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 usually precision, technical products used in specific professional or consumer fields. Chapter notes exclude certain goods, such as game machines and ordinary lighting equipment. For parts, it must be determined whether they are dedicated to a particular heading of this chapter; otherwise, they may be classified in other chapters. Heading 9006 covers photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs, other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. Specifically, it includes: non-cinematographic cameras, digital cameras, single-use cameras, and parts and accessories specially designed for these cameras. However, it excludes cinematographic cameras (heading 9007), certain electronic components of digital cameras (which may be classified in Chapter 85), and general-purpose camera parts (such as screws, springs, etc.). Parts under this heading must be dedicated to photographic cameras and must not in themselves constitute complete goods of another heading. The first 2 digits = 90, representing Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment). Digits 3-4 = 06, representing heading 9006 (photographic cameras; photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs). Digits 5-6 = 91, representing subheading 9006.91, namely the "other" subheading under "parts and accessories." In fact, heading 9006 is divided into: 9006.10 (cameras for preparing printing plates), 9006.30 (special cameras for underwater, aerial, etc. use), 9006.40 (instant-print cameras), 9006.51 to 9006.59 (other cameras, classified by use or type), and 9006.91 (parts and accessories). Therefore, 900691 specifically refers to parts and accessories of photographic cameras, but does not include parts more specifically named elsewhere (for example, could subheadings before 9006.91 target parts of specific types of cameras? In fact, 9006.91 is the only subheading for parts and accessories, covering all camera parts). Thus, vehicle camera parts, as parts of photographic cameras, are classified under 9006.91. A vehicle camera is a type of photographic camera, and its dedicated parts (such as lenses, housings, brackets, etc.) should be classified as camera parts. It is not classified under 9007 (cinematographic cameras) because vehicle cameras are generally not cinematographic cameras; it is not classified under 8525 (television cameras) because vehicle cameras may be used to record images rather than transmit television signals; it is not classified under 8708 (motor vehicle parts) because a vehicle camera is an independent optical device, and its parts are not general-purpose motor vehicle parts, and the notes to 8708 exclude optical equipment. Therefore, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it is classified under 9006.91.
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 usually precision, technical products used in specific professional or consumer fields. Chapter notes exclude certain goods, such as game machines and ordinary lighting equipment. For parts, it must be determined whether they are dedicated to a particular heading of this chapter; otherwise, they may be classified in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 9006 covers photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs, other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. Specifically, it includes: non-cinematographic cameras, digital cameras, single-use cameras, and parts and accessories specially designed for these cameras. However, it excludes cinematographic cameras (heading 9007), certain electronic components of digital cameras (which may be classified in Chapter 85), and general-purpose camera parts (such as screws, springs, etc.). Parts under this heading must be dedicated to photographic cameras and must not in themselves constitute complete goods of another heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits = 90, representing Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment). Digits 3-4 = 06, representing heading 9006 (photographic cameras; photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs). Digits 5-6 = 91, representing subheading 9006.91, namely the "other" subheading under "parts and accessories." In fact, heading 9006 is divided into: 9006.10 (cameras for preparing printing plates), 9006.30 (special cameras for underwater, aerial, etc. use), 9006.40 (instant-print cameras), 9006.51 to 9006.59 (other cameras, classified by use or type), and 9006.91 (parts and accessories). Therefore, 900691 specifically refers to parts and accessories of photographic cameras, but does not include parts more specifically named elsewhere (for example, could subheadings before 9006.91 target parts of specific types of cameras? In fact, 9006.91 is the only subheading for parts and accessories, covering all camera parts). Thus, vehicle camera parts, as parts of photographic cameras, are classified under 9006.91.
Classification Basis
A vehicle camera is a type of photographic camera, and its dedicated parts (such as lenses, housings, brackets, etc.) should be classified as camera parts. It is not classified under 9007 (cinematographic cameras) because vehicle cameras are generally not cinematographic cameras; it is not classified under 8525 (television cameras) because vehicle cameras may be used to record images rather than transmit television signals; it is not classified under 8708 (motor vehicle parts) because a vehicle camera is an independent optical device, and its parts are not general-purpose motor vehicle parts, and the notes to 8708 exclude optical equipment. Therefore, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it is classified under 9006.91.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the function of the part, such as "vehicle camera lens," "vehicle camera housing," etc. Use: Explain that the part is dedicated to a vehicle camera, such as "for a vehicle reversing camera," "for a dashcam," etc. Material: Main material, such as plastic, glass, metal, etc., which affects classification (for example, a lens may be classified under 9002). Brand: Brand name (in Chinese or a foreign language); if there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Part model, used to identify specific specifications. Whether dedicated part: State whether the part is dedicated to a vehicle camera or is a general-purpose part. Applicable camera type: Such as "reversing camera," "dashcam," etc. Whether contains electronic components: If the part contains electronic components (such as a sensor), this must be stated, as it may affect classification. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Vehicle camera lens
Use: For vehicle reversing camera
Material: Glass and plastic
Brand: XXX
Model: ABC-123
Whether dedicated part: Yes
Applicable camera type: Reversing camera
Whether contains electronic components: No
Remarks: This lens is dedicated to a vehicle camera and complies with heading 9006.91. Misclassifying vehicle camera parts under 8708 motor vehicle parts, ignoring their optical equipment nature. Failure to distinguish between dedicated parts and general-purpose parts, leading to incorrect classification under other headings. Classifying parts containing electronic components under 9006.91, but if the electronic components constitute the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 85.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the function of the part, such as "vehicle camera lens," "vehicle camera housing," etc.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "camera parts" without specifying the specific type or use.
Use
Explain that the part is dedicated to a vehicle camera, such as "for a vehicle reversing camera," "for a dashcam," etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the vehicle use, which may lead to misclassification under other headings.
Material
Main material, such as plastic, glass, metal, etc., which affects classification (for example, a lens may be classified under 9002).
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of material, such as declaring a glass lens as plastic.
Brand
Brand name (in Chinese or a foreign language); if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring another brand.
Model
Part model, used to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Incorrect model declaration or inconsistency with the actual item.
Whether dedicated part
State whether the part is dedicated to a vehicle camera or is a general-purpose part.
⚠️ Declaring a general-purpose part (such as a screw) as a dedicated part.
Applicable camera type
Such as "reversing camera," "dashcam," etc.
⚠️ Failure to specify, leading to classification disputes.
Whether contains electronic components
If the part contains electronic components (such as a sensor), this must be stated, as it may affect classification.
⚠️ Concealing electronic components, leading to incorrect classification.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Vehicle camera lens
Use: For vehicle reversing camera
Material: Glass and plastic
Brand: XXX
Model: ABC-123
Whether dedicated part: Yes
Applicable camera type: Reversing camera
Whether contains electronic components: No
Remarks: This lens is dedicated to a vehicle camera and complies with heading 9006.91.
Common Mistakes:
Misclassifying vehicle camera parts under 8708 motor vehicle parts, ignoring their optical equipment nature.
Failure to distinguish between dedicated parts and general-purpose parts, leading to incorrect classification under other headings.
Classifying parts containing electronic components under 9006.91, but if the electronic components constitute the main function, they may be classified under Chapter 85.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1. Is the commodity a camera part? According to the notes to Chapter 90, parts must be dedicated to equipment of this chapter. 2. Does a vehicle camera belong to 9006? A vehicle camera is used to capture images and meets the definition of "photographic camera" under 9006, regardless of whether it is used in a vehicle. 3. Are the parts more specifically named in other headings? For example, if a lens is an optical element, it may be classified under 9002; if it is an electronic component, it may be classified under Chapter 85. 4. Is it a general-purpose part? General-purpose parts (such as screws) are classified according to material. Therefore, dedicated parts for vehicle cameras, if not named in other headings, are classified under 9006.91. 9002 Optical elements: 9002 covers unmounted optical elements (such as lenses, prisms), while 9006.91 covers mounted camera parts. If a lens is mounted and dedicated to a camera, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is an unmounted optical element, it is classified under 9002. 8525 Television cameras, digital cameras, etc.: 8525 covers television cameras, digital cameras, etc., but if a vehicle camera is a digital camera, it may be classified under 8525. But are its parts still classified under 9006.91? In fact, parts of 8525 are classified under 8529. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish whether the vehicle camera is classified under 9006 or 8525. If the vehicle camera is a digital camera, its parts are classified under 8529; if it is a traditional camera, its parts are classified under 9006.91. 8708 Motor vehicle parts: 8708 covers general-purpose motor vehicle parts, but the notes exclude optical equipment. If vehicle camera parts are dedicated to the camera, they are not classified under 8708; if they are general-purpose motor vehicle parts (such as brackets), they may be classified under 8708. 9007 Cinematographic cameras: 9007 covers cinematographic cameras and their parts. If a vehicle camera is used for filming movies, it is classified under 9007; but usually vehicle cameras are used for recording, not cinematography, so they are classified under 9006. 3926 Plastic articles: If vehicle camera parts are plastic articles and do not constitute dedicated parts, they may be classified under 3926. But if they are dedicated to a camera, they are still classified under 9006.91. Are the parts dedicated to vehicle cameras? Are the parts more specifically named in other headings? Do the parts contain electronic components? Is the vehicle camera itself classified under 9006 or 8525? Are the parts general-purpose parts?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1. Is the commodity a camera part? According to the notes to Chapter 90, parts must be dedicated to equipment of this chapter. 2. Does a vehicle camera belong to 9006? A vehicle camera is used to capture images and meets the definition of "photographic camera" under 9006, regardless of whether it is used in a vehicle. 3. Are the parts more specifically named in other headings? For example, if a lens is an optical element, it may be classified under 9002; if it is an electronic component, it may be classified under Chapter 85. 4. Is it a general-purpose part? General-purpose parts (such as screws) are classified according to material. Therefore, dedicated parts for vehicle cameras, if not named in other headings, are classified under 9006.91.
Confused Codes:
9002 - Optical elements
9002 covers unmounted optical elements (such as lenses, prisms), while 9006.91 covers mounted camera parts. If a lens is mounted and dedicated to a camera, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is an unmounted optical element, it is classified under 9002.
8525 - Television cameras, digital cameras, etc.
8525 covers television cameras, digital cameras, etc., but if a vehicle camera is a digital camera, it may be classified under 8525. But are its parts still classified under 9006.91? In fact, parts of 8525 are classified under 8529. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish whether the vehicle camera is classified under 9006 or 8525. If the vehicle camera is a digital camera, its parts are classified under 8529; if it is a traditional camera, its parts are classified under 9006.91.
8708 - Motor vehicle parts
8708 covers general-purpose motor vehicle parts, but the notes exclude optical equipment. If vehicle camera parts are dedicated to the camera, they are not classified under 8708; if they are general-purpose motor vehicle parts (such as brackets), they may be classified under 8708.
9007 - Cinematographic cameras
9007 covers cinematographic cameras and their parts. If a vehicle camera is used for filming movies, it is classified under 9007; but usually vehicle cameras are used for recording, not cinematography, so they are classified under 9006.
3926 - Plastic articles
If vehicle camera parts are plastic articles and do not constitute dedicated parts, they may be classified under 3926. But if they are dedicated to a camera, they are still classified under 9006.91.
Self-Check:
✓ Are the parts dedicated to vehicle cameras?
✓ Are the parts more specifically named in other headings?
✓ Do the parts contain electronic components?
✓ Is the vehicle camera itself classified under 9006 or 8525?
✓ Are the parts general-purpose parts?
❓ FAQ
Which HS code should vehicle camera parts be classified under? Vehicle camera parts are usually classified under HS code 9006.91, namely camera parts. However, it must be confirmed that the part is dedicated to a photographic camera and is not named in other headings. If the part is an electronic component, it may be classified under Chapter 85; if it is a general-purpose part, it is classified according to material. How can it be determined whether a vehicle camera is classified under 9006 or 8525? 9006 covers traditional cameras and digital cameras, while 8525 covers television cameras, digital cameras, etc. The key difference lies in the image output method: if the camera outputs still images, it is classified under 9006; if it outputs video signals or is used for television transmission, it is classified under 8525. However, actual classification requires reference to customs interpretations and the specific functions of the product. Should a vehicle camera lens be classified under 9002 or 9006.91? If the lens is an unmounted optical element, it is classified under 9002; if it is mounted and dedicated to a camera, it is classified under 9006.91. Usually, a vehicle camera lens, as a camera part, is mounted and is classified under 9006.91. Which code should a vehicle camera bracket be classified under? If the bracket is dedicated to a vehicle camera, as a camera accessory, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is a general-purpose bracket, it may be classified according to material (for example, plastic under 3926, metal under 7326). What should be noted when declaring vehicle camera parts? It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, use, material, brand, model, etc., and state whether it is a dedicated part. Avoid generic declarations to prevent classification errors. At the same time, note whether it contains electronic components, which may affect classification. After vehicle camera parts are classified under 9006.91, how can the tax rate be checked? The tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country and may change. The latest tax rate can be obtained through customs official websites, trade data platforms, or by consulting a customs broker. This article does not provide specific tax rate figures. If a vehicle camera part is a plastic housing, should it be classified under 9006.91 or 3926? If the plastic housing is dedicated to a vehicle camera, as a dedicated camera part, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is a general-purpose plastic article, it is classified under 3926. The key is whether it is dedicated. If vehicle camera parts are exported to the United States, is the HS code the same? The United States uses HTSUS, and the first 6 digits are consistent with the HS code, so 9006.91 is the same. However, the United States may further subdivide it, and the specific HTSUS subheading must be checked.
Q: Which HS code should vehicle camera parts be classified under?
A: Vehicle camera parts are usually classified under HS code 9006.91, namely camera parts. However, it must be confirmed that the part is dedicated to a photographic camera and is not named in other headings. If the part is an electronic component, it may be classified under Chapter 85; if it is a general-purpose part, it is classified according to material.
Q: How can it be determined whether a vehicle camera is classified under 9006 or 8525?
A: 9006 covers traditional cameras and digital cameras, while 8525 covers television cameras, digital cameras, etc. The key difference lies in the image output method: if the camera outputs still images, it is classified under 9006; if it outputs video signals or is used for television transmission, it is classified under 8525. However, actual classification requires reference to customs interpretations and the specific functions of the product.
Q: Should a vehicle camera lens be classified under 9002 or 9006.91?
A: If the lens is an unmounted optical element, it is classified under 9002; if it is mounted and dedicated to a camera, it is classified under 9006.91. Usually, a vehicle camera lens, as a camera part, is mounted and is classified under 9006.91.
Q: Which code should a vehicle camera bracket be classified under?
A: If the bracket is dedicated to a vehicle camera, as a camera accessory, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is a general-purpose bracket, it may be classified according to material (for example, plastic under 3926, metal under 7326).
Q: What should be noted when declaring vehicle camera parts?
A: It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, use, material, brand, model, etc., and state whether it is a dedicated part. Avoid generic declarations to prevent classification errors. At the same time, note whether it contains electronic components, which may affect classification.
Q: After vehicle camera parts are classified under 9006.91, how can the tax rate be checked?
A: The tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country and may change. The latest tax rate can be obtained through customs official websites, trade data platforms, or by consulting a customs broker. This article does not provide specific tax rate figures.
Q: If a vehicle camera part is a plastic housing, should it be classified under 9006.91 or 3926?
A: If the plastic housing is dedicated to a vehicle camera, as a dedicated camera part, it is classified under 9006.91; if it is a general-purpose plastic article, it is classified under 3926. The key is whether it is dedicated.
Q: If vehicle camera parts are exported to the United States, is the HS code the same?
A: The United States uses HTSUS, and the first 6 digits are consistent with the HS code, so 9006.91 is the same. However, the United States may further subdivide it, and the specific HTSUS subheading must be checked.
⚠️ 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.