DSLR as "Valued not over" to get 0% tax on 9006.59.60.00?
π Reality: Customs will check invoice value. If > threshold, you owe 7.5% + back taxes. Be honest.
β Error 3: Assuming "Wireless" = "8517" (25% tax).
π Reality: Many cameras are wireless but belong to 8525 or 9006 (0-7.5%). Function determines code, not connectivity.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Digital Video Camera, Model XYZ, with Wireless Transmission Module, for Broadcast Use, Includes Battery and Lens, Value: $500" β 8525.89.50.50
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Recall the Strategy:
πΉ "Broadcast/Video = 8525 (0%)"
πΉ "Low-Value Photo = 9006.60 (0%)"
πΉ "High-Value Photo = 9006.91 (7.5%)"
πΉ "Pure Data Transmission = 8517 (25%)"π Final Tip:
If you sell a "Wireless Security Camera," try to highlight its recording/storage features (SD Card, Internal Memory) to argue for 8525 or 9006 classification. If it's purely a live-streaming hub with no storage, it might fall to 8517 (25%). Structure your product features accordingly!
π£ Action Required:
π Consult a licensed customs broker to review your specific product's circuitry.
π Get an Advance Ruling if the product is ambiguous between 8525 and 8517.
π Optimize for 0% Tariff by Correct Classification!
β¨ Precision in Code, Profit in Pocket!
πΌ Don't let a 25% tariff eat your margin.
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.