HS Code: 900659
Other vehicle-mounted cameras
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📋 Code Structure

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 eyeglasses and cameras to medical equipment and measuring instruments, with core characteristics of being technology-intensive and precision-manufactured, and mostly used for professional or industrial purposes. As an optical imaging device, a vehicle-mounted camera falls within the photographic and cinematographic equipment category 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 still image cameras, such as digital cameras, film cameras, single-use cameras, and special-purpose cameras (such as vehicle-mounted cameras, surveillance cameras, etc.). Under this heading, further subdivision is made according to use, structure, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 900659 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 9006 (photographic cameras and flashlight apparatus); digits 5-6 "59" represent the subheading. Under 9006, "9006.5" covers other cameras (non-digital, non-instant, etc.), and further "9006.59" covers other vehicle-mounted cameras. Specific hierarchy: Chapter (90) → Heading (9006) → Subheading (9006.59). The 5th digit "5" indicates "other cameras," and the 6th digit "9" indicates "other," i.e., vehicle-mounted cameras not elsewhere specified.
Classification Basis
This product is a vehicle-mounted camera, which is a type of photographic camera, and is not a digital camera (digital cameras are classified under 9006.30 or 9006.40, etc.), nor is it an instant camera, so it is classified under 9006.59 "other." It is not classified under 8525 (television cameras, etc.) because it is mainly used for still image capture; it is not classified under 8512 (vehicle lighting or signaling equipment) because its core function is image capture rather than lighting or signaling.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be described in detail, such as "vehicle-mounted reversing camera," "vehicle-mounted dashcam camera," etc., avoiding the generic term "camera."
⚠️ Only writing "camera" or "vehicle-mounted camera" without distinguishing the specific use and type.
Use
Describe the usage scenario of the camera, such as reversing assistance, driving recording, surround view system, etc., which helps with classification.
⚠️ Filling in "for automobile use" is too broad and does not specify the specific function.
Brand
Declare the brand name (such as Bosch, Valeo, etc.); if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it.
Model
Specific model or part number used to identify the product.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or incorrectly.
Whether digital
Declare whether the camera is a digital camera; digital cameras should be classified under other subheadings.
⚠️ Mistakenly classifying a digital vehicle-mounted camera under this code.
Pixels/Resolution
Required for digital cameras, but this code is usually for non-digital cameras; if digital, attention must be paid to classification.
⚠️ Ignoring this element leads to classification errors.
Brand type
Fill in the brand type according to customs requirements, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic brand," etc.
⚠️ Failing to fill in the brand type according to specifications.
Export benefit status
If export preferences are involved, relevant information must be filled in.
⚠️ Ignoring this element affects tariff preferences.
Example:
Product name: vehicle-mounted reversing camera; Use: used in automobile reversing image system; Brand: Bosch; Model: BOSCH-1234; Whether digital: non-digital; Pixels/Resolution: none; Brand type: foreign brand (OEM production); Export benefit status: no benefit.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the product function is still image capture; 2. Whether it is used for vehicles; 3. Whether it is a digital camera; 4. Whether it is a television camera (classified under 8525). This code applies to non-digital vehicle-mounted still image cameras. If digital, it is classified under 9006.30 or 9006.40 depending on whether it is detachable, etc. If it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525.
Confused Codes:
900630 - Digital cameras
Digital cameras have digital image output and are classified under 9006.30; this code is for non-digital cameras, usually analog signal or film.
900640 - Instant cameras
Instant cameras can immediately print photos; cameras under this code do not have this function.
852589 - Other television cameras
Television cameras are used for dynamic video capture and are classified under 8525; cameras under this code are for still image capture.
851220 - Vehicle lighting or signaling equipment
This code covers lighting or signaling equipment, such as vehicle lights; this code is for cameras, with a different function.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Which HS code should a vehicle-mounted camera be classified under?
A: Vehicle-mounted cameras are usually classified under 9006.59, but it must be confirmed whether it is a digital camera. Digital vehicle-mounted cameras should be classified under 9006.30 or 9006.40. If it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525.
Q: How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera is digital or non-digital?
A: Digital cameras convert optical signals into digital signals through an image sensor and usually have pixel parameters; non-digital cameras use film or analog signals and have no concept of pixels. Product specifications can be checked during customs declaration.
Q: What is the difference in classification between a vehicle-mounted reversing camera and a dashcam camera?
A: If both are for still image capture and are non-digital, both are classified under 9006.59. However, if a dashcam continuously records video, it may be regarded as a television camera and classified under 8525.
Q: How should the "Use" column be filled in during declaration?
A: It should be filled in specifically, such as "reversing assistance," "surround view system," "driving recording," etc., avoiding the broad term "for automobile use," so that customs can classify accurately.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted camera is digital but used for reversing, where is it classified?
A: Digital cameras are generally classified as digital cameras regardless of use, under 9006.30 or 9006.40. If it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525.
Q: How are 9006.59 and 8525.89 distinguished?
A: 9006.59 is for still image cameras, and 8525.89 is for television cameras (dynamic video). The key is whether the product takes single photos or continuous video.
Q: What certifications are required for importing vehicle-mounted cameras?
A: They may need to comply with vehicle safety regulations, such as ECE certification, but the HS code itself does not determine certification requirements. Specific requirements should be consulted with relevant authorities.
Q: How can one inquire about the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted cameras?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and may change. It is recommended to check the importing country's customs official website or use an official tariff database to inquire about the latest tariff rate based on HS code 900659.
⚠️ 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.