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, ranging from spectacles and cameras to medical equipment and measuring instruments. The core characteristic is that these goods are generally precision, technical, and used for specific professional or consumer purposes. Within the chapter, they are divided by function into multiple headings, such as 9006 for cameras, 9018 for medical instruments, etc. Heading 9006 covers photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. It includes various types of still image cameras, such as SLR, mirrorless, digital cameras, film cameras, etc., as well as flashlight apparatus. However, cinematographic cameras are classified under 9007, and certain parts of digital cameras may be classified under other headings. First 2 digits 90: Chapter 90, optical, photographic, medical and other instruments and apparatus. Digits 3-4: 06: heading 9006, specifically photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs. Digits 5-6: 40: subheading 900640, further subdivided under heading 9006, referring to vehicle-mounted film cameras. This subheading may cover film cameras specially designed for installation and use on vehicles, typically featuring shock resistance, mounting devices, and similar characteristics. This product is a vehicle-mounted film camera, which is a type of photographic camera and uses film rather than digital imaging, so it is classified under 9006 rather than 9007 (cinematographic cameras) or 9008 (projectors, etc.). Its vehicle-mounted use may distinguish it from ordinary film cameras, but HS code 900640 explicitly covers vehicle-mounted film cameras, so it is preferentially classified under this subheading.
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, ranging from spectacles and cameras to medical equipment and measuring instruments. The core characteristic is that these goods are generally precision, technical, and used for specific professional or consumer purposes. Within the chapter, they are divided by function into multiple headings, such as 9006 for cameras, 9018 for medical instruments, etc.
Heading
Heading 9006 covers photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. It includes various types of still image cameras, such as SLR, mirrorless, digital cameras, film cameras, etc., as well as flashlight apparatus. However, cinematographic cameras are classified under 9007, and certain parts of digital cameras may be classified under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: Chapter 90, optical, photographic, medical and other instruments and apparatus. Digits 3-4: 06: heading 9006, specifically photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs. Digits 5-6: 40: subheading 900640, further subdivided under heading 9006, referring to vehicle-mounted film cameras. This subheading may cover film cameras specially designed for installation and use on vehicles, typically featuring shock resistance, mounting devices, and similar characteristics.
Classification Basis
This product is a vehicle-mounted film camera, which is a type of photographic camera and uses film rather than digital imaging, so it is classified under 9006 rather than 9007 (cinematographic cameras) or 9008 (projectors, etc.). Its vehicle-mounted use may distinguish it from ordinary film cameras, but HS code 900640 explicitly covers vehicle-mounted film cameras, so it is preferentially classified under this subheading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted film camera". Purpose: Explain the specific purpose of the camera, such as "installed on an automobile for driving recording or scenery photography". Brand: Fill in the brand name of the camera, such as "Canon", "Nikon", etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model of the camera, such as "ABC-123". Film Specification: Explain the type and size of film used, such as "35mm film". Autofocus: Indicate whether the camera has an autofocus function; fill in "Yes" or "No". Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)", "domestic brand", etc. Export Preference Status: If export preferences are involved, fill in "enjoy" or "not enjoy", and specify the agreement name. Product Name: vehicle-mounted film camera; Purpose: installed on an automobile for driving recording; Brand: Canon; Model: EOS-1V; Film Specification: 35mm; Autofocus: Yes; Brand Type: foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: not enjoy. Failure to specify the "film" type, incorrectly classified under a digital camera subheading. Unclear purpose entry, without emphasizing vehicle-mounted dedicated use, which may affect classification. Brand and model inconsistent with the actual product, leading to inaccurate declaration.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted film camera".
⚠️ Writing only "camera" or "vehicle-mounted camera" without specifying the film type.
Purpose
Explain the specific purpose of the camera, such as "installed on an automobile for driving recording or scenery photography".
⚠️ Writing generally "photography" without specifying the vehicle-mounted purpose.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the camera, such as "Canon", "Nikon", etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Brand spelling errors or inconsistency with the actual product.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the camera, such as "ABC-123".
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Film Specification
Explain the type and size of film used, such as "35mm film".
⚠️ Failure to specify the film specification or incorrectly stating it as digital.
Autofocus
Indicate whether the camera has an autofocus function; fill in "Yes" or "No".
⚠️ Failure to fill in or incorrect entry.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)", "domestic brand", etc.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of brand type, leading to classification or valuation issues.
Export Preference Status
If export preferences are involved, fill in "enjoy" or "not enjoy", and specify the agreement name.
⚠️ Ignoring this item, resulting in inability to enjoy preferences.
Example： Product Name: vehicle-mounted film camera; Purpose: installed on an automobile for driving recording; Brand: Canon; Model: EOS-1V; Film Specification: 35mm; Autofocus: Yes; Brand Type: foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: not enjoy.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to specify the "film" type, incorrectly classified under a digital camera subheading.
Unclear purpose entry, without emphasizing vehicle-mounted dedicated use, which may affect classification.
Brand and model inconsistent with the actual product, leading to inaccurate declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. whether the product is a photographic camera; 2. whether it uses film; 3. whether it is specially designed for vehicles. According to HS notes, 9006 includes various cameras, and 900640 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted film cameras. If it is a digital camera, it should be classified under other subheadings of 9006; if it is a cinematographic camera, it should be classified under 9007. Vehicle-mounted use is the key distinguishing point, and design proof is required. 900630 Film cameras for underwater, aerial, medical or surgical use: Film cameras used in special environments such as underwater or aerial, not for vehicle-mounted use. 900651 Digital camera (SLR): Digital imaging, using sensors rather than film, classified under other subheadings of 9006. 900659 Other digital cameras: Other types of digital cameras, also not film-based. 900710 Cinematographic cameras: Cameras used for shooting continuous motion picture images, classified under 9007. Confirm that the camera uses film rather than a digital sensor. Confirm that the camera is specially designed for vehicle installation. Verify that the brand and model match the actual product. Check whether it has vehicle-mounted mounting devices or shock-resistant functions. Confirm that the film specification is consistent with the declaration.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. whether the product is a photographic camera; 2. whether it uses film; 3. whether it is specially designed for vehicles. According to HS notes, 9006 includes various cameras, and 900640 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted film cameras. If it is a digital camera, it should be classified under other subheadings of 9006; if it is a cinematographic camera, it should be classified under 9007. Vehicle-mounted use is the key distinguishing point, and design proof is required.
Confused Codes：
900630 - Film cameras for underwater, aerial, medical or surgical use
Film cameras used in special environments such as underwater or aerial, not for vehicle-mounted use.
900651 - Digital camera (SLR)
Digital imaging, using sensors rather than film, classified under other subheadings of 9006.
900659 - Other digital cameras
Other types of digital cameras, also not film-based.
900710 - Cinematographic cameras
Cameras used for shooting continuous motion picture images, classified under 9007.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the camera uses film rather than a digital sensor.
✓ Confirm that the camera is specially designed for vehicle installation.
✓ Verify that the brand and model match the actual product.
✓ Check whether it has vehicle-mounted mounting devices or shock-resistant functions.
✓ Confirm that the film specification is consistent with the declaration.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted film cameras and ordinary film cameras? Vehicle-mounted film cameras are classified under 900640, while ordinary film cameras may be classified under other subheadings such as 900630 or 900659. The main difference is that vehicle-mounted cameras are specially designed for vehicles, with shock resistance, mounting devices, and similar characteristics, and the subheading explicitly lists them. How can one determine whether a camera belongs to vehicle-mounted film cameras? The main consideration is whether it is specially designed for vehicle use, such as having a vehicle mount, shock-resistant function, or an instruction manual clearly stating vehicle-mounted use. If it is merely an ordinary camera with an added mount, it may still be classified as an ordinary camera. What are the consequences of filling in the film specification incorrectly during declaration? It may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. If discovered by customs, it may require amendment of the declaration, payment of additional duties, or even penalties. Therefore, it must be filled in accurately. What regulatory documents are required for exporting vehicle-mounted film cameras? Usually, exporting cameras does not require special regulatory documents, but if brand authorization or export control is involved, corresponding certificates must be provided. For specifics, consult the General Administration of Customs or a customs broker. If a camera has both digital and film functions, how should it be classified? According to the General Rules for HS classification, it should be classified according to its primary function. If digital is primary, classify under the digital camera subheading; if film is primary, classify under the film camera subheading. Technical documentation is required. How can the tax rate for HS code 900640 be checked? The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a customs broker. Tax rates may change, and it is recommended to rely on the rate at the time of declaration. What should be noted when importing vehicle-mounted film cameras? Pay attention to complete declaration elements, especially brand, model, film specification, and purpose. If it is an old camera, inspection and quarantine may be involved. It is recommended to prepare relevant explanatory documents in advance. If the camera is second-hand or refurbished, is the HS code the same? HS codes are mainly classified according to product function; new or old does not affect the code, but may affect tax rates and regulatory conditions. Second-hand cameras may involve regulations on imported used mechanical and electrical products, which need to be confirmed in advance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted film cameras and ordinary film cameras?
A: Vehicle-mounted film cameras are classified under 900640, while ordinary film cameras may be classified under other subheadings such as 900630 or 900659. The main difference is that vehicle-mounted cameras are specially designed for vehicles, with shock resistance, mounting devices, and similar characteristics, and the subheading explicitly lists them.
Q: How can one determine whether a camera belongs to vehicle-mounted film cameras?
A: The main consideration is whether it is specially designed for vehicle use, such as having a vehicle mount, shock-resistant function, or an instruction manual clearly stating vehicle-mounted use. If it is merely an ordinary camera with an added mount, it may still be classified as an ordinary camera.
Q: What are the consequences of filling in the film specification incorrectly during declaration?
A: It may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. If discovered by customs, it may require amendment of the declaration, payment of additional duties, or even penalties. Therefore, it must be filled in accurately.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for exporting vehicle-mounted film cameras?
A: Usually, exporting cameras does not require special regulatory documents, but if brand authorization or export control is involved, corresponding certificates must be provided. For specifics, consult the General Administration of Customs or a customs broker.
Q: If a camera has both digital and film functions, how should it be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for HS classification, it should be classified according to its primary function. If digital is primary, classify under the digital camera subheading; if film is primary, classify under the film camera subheading. Technical documentation is required.
Q: How can the tax rate for HS code 900640 be checked?
A: The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a customs broker. Tax rates may change, and it is recommended to rely on the rate at the time of declaration.
Q: What should be noted when importing vehicle-mounted film cameras?
A: Pay attention to complete declaration elements, especially brand, model, film specification, and purpose. If it is an old camera, inspection and quarantine may be involved. It is recommended to prepare relevant explanatory documents in advance.
Q: If the camera is second-hand or refurbished, is the HS code the same?
A: HS codes are mainly classified according to product function; new or old does not affect the code, but may affect tax rates and regulatory conditions. Second-hand cameras may involve regulations on imported used mechanical and electrical products, which need to be confirmed in advance.
⚠️ 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.