Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are highly technical, and classification requires close attention to functional principles and use. As an optical image capture device, a vehicle-mounted camera has a core function falling within the scope of photography or cinematography, and is therefore classified in this chapter. Heading 9007 specifically refers to cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This heading covers equipment used for capturing motion images, including cinematographic cameras, digital cinematographic cameras, etc. If a vehicle-mounted camera is used for capturing dynamic video and meets the definition of a cinematographic camera, it is classified under this heading; however, if it is only for still image capture, it may be classified under 9006. Code 900720 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, measuring, medical, etc. instruments and apparatus); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9007 (cinematographic cameras and projectors); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 900720, specifically "cinematographic cameras." Therefore, the full meaning of this code is "cinematographic cameras," applicable to cinematographic cameras for special purposes such as vehicle-mounted use. If the main function of a vehicle-mounted camera is to capture dynamic video and it meets the definition of a cinematographic camera (usually referring to equipment used for filming movies or similar motion images), it should be classified under 900720. If it only has still photography functions, it is classified under 9006 (photographic cameras); if it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525. Therefore, functional determination is key.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are highly technical, and classification requires close attention to functional principles and use. As an optical image capture device, a vehicle-mounted camera has a core function falling within the scope of photography or cinematography, and is therefore classified in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9007 specifically refers to cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This heading covers equipment used for capturing motion images, including cinematographic cameras, digital cinematographic cameras, etc. If a vehicle-mounted camera is used for capturing dynamic video and meets the definition of a cinematographic camera, it is classified under this heading; however, if it is only for still image capture, it may be classified under 9006.
Digit Breakdown
Code 900720 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, measuring, medical, etc. instruments and apparatus); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9007 (cinematographic cameras and projectors); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 900720, specifically "cinematographic cameras." Therefore, the full meaning of this code is "cinematographic cameras," applicable to cinematographic cameras for special purposes such as vehicle-mounted use.
Classification Basis
If the main function of a vehicle-mounted camera is to capture dynamic video and it meets the definition of a cinematographic camera (usually referring to equipment used for filming movies or similar motion images), it should be classified under 900720. If it only has still photography functions, it is classified under 9006 (photographic cameras); if it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525. Therefore, functional determination is key.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately describe the product, such as "vehicle-mounted cinematographic camera." Brand: Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand." Model: Fill in the product model to distinguish different specifications under the same brand. Use: Explain the specific use, such as "vehicle-mounted dynamic video shooting." Function: Describe the main function, such as "capture and store dynamic video." Whether with sound recording or reproducing apparatus: Select "Yes" or "No" according to the actual configuration. Resolution: Fill in the maximum video resolution, such as "4K." Brand Type: Select "foreign brand (OEM production)," "foreign brand (other)," etc. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted cinematographic camera; Brand: GoPro; Model: HERO10 Black; Use: Vehicle-mounted dynamic video shooting; Function: Capture 4K dynamic video, supports sound recording; Whether with sound recording or reproducing apparatus: Yes; Resolution: 5.3K; Brand Type: Foreign brand (other). Misreporting a cinematographic camera as a television camera, resulting in classification under 8525. Ignoring the element "whether with sound recording or reproducing apparatus," affecting subheading subdivision. Use description is not specific and does not reflect the "vehicle-mounted" and "dynamic video" characteristics.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately describe the product, such as "vehicle-mounted cinematographic camera."
⚠️ Writing only "vehicle-mounted camera" without distinguishing between a cinematographic camera and a television camera.
Brand
Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the product model to distinguish different specifications under the same brand.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or confusion with series number.
Use
Explain the specific use, such as "vehicle-mounted dynamic video shooting."
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as "for shooting."
Function
Describe the main function, such as "capture and store dynamic video."
⚠️ Failure to distinguish between dynamic video and still image functions.
Whether with sound recording or reproducing apparatus
Select "Yes" or "No" according to the actual configuration.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, leading to classification errors.
Resolution
Fill in the maximum video resolution, such as "4K."
⚠️ Incorrect resolution unit or failure to fill in.
Brand Type
Select "foreign brand (OEM production)," "foreign brand (other)," etc.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of brand type, affecting trade statistics.
Misreporting a cinematographic camera as a television camera, resulting in classification under 8525.
Ignoring the element "whether with sound recording or reproducing apparatus," affecting subheading subdivision.
Use description is not specific and does not reflect the "vehicle-mounted" and "dynamic video" characteristics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the HS, if the main function of a vehicle-mounted camera is to capture dynamic video and it meets the definition of a cinematographic camera, it is classified under 900720. If it is for still image capture, it is classified under 9006; if it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525. Determination should be made in conjunction with product manuals, technical parameters, etc. 900630 Special cameras for underwater, aerial, medical, etc. use: 900630 covers special cameras for still image capture; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras for dynamic video capture. 852589 Other television cameras: 852589 covers television cameras, usually used for real-time video transmission; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras, used for recording motion images. 900659 Other photographic cameras: 900659 covers other photographic cameras for still images; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras for dynamic video. 852580 Television cameras: 852580 covers television cameras, emphasizing television signal capture; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras, emphasizing cinema-grade video recording. Does the product mainly capture dynamic video? Does it have the characteristics of a cinematographic camera? Does it incorporate sound recording or reproducing apparatus? Is it used in a vehicle-mounted environment? Could it possibly be classified under 8525 or 9006?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the HS, if the main function of a vehicle-mounted camera is to capture dynamic video and it meets the definition of a cinematographic camera, it is classified under 900720. If it is for still image capture, it is classified under 9006; if it is a television camera, it is classified under 8525. Determination should be made in conjunction with product manuals, technical parameters, etc.
Confused Codes：
900630 - Special cameras for underwater, aerial, medical, etc. use
900630 covers special cameras for still image capture; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras for dynamic video capture.
852589 - Other television cameras
852589 covers television cameras, usually used for real-time video transmission; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras, used for recording motion images.
900659 - Other photographic cameras
900659 covers other photographic cameras for still images; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras for dynamic video.
852580 - Television cameras
852580 covers television cameras, emphasizing television signal capture; 900720 covers cinematographic cameras, emphasizing cinema-grade video recording.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the product mainly capture dynamic video?
✓ Does it have the characteristics of a cinematographic camera?
✓ Does it incorporate sound recording or reproducing apparatus?
✓ Is it used in a vehicle-mounted environment?
✓ Could it possibly be classified under 8525 or 9006?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between a vehicle-mounted camera and an ordinary dashcam? Dashcams are usually classified under 8525 (television cameras) or 8528 (monitors), because their main functions are loop recording and real-time monitoring; whereas vehicle-mounted cinematographic cameras are classified under 900720, because they are designed for high-quality dynamic video capture and meet the definition of a cinematographic camera. How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera is a cinematographic camera or a television camera? The key is the main function: cinematographic cameras focus on high-quality video recording, usually supporting high resolution and high frame rates, for post-production; television cameras focus on real-time signal capture and transmission, for broadcasting or monitoring. Product manuals and use can be referenced. Does code 900720 include vehicle-mounted cameras with sound recording function? Yes. Heading 9007 explicitly states "whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus," so vehicle-mounted cinematographic cameras with sound recording function are still classified under 900720. If a vehicle-mounted camera is only used for photography, which code should it be classified under? If it is only used for still image capture, it should be classified under 9006 (photographic cameras). The specific subheading is determined by type (e.g., 900630 special cameras, 900659 other photographic cameras). How should the "Use" element be filled in during declaration to avoid classification disputes? It should be described specifically, such as "used for capturing high-definition dynamic video in a vehicle-mounted environment, for film and television production or video logs." Avoid general terms like "for shooting," to reflect the dynamic video function. What is the export tax rebate rate for code 900720? Export tax rebate rates are adjusted with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest "Export Tax Rebate Rate Library" or consult the local customs. Usually, it can be queried by commodity code in the tax rebate system. Is CCC certification required for importing vehicle-mounted cameras? If it is audio-visual equipment, CCC certification may be required. It depends on product function, voltage, etc. It is recommended to confirm with customs or certification bodies before import. How can one query the regulatory conditions for code 900720? Regulatory conditions can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." Usually involves import licenses, CCC certification, etc.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between a vehicle-mounted camera and an ordinary dashcam?
A: Dashcams are usually classified under 8525 (television cameras) or 8528 (monitors), because their main functions are loop recording and real-time monitoring; whereas vehicle-mounted cinematographic cameras are classified under 900720, because they are designed for high-quality dynamic video capture and meet the definition of a cinematographic camera.
Q: How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera is a cinematographic camera or a television camera?
A: The key is the main function: cinematographic cameras focus on high-quality video recording, usually supporting high resolution and high frame rates, for post-production; television cameras focus on real-time signal capture and transmission, for broadcasting or monitoring. Product manuals and use can be referenced.
Q: Does code 900720 include vehicle-mounted cameras with sound recording function?
A: Yes. Heading 9007 explicitly states "whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus," so vehicle-mounted cinematographic cameras with sound recording function are still classified under 900720.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted camera is only used for photography, which code should it be classified under?
A: If it is only used for still image capture, it should be classified under 9006 (photographic cameras). The specific subheading is determined by type (e.g., 900630 special cameras, 900659 other photographic cameras).
Q: How should the "Use" element be filled in during declaration to avoid classification disputes?
A: It should be described specifically, such as "used for capturing high-definition dynamic video in a vehicle-mounted environment, for film and television production or video logs." Avoid general terms like "for shooting," to reflect the dynamic video function.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for code 900720?
A: Export tax rebate rates are adjusted with national policies. It is recommended to check the latest "Export Tax Rebate Rate Library" or consult the local customs. Usually, it can be queried by commodity code in the tax rebate system.
Q: Is CCC certification required for importing vehicle-mounted cameras?
A: If it is audio-visual equipment, CCC certification may be required. It depends on product function, voltage, etc. It is recommended to confirm with customs or certification bodies before import.
Q: How can one query the regulatory conditions for code 900720?
A: Regulatory conditions can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." Usually involves import licenses, CCC certification, etc.
⚠️ 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.