Chapter 90 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus. This chapter covers a very broad range, from eyeglasses, lenses, and microscopes to medical equipment and industrial measuring instruments. Its core characteristic is that the products have precision manufacturing, optical, or electronic measuring functions, and are usually used in professional fields rather than ordinary consumption. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, such as 9001 (optical fibers, lenses), 9002 (mounted optical elements), 9004 (spectacles), 9018 (medical instruments), etc. Heading 9002 covers mounted optical elements, including lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, regardless of material, as long as they are mounted and constitute parts of optical instruments or apparatus. However, this heading does not include unmounted optical elements (classified under 9001) or complete optical instruments (such as 9005, 9006, etc.). The key to 9002 is that the elements are mounted but do not yet constitute a complete instrument with an independent function. Common products include camera lenses, microscope objectives, laser lenses, etc. HS code 900290 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 9002 (mounted optical elements). Digits 5-6, 90, represent subheading 9002.90, namely "other" mounted optical elements, used to cover all mounted optical elements other than 9002.11 (objectives for cameras, projectors) and 9002.19 (other objectives). Therefore, 900290 includes mounted optical assemblies such as prisms, mirrors, filters, polarizers, etc., but does not include objectives. This subheading is a residual subheading used to classify mounted optical elements not specifically named. Vehicle-mounted optical assemblies (such as vehicle camera lens modules and LiDAR optical components) are usually assembled from multiple optical elements (lenses, filters, etc.) and used in vehicle perception systems. Because they are mounted but do not constitute complete instruments, and are not objectives (9002.11/19), they are classified under 9002.90. If unmounted, they should be classified under 9001; if they constitute a complete camera, they should be classified under 8525; if they are complete LiDAR units, they should be classified under 9013 or 9031. Therefore, 900290 is the residual code for mounted optical assemblies not specifically named.
Chapter
Chapter 90 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus. This chapter covers a very broad range, from eyeglasses, lenses, and microscopes to medical equipment and industrial measuring instruments. Its core characteristic is that the products have precision manufacturing, optical, or electronic measuring functions, and are usually used in professional fields rather than ordinary consumption. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, such as 9001 (optical fibers, lenses), 9002 (mounted optical elements), 9004 (spectacles), 9018 (medical instruments), etc.
Heading
Heading 9002 covers mounted optical elements, including lenses, prisms, mirrors, and other optical elements, regardless of material, as long as they are mounted and constitute parts of optical instruments or apparatus. However, this heading does not include unmounted optical elements (classified under 9001) or complete optical instruments (such as 9005, 9006, etc.). The key to 9002 is that the elements are mounted but do not yet constitute a complete instrument with an independent function. Common products include camera lenses, microscope objectives, laser lenses, etc.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 900290 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 9002 (mounted optical elements). Digits 5-6, 90, represent subheading 9002.90, namely "other" mounted optical elements, used to cover all mounted optical elements other than 9002.11 (objectives for cameras, projectors) and 9002.19 (other objectives). Therefore, 900290 includes mounted optical assemblies such as prisms, mirrors, filters, polarizers, etc., but does not include objectives. This subheading is a residual subheading used to classify mounted optical elements not specifically named.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted optical assemblies (such as vehicle camera lens modules and LiDAR optical components) are usually assembled from multiple optical elements (lenses, filters, etc.) and used in vehicle perception systems. Because they are mounted but do not constitute complete instruments, and are not objectives (9002.11/19), they are classified under 9002.90. If unmounted, they should be classified under 9001; if they constitute a complete camera, they should be classified under 8525; if they are complete LiDAR units, they should be classified under 9013 or 9031. Therefore, 900290 is the residual code for mounted optical assemblies not specifically named.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity should describe in detail the type and use of the optical assembly, such as "vehicle camera lens module" or "optical assembly for LiDAR." Avoid using the vague term "optical part." Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the optical assembly, such as "Sunny Optical," "O-Film," etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product, such as "L123-456." The model should uniquely correspond to the product. Material: Explain the main material of the optical elements, such as glass, resin, quartz, etc. If it is a combination, list the materials of each component. Use: Clearly state the application scenario of the optical assembly, such as "used in vehicle camera modules" or "used in LiDAR." It should be specific to the vehicle system. Working principle: Briefly explain the working principle of the optical assembly, such as "focuses light through a lens group" or "selects a specific wavelength through a filter." Whether mounted: Declare whether the optical elements are already mounted into an assembly. Being mounted is the key condition for classification under 9002. Whether constituting a complete machine: State whether the assembly already constitutes a complete instrument. If it constitutes a complete machine, it should be classified under another heading. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Vehicle camera lens module
Brand: Sunny Optical
Model: SY-2025A
Material: glass lenses, resin lenses, metal lens barrel
Use: Used in vehicle camera modules, installed on the vehicle front windshield
Working principle: Focuses light through a combination of multiple lenses to form an image
Whether mounted: Yes
Whether constituting a complete machine: No
HS code: 9002909090
Declaration date: 2025-04-01 Failure to distinguish mounted from unmounted: unmounted optical elements should be classified under 9001, not 9002. Mistakenly classifying objectives under 900290: objectives should be classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19, and the specific subheading must be checked. Ignoring the particularity of vehicle-mounted use: if the assembly is specially designed for vehicles, other chapters may be involved, and it is necessary to confirm whether it constitutes a complete machine.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity should describe in detail the type and use of the optical assembly, such as "vehicle camera lens module" or "optical assembly for LiDAR." Avoid using the vague term "optical part."
⚠️ Writing only "optical assembly" or "lens" without stating the vehicle-mounted use.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the optical assembly, such as "Sunny Optical," "O-Film," etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the manufacturer, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product, such as "L123-456." The model should uniquely correspond to the product.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Material
Explain the main material of the optical elements, such as glass, resin, quartz, etc. If it is a combination, list the materials of each component.
⚠️ Writing only "glass" without stating whether other materials are included.
Use
Clearly state the application scenario of the optical assembly, such as "used in vehicle camera modules" or "used in LiDAR." It should be specific to the vehicle system.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "used in automobiles."
Working principle
Briefly explain the working principle of the optical assembly, such as "focuses light through a lens group" or "selects a specific wavelength through a filter."
⚠️ Failure to fill in or incorrect principle.
Whether mounted
Declare whether the optical elements are already mounted into an assembly. Being mounted is the key condition for classification under 9002.
⚠️ Failure to specify whether mounted, resulting in incorrect classification.
Whether constituting a complete machine
State whether the assembly already constitutes a complete instrument. If it constitutes a complete machine, it should be classified under another heading.
⚠️ Reporting an assembly as a complete machine, or vice versa.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Vehicle camera lens module
Brand: Sunny Optical
Model: SY-2025A
Material: glass lenses, resin lenses, metal lens barrel
Use: Used in vehicle camera modules, installed on the vehicle front windshield
Working principle: Focuses light through a combination of multiple lenses to form an image
Whether mounted: Yes
Whether constituting a complete machine: No
HS code: 9002909090
Declaration date: 2025-04-01
Common Mistakes:
Failure to distinguish mounted from unmounted: unmounted optical elements should be classified under 9001, not 9002.
Mistakenly classifying objectives under 900290: objectives should be classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19, and the specific subheading must be checked.
Ignoring the particularity of vehicle-mounted use: if the assembly is specially designed for vehicles, other chapters may be involved, and it is necessary to confirm whether it constitutes a complete machine.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are mounted optical elements. Mounted means multiple optical elements are combined together, or optical elements are assembled with mechanical structures, but do not yet constitute a complete instrument with an independent function. Second, confirm whether they are objectives. Objectives are lens systems used for cameras, projectors, etc., classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19. If they are not objectives, they are classified under 9002.90. Finally, confirm whether they constitute a complete machine. If they already constitute a complete camera, LiDAR, etc., they should be classified under headings such as 8525 and 9013. Therefore, 900290 applies to optical assemblies that are mounted but do not constitute a complete machine and are not objectives. 900190 Unmounted optical elements: 900190 covers unmounted optical elements, such as unassembled lenses and prisms. If the optical elements are mounted, they should be classified under 9002. The core difference is whether they are mounted. 900211 Objectives for cameras, projectors: 900211 specifically refers to objectives used for cameras and projectors. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is an objective and used for a camera, it may be classified under this code. However, vehicle camera lens modules are usually mounted assemblies; if they constitute objectives, they should be classified under 900211. 900219 Other objectives: 900219 covers objectives for other uses, such as microscope objectives. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is an objective but not for cameras, it may be classified under this code. However, note that objectives usually have specific optical designs. 852589 Other television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: 852589 covers complete cameras. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly already constitutes a complete camera, it should be classified under 8525. The difference lies in whether it constitutes a complete machine. 901380 Other liquid crystal devices and optical instruments: 901380 covers optical instruments such as liquid crystal devices. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is a complete LiDAR unit, etc., it may be classified under 9013. The difference lies in whether it constitutes a complete machine and its function. Is it mounted? If unmounted, classify under 9001. Is it an objective? Objectives are classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19. Does it constitute a complete machine? Complete machines are classified under 8525 or 9013, etc. Is it specially used for vehicles? Confirm whether other chapters are involved. Are the material and use clearly described?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are mounted optical elements. Mounted means multiple optical elements are combined together, or optical elements are assembled with mechanical structures, but do not yet constitute a complete instrument with an independent function. Second, confirm whether they are objectives. Objectives are lens systems used for cameras, projectors, etc., classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19. If they are not objectives, they are classified under 9002.90. Finally, confirm whether they constitute a complete machine. If they already constitute a complete camera, LiDAR, etc., they should be classified under headings such as 8525 and 9013. Therefore, 900290 applies to optical assemblies that are mounted but do not constitute a complete machine and are not objectives.
Confused Codes:
900190 - Unmounted optical elements
900190 covers unmounted optical elements, such as unassembled lenses and prisms. If the optical elements are mounted, they should be classified under 9002. The core difference is whether they are mounted.
900211 - Objectives for cameras, projectors
900211 specifically refers to objectives used for cameras and projectors. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is an objective and used for a camera, it may be classified under this code. However, vehicle camera lens modules are usually mounted assemblies; if they constitute objectives, they should be classified under 900211.
900219 - Other objectives
900219 covers objectives for other uses, such as microscope objectives. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is an objective but not for cameras, it may be classified under this code. However, note that objectives usually have specific optical designs.
852589 - Other television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders
852589 covers complete cameras. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly already constitutes a complete camera, it should be classified under 8525. The difference lies in whether it constitutes a complete machine.
901380 - Other liquid crystal devices and optical instruments
901380 covers optical instruments such as liquid crystal devices. If a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is a complete LiDAR unit, etc., it may be classified under 9013. The difference lies in whether it constitutes a complete machine and its function.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it mounted? If unmounted, classify under 9001.
✓ Is it an objective? Objectives are classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19.
✓ Does it constitute a complete machine? Complete machines are classified under 8525 or 9013, etc.
✓ Is it specially used for vehicles? Confirm whether other chapters are involved.
✓ Are the material and use clearly described?
❓ FAQ
What declaration elements are required for classifying vehicle-mounted optical assemblies under 900290? Product name, brand, model, material, use, working principle, whether mounted, and whether constituting a complete machine are required. Among these, "whether mounted" and "whether constituting a complete machine" are key and directly affect classification. It is recommended to attach product instructions or structural drawings for customs review. How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is classified under 900290 or 900190? The core difference is whether it is mounted. If the optical elements have been assembled into an assembly through mechanical structures, classify under 9002; if they are only individual unmounted elements, classify under 9001. For example, a single vehicle lens element is classified under 900190, while a lens module is classified under 900290. Should a vehicle camera lens module be classified under 900290 or 852589? If the lens module contains only optical elements and a lens barrel, without an image sensor and circuit board, classify under 900290. If it already contains an image sensor, circuit board, etc., and constitutes a complete camera, classify under 852589. The judgment should be based on the actual composition of the product. Are LiDAR optical components classified under 900290? If LiDAR optical components (such as lenses and mirrors) are mounted but do not constitute a complete machine, they are classified under 900290. If they already constitute a complete LiDAR unit, they should be classified under 901380 or 903149. The judgment should be based on whether they include a laser transmitter, receiver, etc. What is the export tax rebate rate for 900290? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policies and is not fixed. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs, or use a professional tariff query tool. Generally, the rebate rate for optical elements is relatively high, but actual query results shall prevail. How should the brand and model be filled in during declaration? For the brand, fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." For the model, fill in the product's unique identification code, such as "SY-2025A." If the model is complex, an explanatory note may be attached. The brand and model must be consistent with the actual product to avoid false declaration. Do imported vehicle-mounted optical assemblies require 3C certification? 3C certification applies to specific products; for example, complete cameras may require 3C. Optical assemblies generally do not require 3C, but it is necessary to confirm whether they fall within the catalog. It is recommended to consult a professional institution or customs to avoid delays in customs clearance due to certification issues. If an optical assembly can be used both in vehicles and in other fields, how should it be classified? Classification is based on actual use. If it is mainly designed for vehicle use, classify it as vehicle-mounted. If it is general-purpose, classify it as other optical assemblies under 900290. During declaration, a statement of use should be provided, and design drawings or contracts should be provided if necessary.
Q: What declaration elements are required for classifying vehicle-mounted optical assemblies under 900290?
A: Product name, brand, model, material, use, working principle, whether mounted, and whether constituting a complete machine are required. Among these, "whether mounted" and "whether constituting a complete machine" are key and directly affect classification. It is recommended to attach product instructions or structural drawings for customs review.
Q: How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted optical assembly is classified under 900290 or 900190?
A: The core difference is whether it is mounted. If the optical elements have been assembled into an assembly through mechanical structures, classify under 9002; if they are only individual unmounted elements, classify under 9001. For example, a single vehicle lens element is classified under 900190, while a lens module is classified under 900290.
Q: Should a vehicle camera lens module be classified under 900290 or 852589?
A: If the lens module contains only optical elements and a lens barrel, without an image sensor and circuit board, classify under 900290. If it already contains an image sensor, circuit board, etc., and constitutes a complete camera, classify under 852589. The judgment should be based on the actual composition of the product.
Q: Are LiDAR optical components classified under 900290?
A: If LiDAR optical components (such as lenses and mirrors) are mounted but do not constitute a complete machine, they are classified under 900290. If they already constitute a complete LiDAR unit, they should be classified under 901380 or 903149. The judgment should be based on whether they include a laser transmitter, receiver, etc.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 900290?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted with national policies and is not fixed. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the official website of the State Taxation Administration or the General Administration of Customs, or use a professional tariff query tool. Generally, the rebate rate for optical elements is relatively high, but actual query results shall prevail.
Q: How should the brand and model be filled in during declaration?
A: For the brand, fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." For the model, fill in the product's unique identification code, such as "SY-2025A." If the model is complex, an explanatory note may be attached. The brand and model must be consistent with the actual product to avoid false declaration.
Q: Do imported vehicle-mounted optical assemblies require 3C certification?
A: 3C certification applies to specific products; for example, complete cameras may require 3C. Optical assemblies generally do not require 3C, but it is necessary to confirm whether they fall within the catalog. It is recommended to consult a professional institution or customs to avoid delays in customs clearance due to certification issues.
Q: If an optical assembly can be used both in vehicles and in other fields, how should it be classified?
A: Classification is based on actual use. If it is mainly designed for vehicle use, classify it as vehicle-mounted. If it is general-purpose, classify it as other optical assemblies under 900290. During declaration, a statement of use should be provided, and design drawings or contracts should be provided if necessary.
⚠️ 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.