HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8525.83 – Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter
HS code 8525.83 is the 6-digit subheading for television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders, night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter. It is used for thermal imaging cameras, image intensifier cameras, infrared surveillance cameras, night vision rifle scopes (with recording) and low-light security cameras.
What HS 8525.83 covers
This HS code is designated for television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders that possess 'night vision' capabilities, as specified in subheading note 3 of this chapter. These cameras are engineered to capture clear images in low-light conditions or complete darkness, utilizing technologies such as image intensification or thermal imaging (infrared). They are indispensable tools for a wide range of critical applications, including security and surveillance, military operations, border patrol, wildlife observation, and search and rescue missions. International trade in these specialized cameras is significant, driven by global demand for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness in challenging visual environments. Importers are typically defense contractors, law enforcement agencies, professional security firms, and government entities seeking advanced observation and recording capabilities.
- Covers
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Image intensifier cameras
- Infrared surveillance cameras
- Night vision rifle scopes (with recording)
- Low-light security cameras
- Uncooled thermal cameras
- Cooled thermal cameras
- Examples
- FLIR thermal cameras
- Pulsar thermal imagers
- ATN night vision cameras
- Hikvision thermal cameras
- Axis Communications thermal network cameras
Codes often confused with 8525.83
Common mistake. Often confused with general surveillance cameras (852589) or even optical telescopes (9005). The 'night vision' capability, whether through thermal or image intensification, as specified in the subheading note, is the key differentiator.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852583, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852583 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 77% of world exports
- 2 Germany $74M 5.3% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $33M 2.4% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$106M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $82M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$60M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $960M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8525.83
Brazil does not split HS 8525.83: its NCM code is 8525.83.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.25 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8525.83
What is HS code 852583?
HS code 852583 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter. This HS code is designated for television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders that possess 'night vision' capabilities, as specified in subheading note 3 of this chapter. These cameras are engineered to capture clear images in low-light conditions or complete darkness, utilizing technologies such as image intensification or thermal imaging (infrared). They are indispensable tools for a wide range of critical applications, including security and surveillance, military operations, border patrol, wildlife observation, and search and rescue missions. International trade in these specialized cameras is significant, driven by global demand for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness in challenging visual environments. Importers are typically defense contractors, law enforcement agencies, professional security firms, and government entities seeking advanced observation and recording capabilities.
What products fall under HS code 852583?
Thermal imaging cameras, image intensifier cameras, infrared surveillance cameras, night vision rifle scopes (with recording), low-light security cameras, uncooled thermal cameras, cooled thermal cameras
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852583?
Often confused with general surveillance cameras (852589) or even optical telescopes (9005). The 'night vision' capability, whether through thermal or image intensification, as specified in the subheading note, is the key differentiator.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852583?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852583 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 77% of world exports), Germany ($74M) and the United Kingdom ($33M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 852583?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852583 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $106M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($82M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $60M). World imports came to about $960M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 852583 structured?
HS code 852583 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (25) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (83) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852583?
In Brazil, HS code 852583 is NCM 8525.83.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.