Chapter 90 is the HS classification category for "Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus," covering high-tech products ranging from eyeglasses and cameras to medical instruments and measuring equipment. Goods in this chapter are typically characterized by precision, functionality, and high added value, and it is a concentrated chapter for technology-intensive products in international trade. Heading 9007 specifically covers "Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders," including all types of equipment that capture images through photoelectric sensors and convert them into electronic signals. This heading is subdivided into various camera types, such as broadcast-grade, consumer-grade, and professional-grade. Vehicle-mounted cameras, as camera equipment for specific application scenarios, are also classified under this heading. HS code 900710 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical and other precision instruments and equipment); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9007 (television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 9007.10, i.e., "Television cameras." This subheading covers all types of television cameras, including vehicle-mounted cameras, whose core function is to capture dynamic video images and convert them into electronic signal output. Vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710 because they are essentially television cameras used on vehicles to capture video images, consistent with the description of heading 9007 "Television cameras." They differ from digital cameras (9006) or radar equipment (8526) because their primary function is video recording rather than still photography or radio detection.
Chapter
Chapter 90 is the HS classification category for "Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus," covering high-tech products ranging from eyeglasses and cameras to medical instruments and measuring equipment. Goods in this chapter are typically characterized by precision, functionality, and high added value, and it is a concentrated chapter for technology-intensive products in international trade.
Heading
Heading 9007 specifically covers "Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders," including all types of equipment that capture images through photoelectric sensors and convert them into electronic signals. This heading is subdivided into various camera types, such as broadcast-grade, consumer-grade, and professional-grade. Vehicle-mounted cameras, as camera equipment for specific application scenarios, are also classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 900710 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical and other precision instruments and equipment); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9007 (television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 9007.10, i.e., "Television cameras." This subheading covers all types of television cameras, including vehicle-mounted cameras, whose core function is to capture dynamic video images and convert them into electronic signal output.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710 because they are essentially television cameras used on vehicles to capture video images, consistent with the description of heading 9007 "Television cameras." They differ from digital cameras (9006) or radar equipment (8526) because their primary function is video recording rather than still photography or radio detection.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods should be accurately described as "vehicle-mounted camera" or "television camera for vehicles," avoiding the generic term "camera." Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Bosch," "Valeo," etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the product, such as "XXX-1234," to distinguish different functional configurations. Use: Clearly declare use for vehicles, such as "for automotive reversing camera" or "for vehicle-mounted surveillance" and other specific scenarios. Function: Briefly describe the core function of the camera, such as "video recording, image transmission." If it has night vision, wide-angle, etc., note them. Digital or Not: Declare whether it is a digital camera. Typically, vehicle-mounted cameras are mostly digital, affecting subheading subdivision. Resolution: Fill in the image resolution, such as "1920x1080." High resolution may affect the determination of technical grade. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted camera
Brand: BOSCH
Model: XXX-1234
Use: For automotive reversing camera system
Function: Video recording, image transmission, with night vision
Digital or Not: Yes
Resolution: 1920x1080
Remarks: None
This product is a digital television camera, classified under HS code 900710. Mistakenly classifying vehicle-mounted cameras as dashcams (8525), but dashcams with camera functionality may still be classified under 900710. Failing to distinguish between digital and analog. Digital cameras should be classified under 900710, while analog ones may fall under other subheadings. Ignoring brand and model declaration, leading customs to question classification accuracy.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods should be accurately described as "vehicle-mounted camera" or "television camera for vehicles," avoiding the generic term "camera."
⚠️ Writing only "camera" without indicating vehicle-mounted use, or mistakenly writing "dashcam."
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Bosch," "Valeo," etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the product, such as "XXX-1234," to distinguish different functional configurations.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Use
Clearly declare use for vehicles, such as "for automotive reversing camera" or "for vehicle-mounted surveillance" and other specific scenarios.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as "for filming."
Function
Briefly describe the core function of the camera, such as "video recording, image transmission." If it has night vision, wide-angle, etc., note them.
⚠️ Omitting special functions leading to classification errors.
Digital or Not
Declare whether it is a digital camera. Typically, vehicle-mounted cameras are mostly digital, affecting subheading subdivision.
⚠️ Not specifying digital, which may result in misclassification under other subheadings.
Resolution
Fill in the image resolution, such as "1920x1080." High resolution may affect the determination of technical grade.
⚠️ Incorrect resolution unit or not provided.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted camera
Brand: BOSCH
Model: XXX-1234
Use: For automotive reversing camera system
Function: Video recording, image transmission, with night vision
Digital or Not: Yes
Resolution: 1920x1080
Remarks: None
This product is a digital television camera, classified under HS code 900710.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying vehicle-mounted cameras as dashcams (8525), but dashcams with camera functionality may still be classified under 900710.
Failing to distinguish between digital and analog. Digital cameras should be classified under 900710, while analog ones may fall under other subheadings.
Ignoring brand and model declaration, leading customs to question classification accuracy.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. The primary function of vehicle-mounted cameras is video recording, which falls under the category of television cameras, thus classified under 900710. If the device has other functions (such as radar detection), it should be classified according to its primary function. Also, it is necessary to confirm whether it is digital, because 900710 covers both digital and analog television cameras. 8525 Dashcam: Dashcams are typically classified under 8525 because their primary function is recording vehicle driving data, but if their core function is video recording, they may be classified under 900710. 9006 Digital Camera: Digital cameras are mainly used for still photography, while vehicle-mounted cameras classified under 900710 are mainly used for dynamic video recording. 8526 Radar Equipment: Radar equipment uses radio waves for detection, while vehicle-mounted cameras use optical sensors to capture images; their functional principles are different. 8708 Automotive Parts: If a vehicle-mounted camera is imported separately as an automotive part, it may be classified under 8708, but if its function is camera recording, it is preferentially classified under 900710. Is the product mainly used for video recording? Is it a television camera type? Is it digital? Is it used for vehicles? Is it confused with dashcam functions?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. The primary function of vehicle-mounted cameras is video recording, which falls under the category of television cameras, thus classified under 900710. If the device has other functions (such as radar detection), it should be classified according to its primary function. Also, it is necessary to confirm whether it is digital, because 900710 covers both digital and analog television cameras.
Confused Codes:
8525 - Dashcam
Dashcams are typically classified under 8525 because their primary function is recording vehicle driving data, but if their core function is video recording, they may be classified under 900710.
9006 - Digital Camera
Digital cameras are mainly used for still photography, while vehicle-mounted cameras classified under 900710 are mainly used for dynamic video recording.
8526 - Radar Equipment
Radar equipment uses radio waves for detection, while vehicle-mounted cameras use optical sensors to capture images; their functional principles are different.
8708 - Automotive Parts
If a vehicle-mounted camera is imported separately as an automotive part, it may be classified under 8708, but if its function is camera recording, it is preferentially classified under 900710.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the product mainly used for video recording?
✓ Is it a television camera type?
✓ Is it digital?
✓ Is it used for vehicles?
✓ Is it confused with dashcam functions?
❓ FAQ
Which HS code should vehicle-mounted cameras be classified under? Vehicle-mounted cameras are typically classified under HS code 900710, i.e., television cameras. However, it is necessary to confirm that their primary function is video recording, not other functions such as radar detection. If it is a dashcam, classification depends on function and may fall under 8525 or 900710. How to distinguish between vehicle-mounted cameras and dashcams? Vehicle-mounted cameras are mainly used for video recording, such as reversing cameras and surveillance; dashcams focus on recording driving data, but if their core function is video recording, they may still be classified under 900710. It is recommended to judge based on the product manual and primary function. What elements are required when declaring vehicle-mounted cameras? Product name, brand, model, use, function, whether digital, resolution, etc. are required. The use should clearly indicate vehicle use, and the function should describe video recording, etc. After vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710, how to check the tax rate? Tax rates may change. The latest tax rate can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website or by consulting the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." It is recommended to use official tariff query tools. If a vehicle-mounted camera has night vision, will it affect classification? Night vision typically does not affect classification and it remains under 900710, but the function should be noted during declaration so customs can confirm. What is the difference in classification between vehicle-mounted cameras and digital cameras? Digital cameras are classified under 9006 and are mainly used for still photography; vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710 and are mainly used for dynamic video recording. If a device has both functions, classify according to the primary function. What certifications are required for importing vehicle-mounted cameras? CCC certification, radio type approval, etc. may be required, depending on product function and use. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or customs authority. Does 900710 for vehicle-mounted cameras include analog types? Yes, 900710 includes both digital and analog television cameras. However, note that if it is analog, it must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: Which HS code should vehicle-mounted cameras be classified under?
A: Vehicle-mounted cameras are typically classified under HS code 900710, i.e., television cameras. However, it is necessary to confirm that their primary function is video recording, not other functions such as radar detection. If it is a dashcam, classification depends on function and may fall under 8525 or 900710.
Q: How to distinguish between vehicle-mounted cameras and dashcams?
A: Vehicle-mounted cameras are mainly used for video recording, such as reversing cameras and surveillance; dashcams focus on recording driving data, but if their core function is video recording, they may still be classified under 900710. It is recommended to judge based on the product manual and primary function.
Q: What elements are required when declaring vehicle-mounted cameras?
A: Product name, brand, model, use, function, whether digital, resolution, etc. are required. The use should clearly indicate vehicle use, and the function should describe video recording, etc.
Q: After vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710, how to check the tax rate?
A: Tax rates may change. The latest tax rate can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website or by consulting the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." It is recommended to use official tariff query tools.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted camera has night vision, will it affect classification?
A: Night vision typically does not affect classification and it remains under 900710, but the function should be noted during declaration so customs can confirm.
Q: What is the difference in classification between vehicle-mounted cameras and digital cameras?
A: Digital cameras are classified under 9006 and are mainly used for still photography; vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900710 and are mainly used for dynamic video recording. If a device has both functions, classify according to the primary function.
Q: What certifications are required for importing vehicle-mounted cameras?
A: CCC certification, radio type approval, etc. may be required, depending on product function and use. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or customs authority.
Q: Does 900710 for vehicle-mounted cameras include analog types?
A: Yes, 900710 includes both digital and analog television cameras. However, note that if it is analog, it must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid classification errors.
⚠️ 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.