Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification, covering various manufactured articles not specified in other chapters, including articles of carving materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, hand sieves, complete travel sets, buttons, zippers, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, vacuum insulated vessels, tailors' dummies, automatic pianos, and the focus of this chapter—monopods and similar stands. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods and miscellaneous tools, and when classifying, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from other chapters (such as Chapter 82, Chapter 84, Chapter 85). Heading 9620 covers monopods and similar stands, specifically including single-leg support stands for cameras, video cameras, telescopes, measuring instruments, and similar devices, as well as stands of similar structure (such as unipods, handheld stabilizer stands, etc.). However, note that this heading does not include tripods (classified under headings before 9620, such as 9620? Actually, are tripods also classified under 9620? According to HS 2022, 9620 includes monopods, bipods, tripods, and similar stands. But the user specifies monopods and similar stands, and we describe accordingly. In fact, the official description of heading 9620 is "monopods, bipods, tripods and similar articles." So it covers all such stands. Code 962000 is a 6-digit subheading, but the actual HS code is 6 digits; here 962000 indicates the subheading 000 under heading 9620? Typically, the HS code is 6 digits, with the first 2 digits being the chapter (96), the 3rd-4th digits being the heading (20), and the 5th-6th digits being the subheading (00). Therefore, 96 indicates Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles; 20 indicates heading 9620 (monopods and similar stands); 00 indicates the subheading under this heading not further subdivided. When declaring, a 10-digit code (such as China Customs' 10-digit code) must be used, but only the 6-digit code is provided here. When classifying, first determine the chapter, then the heading, and finally the subheading. This product is classified under 9620 rather than other codes because its function is to support equipment (such as cameras, telescopes), and its structure is a single leg or similar stand. It does not belong to the mechanical support devices of Chapter 84 (such as pan-tilt heads), nor to the electrical equipment of Chapter 85. Unlike accessories for optical instruments of Chapter 90, 9620 specifically targets the stand itself; even if declared together with the equipment, if the stand is declared separately, it is classified under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification, covering various manufactured articles not specified in other chapters, including articles of carving materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, hand sieves, complete travel sets, buttons, zippers, pens, pencils, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, vacuum insulated vessels, tailors' dummies, automatic pianos, and the focus of this chapter—monopods and similar stands. Goods in this chapter are mostly daily consumer goods and miscellaneous tools, and when classifying, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from other chapters (such as Chapter 82, Chapter 84, Chapter 85).
Heading
Heading 9620 covers monopods and similar stands, specifically including single-leg support stands for cameras, video cameras, telescopes, measuring instruments, and similar devices, as well as stands of similar structure (such as unipods, handheld stabilizer stands, etc.). However, note that this heading does not include tripods (classified under headings before 9620, such as 9620? Actually, are tripods also classified under 9620? According to HS 2022, 9620 includes monopods, bipods, tripods, and similar stands. But the user specifies monopods and similar stands, and we describe accordingly. In fact, the official description of heading 9620 is "monopods, bipods, tripods and similar articles." So it covers all such stands.
Digit Breakdown
Code 962000 is a 6-digit subheading, but the actual HS code is 6 digits; here 962000 indicates the subheading 000 under heading 9620? Typically, the HS code is 6 digits, with the first 2 digits being the chapter (96), the 3rd-4th digits being the heading (20), and the 5th-6th digits being the subheading (00). Therefore, 96 indicates Chapter 96 miscellaneous manufactured articles; 20 indicates heading 9620 (monopods and similar stands); 00 indicates the subheading under this heading not further subdivided. When declaring, a 10-digit code (such as China Customs' 10-digit code) must be used, but only the 6-digit code is provided here. When classifying, first determine the chapter, then the heading, and finally the subheading.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 9620 rather than other codes because its function is to support equipment (such as cameras, telescopes), and its structure is a single leg or similar stand. It does not belong to the mechanical support devices of Chapter 84 (such as pan-tilt heads), nor to the electrical equipment of Chapter 85. Unlike accessories for optical instruments of Chapter 90, 9620 specifically targets the stand itself; even if declared together with the equipment, if the stand is declared separately, it is classified under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared product should be accurately described as "monopod" or "similar stand", avoiding colloquial terms such as "unipod". Material: Indicate the main material of the stand, such as aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, plastic, etc. Material affects classification but usually does not change the heading. Use: Clearly state the use of the stand, such as for cameras, video cameras, telescopes, etc. Use is an important basis for classification. Brand: Fill in the product brand; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Brand does not affect classification but is required for declaration. Model: Fill in the product model; if no model, fill in "no model" for customs identification. Structure Type: Indicate whether it is a monopod, bipod, or tripod, and whether the height is adjustable, etc. With Pan-Tilt Head: If the stand has a pan-tilt head, indicate it; but if the pan-tilt head is declared separately, it should be classified under other codes. Customs declaration example: Product Name: Monopod; Material: Carbon fiber; Use: For camera support; Brand: Manfrotto; Model: MM294A4; Structure Type: Monopod, telescopic; With Pan-Tilt Head: No. Remarks: This product is a monopod for cameras, conforming to HS code 962000. Misreporting a tripod as a monopod; although both belong to 9620, the subheadings may differ, and accurate distinction is required. Ignoring material declaration may lead to customs questioning the classification, especially for high-grade materials such as carbon fiber. Not specifying the use may lead to misclassification under Chapter 90 optical instrument accessories or Chapter 84 mechanical support devices.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared product should be accurately described as "monopod" or "similar stand", avoiding colloquial terms such as "unipod".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "tripod" or "camera stand", leading to classification disputes.
Material
Indicate the main material of the stand, such as aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, plastic, etc. Material affects classification but usually does not change the heading.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" is too general; it should be specific to aluminum alloy, etc.
Use
Clearly state the use of the stand, such as for cameras, video cameras, telescopes, etc. Use is an important basis for classification.
⚠️ Not specifying the specific device, which may lead to misclassification under other headings.
Brand
Fill in the product brand; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Brand does not affect classification but is required for declaration.
⚠️ Omission or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the product model; if no model, fill in "no model" for customs identification.
⚠️ Model does not match the actual product.
Structure Type
Indicate whether it is a monopod, bipod, or tripod, and whether the height is adjustable, etc.
⚠️ Declaring a tripod as a monopod, leading to classification errors.
With Pan-Tilt Head
If the stand has a pan-tilt head, indicate it; but if the pan-tilt head is declared separately, it should be classified under other codes.
⚠️ Classifying the entire stand with pan-tilt head under 9620, but the pan-tilt head may be classified under 8485, etc.
Example： Customs declaration example: Product Name: Monopod; Material: Carbon fiber; Use: For camera support; Brand: Manfrotto; Model: MM294A4; Structure Type: Monopod, telescopic; With Pan-Tilt Head: No. Remarks: This product is a monopod for cameras, conforming to HS code 962000.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting a tripod as a monopod; although both belong to 9620, the subheadings may differ, and accurate distinction is required.
Ignoring material declaration may lead to customs questioning the classification, especially for high-grade materials such as carbon fiber.
Not specifying the use may lead to misclassification under Chapter 90 optical instrument accessories or Chapter 84 mechanical support devices.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the product is a stand type used to support equipment; 2. The number of legs of the stand (single, double, triple); 3. Whether it is specially designed for cameras, video cameras, and other Chapter 90 equipment. According to HS notes, 9620 includes monopods, bipods, tripods, and similar stands, regardless of material. However, if the stand and equipment form a complete article, they are classified according to the equipment. If the stand is declared separately, it is classified under 9620. 900691 Camera parts: 900691 is for special parts of cameras; if the stand is declared together with the camera and forms a complete article, it may be classified here; but a stand declared separately is classified under 9620. 900791 Video camera parts: Similarly, a stand for a video camera, if declared together with the video camera, may be classified under 900791; if declared separately, under 9620. 847989 Other mechanical appliances: If the stand has mechanical lifting or complex adjustment functions, it may be misclassified under 847989, but 9620 is more specific. 830250 Hat-racks, hat-pegs, brackets and similar fixtures of base metal: 830250 covers brackets of base metal, but they are usually for wall mounting, not portable equipment stands. Is the product a stand type used to support equipment? Is the number of legs of the stand single, double, or triple? Is it declared together with the equipment? If so, does it form a complete article? Does the material affect classification? Usually not. Does it have a pan-tilt head? Is the pan-tilt head declared separately?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the product is a stand type used to support equipment; 2. The number of legs of the stand (single, double, triple); 3. Whether it is specially designed for cameras, video cameras, and other Chapter 90 equipment. According to HS notes, 9620 includes monopods, bipods, tripods, and similar stands, regardless of material. However, if the stand and equipment form a complete article, they are classified according to the equipment. If the stand is declared separately, it is classified under 9620.
Confused Codes：
900691 - Camera parts
900691 is for special parts of cameras; if the stand is declared together with the camera and forms a complete article, it may be classified here; but a stand declared separately is classified under 9620.
900791 - Video camera parts
Similarly, a stand for a video camera, if declared together with the video camera, may be classified under 900791; if declared separately, under 9620.
847989 - Other mechanical appliances
If the stand has mechanical lifting or complex adjustment functions, it may be misclassified under 847989, but 9620 is more specific.
830250 - Hat-racks, hat-pegs, brackets and similar fixtures of base metal
830250 covers brackets of base metal, but they are usually for wall mounting, not portable equipment stands.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product a stand type used to support equipment?
✓ Is the number of legs of the stand single, double, or triple?
✓ Is it declared together with the equipment? If so, does it form a complete article?
✓ Does the material affect classification? Usually not.
✓ Does it have a pan-tilt head? Is the pan-tilt head declared separately?
❓ FAQ
What is the specific meaning of HS code 962000? 962000 is the subheading under heading 9620 of Chapter 96 in the HS code, representing "monopods and similar stands". This code covers monopods, bipods, tripods, and other stands used to support cameras, video cameras, telescopes, etc., regardless of material. How to distinguish the HS codes for monopods and tripods? Both monopods and tripods are classified under heading 9620, but if the national customs has further subdivisions (such as 10-digit codes), they may differ. Under the 6-digit HS code, both are 962000. When declaring, accurately describe the structure type so that customs can classify correctly. Which HS code should a camera tripod be classified under? Camera tripods are usually classified under 962000. However, if the tripod is declared together with the camera and forms a complete article, it may be classified as a camera. A tripod declared separately is classified under 9620. How to classify a stand with a pan-tilt head? If the pan-tilt head and stand are declared as one unit, they are usually classified under 9620 as a whole. If the pan-tilt head is declared separately, it may be classified under 8485 (mechanical parts) or 9006 (camera parts), depending on its function. Are the HS codes for carbon fiber monopods and aluminum alloy monopods the same? Yes. HS code 962000 does not distinguish material; as long as it meets the definition of monopods and similar stands, it is classified under this code. Material is only a declaration element. Which code should a stand for a telescope be classified under? A stand for a telescope is also classified under 962000, because heading 9620 covers similar stands for various devices. However, if the stand is declared together with the telescope, it may be classified as a telescope. How to check the tariff rate for 962000? The tariff rate depends on the importing country and country of origin. You can check China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff" or use the General Administration of Customs' online query system, entering the 10-digit code to obtain the latest rate. Rates may change; it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication. What is the most common mistake when declaring 962000? The most common mistake is misreporting a tripod as a monopod, or not specifying the use, leading to misclassification under other chapters. In addition, ignoring elements such as material and brand may also raise customs questions.
Q: What is the specific meaning of HS code 962000?
A: 962000 is the subheading under heading 9620 of Chapter 96 in the HS code, representing "monopods and similar stands". This code covers monopods, bipods, tripods, and other stands used to support cameras, video cameras, telescopes, etc., regardless of material.
Q: How to distinguish the HS codes for monopods and tripods?
A: Both monopods and tripods are classified under heading 9620, but if the national customs has further subdivisions (such as 10-digit codes), they may differ. Under the 6-digit HS code, both are 962000. When declaring, accurately describe the structure type so that customs can classify correctly.
Q: Which HS code should a camera tripod be classified under?
A: Camera tripods are usually classified under 962000. However, if the tripod is declared together with the camera and forms a complete article, it may be classified as a camera. A tripod declared separately is classified under 9620.
Q: How to classify a stand with a pan-tilt head?
A: If the pan-tilt head and stand are declared as one unit, they are usually classified under 9620 as a whole. If the pan-tilt head is declared separately, it may be classified under 8485 (mechanical parts) or 9006 (camera parts), depending on its function.
Q: Are the HS codes for carbon fiber monopods and aluminum alloy monopods the same?
A: Yes. HS code 962000 does not distinguish material; as long as it meets the definition of monopods and similar stands, it is classified under this code. Material is only a declaration element.
Q: Which code should a stand for a telescope be classified under?
A: A stand for a telescope is also classified under 962000, because heading 9620 covers similar stands for various devices. However, if the stand is declared together with the telescope, it may be classified as a telescope.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 962000?
A: The tariff rate depends on the importing country and country of origin. You can check China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff" or use the General Administration of Customs' online query system, entering the 10-digit code to obtain the latest rate. Rates may change; it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication.
Q: What is the most common mistake when declaring 962000?
A: The most common mistake is misreporting a tripod as a monopod, or not specifying the use, leading to misclassification under other chapters. In addition, ignoring elements such as material and brand may also raise customs questions.
⚠️ 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.