Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter generally have high precision and high-tech characteristics, involving physical principles such as optics, electricity, and magnetism, and are used for purposes such as measurement, observation, recording, detection, or medical treatment. Vehicle-mounted miniature cameras, as optical recording devices, fall within the scope of this chapter. 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 cameras, such as digital cameras, film cameras, instant cameras, etc., as well as cameras for special purposes, such as vehicle-mounted cameras, surveillance cameras, etc. Code 900653: The first 2 digits 90 = Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment); digits 3-4 06 = heading 9006 (photographic cameras and flashlight apparatus); digits 5-6 53 = subheading 9006.53, specifically: vehicle-mounted miniature cameras for recording or reproducing images (usually referring to dashcams, etc.). This subheading was newly added in the 2017 version of the HS, specifically for vehicle-mounted cameras. Vehicle-mounted miniature cameras are used on vehicles to record images, meeting the definition of 'photographic cameras' under heading 9006, and their designed use is for vehicles, so they are classified under subheading 9006.53. They are not classified under 8525 (television cameras) because their main function is photography rather than video transmission; they are not classified under 8517 (communication equipment) because they do not have communication functions.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods of this chapter generally have high precision and high-tech characteristics, involving physical principles such as optics, electricity, and magnetism, and are used for purposes such as measurement, observation, recording, detection, or medical treatment. Vehicle-mounted miniature cameras, as optical recording devices, fall within the scope of this chapter.
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 cameras, such as digital cameras, film cameras, instant cameras, etc., as well as cameras for special purposes, such as vehicle-mounted cameras, surveillance cameras, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 900653: The first 2 digits 90 = Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment); digits 3-4 06 = heading 9006 (photographic cameras and flashlight apparatus); digits 5-6 53 = subheading 9006.53, specifically: vehicle-mounted miniature cameras for recording or reproducing images (usually referring to dashcams, etc.). This subheading was newly added in the 2017 version of the HS, specifically for vehicle-mounted cameras.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted miniature cameras are used on vehicles to record images, meeting the definition of 'photographic cameras' under heading 9006, and their designed use is for vehicles, so they are classified under subheading 9006.53. They are not classified under 8525 (television cameras) because their main function is photography rather than video transmission; they are not classified under 8517 (communication equipment) because they do not have communication functions.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the characteristics of the commodity, such as 'vehicle-mounted miniature camera', 'dashcam', etc. Brand: Fill in the brand of the camera; if there is no brand, fill in 'unbranded'. Model: Fill in the specific model of the camera to distinguish different products of the same brand. Use: Explain the use of the camera, such as 'vehicle travel recording', 'vehicle-mounted surveillance', etc. Is it digital: Declare whether the camera is a digital camera; if yes, fill in 'yes', otherwise 'no'. Pixels: Fill in the maximum pixel count of the camera, such as '2 million pixels'. Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production)', 'domestic brand', etc. Export Preference Status: If preferential treatment under free trade agreements, etc. applies, fill in 'export preference status'; otherwise fill in 'no preference'. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted miniature camera; Brand: XX; Model: ABC-123; Use: Vehicle travel recording; Is it digital: Yes; Pixels: 2 million; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: No preference. Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted cameras under 8525 (television cameras) due to similar functions but different principles. Ignoring the key use of 'vehicle-mounted', leading to classification under other camera subheadings. Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing pixels or brand type, affecting customs clearance.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the characteristics of the commodity, such as 'vehicle-mounted miniature camera', 'dashcam', etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'webcam', 'surveillance equipment', etc., leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the camera; if there is no brand, fill in 'unbranded'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the camera to distinguish different products of the same brand.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry, leading to customs questioning.
Use
Explain the use of the camera, such as 'vehicle travel recording', 'vehicle-mounted surveillance', etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'image recording', without reflecting vehicle-mounted characteristics.
Is it digital
Declare whether the camera is a digital camera; if yes, fill in 'yes', otherwise 'no'.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring a digital camera as a film camera, or vice versa.
Pixels
Fill in the maximum pixel count of the camera, such as '2 million pixels'.
⚠️ Incorrect pixel unit or missing entry.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production)', 'domestic brand', etc.
⚠️ Incorrect brand type selection, affecting tax administration.
Export Preference Status
If preferential treatment under free trade agreements, etc. applies, fill in 'export preference status'; otherwise fill in 'no preference'.
⚠️ Omission or incorrect entry, resulting in inability to enjoy preferences.
Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted cameras under 8525 (television cameras) due to similar functions but different principles.
Ignoring the key use of 'vehicle-mounted', leading to classification under other camera subheadings.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing pixels or brand type, affecting customs clearance.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. The product functions as a camera and can capture still images; 2. It is designed for use on vehicles, usually installed inside or outside the vehicle; 3. Miniaturized design for easy vehicle-mounted installation; 4. It does not include communication modules or television signal transmission functions. If the above conditions are met, it is classified under 9006.53. 8525.80 Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: 8525.80 covers television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders, but 9006.53 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted miniature cameras. The difference is that cameras under 8525.80 are generally used for broadcasting or general videography, while cameras under 9006.53 are specifically designed for vehicles and may have dashcam functions. 9006.59 Other cameras: 9006.59 covers other cameras not elsewhere specified, such as ordinary digital cameras. However, 9006.53 specifically refers to miniature cameras for vehicles, with different use and design. If the camera is not for vehicles, it is classified under 9006.59. 8517.62 Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of data: 8517.62 includes communication equipment; for example, dashcams with wireless communication functions may be mistakenly classified here. However, 9006.53 only covers photographic functions and does not include communication modules. 8708.29 Body parts for motor vehicles: 8708.29 covers vehicle parts, but cameras are independent devices and are not structural parts of vehicles. If the camera is integrated with the vehicle design, it may be classified as a part, but usually it is classified as a camera. Is the camera mainly used for capturing still images? Is it specifically designed or installed for vehicles? Does it have communication or television signal transmission functions? Is it a structural part of the vehicle? Is it miniaturized for easy vehicle-mounted installation?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. The product functions as a camera and can capture still images; 2. It is designed for use on vehicles, usually installed inside or outside the vehicle; 3. Miniaturized design for easy vehicle-mounted installation; 4. It does not include communication modules or television signal transmission functions. If the above conditions are met, it is classified under 9006.53.
Confused Codes：
8525.80 - Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders
8525.80 covers television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders, but 9006.53 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted miniature cameras. The difference is that cameras under 8525.80 are generally used for broadcasting or general videography, while cameras under 9006.53 are specifically designed for vehicles and may have dashcam functions.
9006.59 - Other cameras
9006.59 covers other cameras not elsewhere specified, such as ordinary digital cameras. However, 9006.53 specifically refers to miniature cameras for vehicles, with different use and design. If the camera is not for vehicles, it is classified under 9006.59.
8517.62 - Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of data
8517.62 includes communication equipment; for example, dashcams with wireless communication functions may be mistakenly classified here. However, 9006.53 only covers photographic functions and does not include communication modules.
8708.29 - Body parts for motor vehicles
8708.29 covers vehicle parts, but cameras are independent devices and are not structural parts of vehicles. If the camera is integrated with the vehicle design, it may be classified as a part, but usually it is classified as a camera.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the camera mainly used for capturing still images?
✓ Is it specifically designed or installed for vehicles?
✓ Does it have communication or television signal transmission functions?
✓ Is it a structural part of the vehicle?
✓ Is it miniaturized for easy vehicle-mounted installation?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted miniature cameras and dashcams? Dashcams usually have loop recording functions and may be classified under 8525.80 (video camera recorders), while vehicle-mounted miniature cameras, if their main function is photography, are classified under 9006.53. However, if a dashcam also has photography functions, it should be determined based on the main function. It is recommended to determine based on the actual product functions and customs rulings. How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera should be classified under 9006.53? Key points: 1. Is it used for vehicles; 2. Is it miniaturized design; 3. Is its main function photography. If yes, it is classified under 9006.53. If it has video recording functions and that is the main function, it may be classified under 8525.80. Is the pixel parameter required for declaration? Yes, pixels are an important parameter of the camera and affect classification and price review. The maximum pixel count should be provided during declaration, such as '2 million pixels'. If it cannot be provided, it may lead to customs questioning. If the vehicle-mounted camera has Wi-Fi function, will it affect classification? It may. If Wi-Fi is used for image transmission and is one of the main functions, it may be regarded as communication equipment and classified under 8517.62. However, if Wi-Fi is only an auxiliary function and the main function is still photography, it remains classified under 9006.53. It is recommended to determine based on the main function. What is the export tax rebate rate for 9006.53? The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult customs. Usually, it can be obtained through the 'China Customs Export Tax Rebate Rate Inquiry' system. How much tariff is required to import vehicle-mounted cameras from the United States? The tariff depends on the origin, trade agreements, and current rates. During the US-China trade war, additional tariffs may apply. It is recommended to check the latest tariff schedule of China Customs or use free trade agreement preferences. The specific rate is subject to customs assessment. When classifying vehicle-mounted cameras, is a test report required? Usually not required, but if customs has doubts about the product functions, it may require manuals, test reports, etc. to prove its photographic function and vehicle-mounted use. It is recommended to keep relevant technical materials. If a vehicle-mounted camera has both photography and video recording functions, how should it be classified? Classify according to the main function. If the main function is photography, classify under 9006.53; if the main function is video recording, classify under 8525.80. If it cannot be distinguished, refer to customs classification decisions or apply for advance classification.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted miniature cameras and dashcams?
A: Dashcams usually have loop recording functions and may be classified under 8525.80 (video camera recorders), while vehicle-mounted miniature cameras, if their main function is photography, are classified under 9006.53. However, if a dashcam also has photography functions, it should be determined based on the main function. It is recommended to determine based on the actual product functions and customs rulings.
Q: How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera should be classified under 9006.53?
A: Key points: 1. Is it used for vehicles; 2. Is it miniaturized design; 3. Is its main function photography. If yes, it is classified under 9006.53. If it has video recording functions and that is the main function, it may be classified under 8525.80.
Q: Is the pixel parameter required for declaration?
A: Yes, pixels are an important parameter of the camera and affect classification and price review. The maximum pixel count should be provided during declaration, such as '2 million pixels'. If it cannot be provided, it may lead to customs questioning.
Q: If the vehicle-mounted camera has Wi-Fi function, will it affect classification?
A: It may. If Wi-Fi is used for image transmission and is one of the main functions, it may be regarded as communication equipment and classified under 8517.62. However, if Wi-Fi is only an auxiliary function and the main function is still photography, it remains classified under 9006.53. It is recommended to determine based on the main function.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 9006.53?
A: The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult customs. Usually, it can be obtained through the 'China Customs Export Tax Rebate Rate Inquiry' system.
Q: How much tariff is required to import vehicle-mounted cameras from the United States?
A: The tariff depends on the origin, trade agreements, and current rates. During the US-China trade war, additional tariffs may apply. It is recommended to check the latest tariff schedule of China Customs or use free trade agreement preferences. The specific rate is subject to customs assessment.
Q: When classifying vehicle-mounted cameras, is a test report required?
A: Usually not required, but if customs has doubts about the product functions, it may require manuals, test reports, etc. to prove its photographic function and vehicle-mounted use. It is recommended to keep relevant technical materials.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted camera has both photography and video recording functions, how should it be classified?
A: Classify according to the main function. If the main function is photography, classify under 9006.53; if the main function is video recording, classify under 8525.80. If it cannot be distinguished, refer to customs classification decisions or apply for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.