Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter has a broad scope, including lenses, microscopes, telescopes, lasers, GPS equipment, medical instruments, etc. The core characteristic is that these goods are usually precision-manufactured and technology-intensive, used for professional purposes such as measurement, observation, analysis, or medical treatment. Heading 9002 covers 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. Specifically includes: objective lenses, eyepiece lenses, color filters, polarizing filters, etc. These optical elements are usually used in cameras, camcorders, microscopes, telescopes and other equipment. Note: This heading only includes mounted optical elements; unmounted ones are classified under 9001. First 2 digits = 90: Chapter 90, optical, photographic, medical and other instruments and apparatus. Digits 3-4 = 02: Heading 9002, mounted optical elements. Digits 5-6 = 11: Subheading 900211, specifically objective lenses for cameras, projectors, photographic enlargers or reducers. This subheading is further limited to 'objective lenses', i.e., lens assemblies used for imaging. Vehicle camera lenses are core optical components of vehicle cameras, used for imaging, and therefore are classified under this subheading. Vehicle camera lenses are mounted objective lenses, specifically designed for vehicle cameras (which belong to the camera category of equipment), meeting the description of 900211 'objective lenses for cameras, projectors, photographic enlargers or reducers'. They are not classified under 900219 (other objective lenses) because they are explicitly used for cameras; not under 900190 (other unmounted optical elements) because they are mounted; not under 8525 (cameras) because the lens is a part rather than a complete unit.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter has a broad scope, including lenses, microscopes, telescopes, lasers, GPS equipment, medical instruments, etc. The core characteristic is that these goods are usually precision-manufactured and technology-intensive, used for professional purposes such as measurement, observation, analysis, or medical treatment.
Heading
Heading 9002 covers 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. Specifically includes: objective lenses, eyepiece lenses, color filters, polarizing filters, etc. These optical elements are usually used in cameras, camcorders, microscopes, telescopes and other equipment. Note: This heading only includes mounted optical elements; unmounted ones are classified under 9001.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits = 90: Chapter 90, optical, photographic, medical and other instruments and apparatus. Digits 3-4 = 02: Heading 9002, mounted optical elements. Digits 5-6 = 11: Subheading 900211, specifically objective lenses for cameras, projectors, photographic enlargers or reducers. This subheading is further limited to 'objective lenses', i.e., lens assemblies used for imaging. Vehicle camera lenses are core optical components of vehicle cameras, used for imaging, and therefore are classified under this subheading.
Classification Basis
Vehicle camera lenses are mounted objective lenses, specifically designed for vehicle cameras (which belong to the camera category of equipment), meeting the description of 900211 'objective lenses for cameras, projectors, photographic enlargers or reducers'. They are not classified under 900219 (other objective lenses) because they are explicitly used for cameras; not under 900190 (other unmounted optical elements) because they are mounted; not under 8525 (cameras) because the lens is a part rather than a complete unit.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle camera lens'. Purpose: Explain the application scenario of the lens, such as 'used for vehicle cameras, installed in automotive front-view/rear-view/surround-view systems'. Material: Main material of the lens, such as glass, plastic, or glass-plastic hybrid, must be specified. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Sunny Optical', 'Lianchuang', etc. Model: Specific model or part number for identification. Mounted or Not: Declare whether the lens is mounted/assembled; if yes, classify under 9002, otherwise 9001. Applicable Equipment: Specify the equipment it is used for, such as 'vehicle camera', 'reverse imaging system'. Product Name: Vehicle camera lens; Purpose: Used for automotive front-view camera module; Material: Glass + Plastic; Brand: Sunny Optical; Model: SY-1234; Mounted: Yes; Applicable Equipment: Vehicle camera. Failure to indicate 'vehicle' use may lead to misclassification as ordinary camera lens. Declaring unmounted lenses as mounted lenses, causing classification errors. False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs valuation and traceability.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'vehicle camera lens'.
⚠️ Only writing 'lens' or 'camera lens' without reflecting the vehicle use.
Purpose
Explain the application scenario of the lens, such as 'used for vehicle cameras, installed in automotive front-view/rear-view/surround-view systems'.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'used for cameras' without distinguishing vehicle from ordinary.
Material
Main material of the lens, such as glass, plastic, or glass-plastic hybrid, must be specified.
⚠️ Only writing 'glass', ignoring plastic aspherical lenses.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Sunny Optical', 'Lianchuang', etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, incomplete filling.
Model
Specific model or part number for identification.
⚠️ Incorrect model filling or inconsistent with the actual product.
Mounted or Not
Declare whether the lens is mounted/assembled; if yes, classify under 9002, otherwise 9001.
⚠️ Misreporting unmounted lenses as mounted.
Applicable Equipment
Specify the equipment it is used for, such as 'vehicle camera', 'reverse imaging system'.
⚠️ Writing 'camera' leading to classification under other subheadings.
Example: Product Name: Vehicle camera lens; Purpose: Used for automotive front-view camera module; Material: Glass + Plastic; Brand: Sunny Optical; Model: SY-1234; Mounted: Yes; Applicable Equipment: Vehicle camera.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to indicate 'vehicle' use may lead to misclassification as ordinary camera lens.
Declaring unmounted lenses as mounted lenses, causing classification errors.
False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs valuation and traceability.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1. Whether the goods are mounted optical elements; 2. Whether they are specifically designed for cameras, projectors and similar equipment; 3. Whether they are objective lenses. Vehicle camera lenses are typically assembled from multiple lens elements, lens barrel, aperture, etc., belonging to mounted objective lenses, and are used for vehicle cameras (classified under 8525 as cameras), therefore classified under 900211. If they are unmounted lenses, they are classified under 9001; if they are objective lenses for other uses, they are classified under 900219. 900219 Other objective lenses: 900219 covers other objective lenses not elsewhere specified, such as microscope objective lenses, telescope objective lenses, etc. Vehicle camera lenses are specifically designed for cameras, so they are classified under 900211. 900190 Other unmounted optical elements: 900190 includes unmounted lenses, prisms, etc. If vehicle lenses are unmounted, they are classified under this code. 852589 Other cameras: 852589 is for complete cameras, while 900211 is for camera parts. If a complete vehicle camera is imported, it should be classified under 8525. 900290 Other mounted optical elements: 900290 includes color filters, polarizing filters and other non-objective elements. Vehicle lenses are objective lenses, so they are not classified here. Is the lens fully mounted/assembled? Is it specifically designed for vehicle cameras? Is it an objective lens (used for imaging)? Is it used for camera-type equipment? Is it imported together with the complete unit?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1. Whether the goods are mounted optical elements; 2. Whether they are specifically designed for cameras, projectors and similar equipment; 3. Whether they are objective lenses. Vehicle camera lenses are typically assembled from multiple lens elements, lens barrel, aperture, etc., belonging to mounted objective lenses, and are used for vehicle cameras (classified under 8525 as cameras), therefore classified under 900211. If they are unmounted lenses, they are classified under 9001; if they are objective lenses for other uses, they are classified under 900219.
Confused Codes:
900219 - Other objective lenses
900219 covers other objective lenses not elsewhere specified, such as microscope objective lenses, telescope objective lenses, etc. Vehicle camera lenses are specifically designed for cameras, so they are classified under 900211.
900190 - Other unmounted optical elements
900190 includes unmounted lenses, prisms, etc. If vehicle lenses are unmounted, they are classified under this code.
852589 - Other cameras
852589 is for complete cameras, while 900211 is for camera parts. If a complete vehicle camera is imported, it should be classified under 8525.
900290 - Other mounted optical elements
900290 includes color filters, polarizing filters and other non-objective elements. Vehicle lenses are objective lenses, so they are not classified here.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the lens fully mounted/assembled?
✓ Is it specifically designed for vehicle cameras?
✓ Is it an objective lens (used for imaging)?
✓ Is it used for camera-type equipment?
✓ Is it imported together with the complete unit?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle camera lenses and ordinary camera lenses? Both may be classified under 900211, but attention must be paid to the declaration of use. Vehicle lenses are specifically designed for vehicle cameras, while ordinary camera lenses are used for consumer cameras. If questioned by customs, proof of use must be provided. If vehicle lenses are unmounted, they are classified under 900190. How to determine whether a lens is mounted? Mounted means the lens elements, barrel, aperture and other components have been assembled into a complete lens that can be directly installed and used. Unmounted means only a single lens element. Generally, check whether there is a lens barrel and mechanical structure. What are the declaration elements for importing vehicle camera lenses? Need to declare product name, purpose, material, brand, model, whether mounted, applicable equipment, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs regulations. It is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'. If vehicle camera lenses are imported together with the camera module, how should they be classified? If the lens is assembled with sensors, circuit boards, etc. into a camera module, and the module is a complete camera, it should be classified under 8525. If only the lens is imported separately, it is classified under 900211. How to check the tariff rate for 900211? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the 'Import and Export Tariff' published by the General Administration of Customs or use customs classification pre-rulings. The latest rates can also be checked through the 'China Customs Import and Export Commodity Classification System'. What are the common classification misconceptions for vehicle camera lenses? Common misconceptions: 1. Reporting unmounted lenses as mounted; 2. Classifying vehicle lenses as ordinary camera lenses; 3. Confusing lenses with complete units. It is recommended to carefully verify the product status and use. How to apply for an HS code pre-ruling? A pre-ruling application can be submitted through the General Administration of Customs website or the competent customs office, providing detailed product description, pictures, technical parameters, etc. The pre-ruling result has legal effect and can determine classification in advance. Are HS codes consistent when exporting vehicle camera lenses to different countries? The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but the subsequent digits may differ by country. When exporting, the complete code must be confirmed according to the destination country's customs requirements. It is recommended to check the destination country's customs website.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle camera lenses and ordinary camera lenses?
A: Both may be classified under 900211, but attention must be paid to the declaration of use. Vehicle lenses are specifically designed for vehicle cameras, while ordinary camera lenses are used for consumer cameras. If questioned by customs, proof of use must be provided. If vehicle lenses are unmounted, they are classified under 900190.
Q: How to determine whether a lens is mounted?
A: Mounted means the lens elements, barrel, aperture and other components have been assembled into a complete lens that can be directly installed and used. Unmounted means only a single lens element. Generally, check whether there is a lens barrel and mechanical structure.
Q: What are the declaration elements for importing vehicle camera lenses?
A: Need to declare product name, purpose, material, brand, model, whether mounted, applicable equipment, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs regulations. It is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: If vehicle camera lenses are imported together with the camera module, how should they be classified?
A: If the lens is assembled with sensors, circuit boards, etc. into a camera module, and the module is a complete camera, it should be classified under 8525. If only the lens is imported separately, it is classified under 900211.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 900211?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the 'Import and Export Tariff' published by the General Administration of Customs or use customs classification pre-rulings. The latest rates can also be checked through the 'China Customs Import and Export Commodity Classification System'.
Q: What are the common classification misconceptions for vehicle camera lenses?
A: Common misconceptions: 1. Reporting unmounted lenses as mounted; 2. Classifying vehicle lenses as ordinary camera lenses; 3. Confusing lenses with complete units. It is recommended to carefully verify the product status and use.
Q: How to apply for an HS code pre-ruling?
A: A pre-ruling application can be submitted through the General Administration of Customs website or the competent customs office, providing detailed product description, pictures, technical parameters, etc. The pre-ruling result has legal effect and can determine classification in advance.
Q: Are HS codes consistent when exporting vehicle camera lenses to different countries?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but the subsequent digits may differ by country. When exporting, the complete code must be confirmed according to the destination country's customs requirements. It is recommended to check the destination country's customs website.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.