HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 90.07 – Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus
What HS 90.07 covers
Heading 9007 of the Harmonized System covers 'Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus.' This classification is dedicated to equipment specifically designed for capturing and projecting motion pictures, distinguishing it from still cameras (9006) and general video recording devices (8525). It encompasses professional digital cinema cameras, traditional film cameras (e.g., 16mm, 35mm), broadcast-grade camcorders, and various types of film projectors used in cinemas or for historical film preservation. The inclusion of sound recording/reproducing apparatus acknowledges the integrated nature of modern filmmaking equipment. For trade compliance, proper classification under 9007 is essential due to the specialized nature and high value of many items. It influences applicable customs duties, potential import/export licenses for high-tech or dual-use equipment, and adherence to specific industry standards. This heading is particularly relevant to the global film, television, and entertainment industries. Its position within Chapter 90, which groups optical and precision instruments, highlights its sophisticated optical and mechanical engineering, differentiating it from broader electronic consumer goods. Understanding its scope is critical for navigating the complex trade landscape of professional media production tools.
- Covers
- Professional digital cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI, RED, Sony Venice)
- Broadcast-grade video camcorders
- 35mm film cameras
- 16mm film cameras
- Super 8 film cameras
- Digital cinema projectors (e.g., DLP cinema projectors)
- 35mm film projectors
- 70mm film projectors
- Home movie projectors (film-based)
- Cinematographic sound recording cameras
- Cinematographic sound reproducing projectors
- Film-to-digital transfer machines (if primarily a projector/camera combination)
- Professional studio camcorders
- High-speed cinematographic cameras
- Specialized documentary film cameras
- Underwater cinematographic cameras
- Film camera magazines
- Video assist systems (integrated with cinema cameras)
- Digital intermediate projectors.
- Examples
A German manufacturer of high-end digital cinema cameras exports a shipment of 50 units to major film studios in Hollywood, USA, via air freight to meet production schedules. Separately, a Japanese electronics company ships 200 professional broadcast camcorders to a television network in Brazil, using ocean cargo for cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, a Chinese company might export a batch of 100 digital cinema projectors to a chain of movie theaters in India, facilitating their upgrade from traditional film projection.
Subheadings under 90.07 4
Codes often confused with 90.07
Common mistake. Misclassification under 9007 often arises from confusion with Heading 8525, which covers 'Television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders' not primarily for cinematographic use. The distinction lies in the professional, high-fidelity, and often large-format nature of 'cinematographic' equipment. Another common error is mixing it with 9006 (photographic cameras), as 9007 is specifically for *motion* pictures. Lastly, general image projectors that are 'other than cinematographic' fall under 9008, so ensuring the projector's primary purpose (film/cinema vs. data/slides) is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9007, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9007 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 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 $178M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $74M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $41M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $570M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $66M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $60M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $42M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $609M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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.
Questions about HS 90.07
What is HS code 9007?
HS code 9007 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus. Heading 9007 of the Harmonized System covers 'Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus.' This classification is dedicated to equipment specifically designed for capturing and projecting motion pictures, distinguishing it from still cameras (9006) and general video recording devices (8525). It encompasses professional digital cinema cameras, traditional film cameras (e.g., 16mm, 35mm), broadcast-grade camcorders, and various types of film projectors used in cinemas or for historical film preservation. The inclusion of sound recording/reproducing apparatus acknowledges the integrated nature of modern filmmaking equipment. For trade compliance, proper classification under 9007 is essential due to the specialized nature and high value of many items. It influences applicable customs duties, potential import/export licenses for high-tech or dual-use equipment, and adherence to specific industry standards. This heading is particularly relevant to the global film, television, and entertainment industries. Its position within Chapter 90, which groups optical and precision instruments, highlights its sophisticated optical and mechanical engineering, differentiating it from broader electronic consumer goods. Understanding its scope is critical for navigating the complex trade landscape of professional media production tools.
What products fall under HS code 9007?
Professional digital cinema cameras (e.g., ARRI, RED, Sony Venice), broadcast-grade video camcorders, 35mm film cameras, 16mm film cameras, Super 8 film cameras, digital cinema projectors (e.g., DLP cinema projectors), 35mm film projectors, 70mm film projectors, home movie projectors (film-based), cinematographic sound recording cameras, cinematographic sound reproducing projectors, film-to-digital transfer machines (if primarily a projector/camera combination), professional studio camcorders, high-speed cinematographic cameras, specialized documentary film cameras, underwater cinematographic cameras, film camera magazines, video assist systems (integrated with cinema cameras), digital intermediate projectors.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9007?
Misclassification under 9007 often arises from confusion with Heading 8525, which covers 'Television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders' not primarily for cinematographic use. The distinction lies in the professional, high-fidelity, and often large-format nature of 'cinematographic' equipment. Another common error is mixing it with 9006 (photographic cameras), as 9007 is specifically for *motion* pictures. Lastly, general image projectors that are 'other than cinematographic' fall under 9008, so ensuring the projector's primary purpose (film/cinema vs. data/slides) is crucial.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9007?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9007 in UN Comtrade data were China ($178M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($74M) and the United Kingdom ($41M). World exports came to about $570M, 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 9007?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9007 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 11% of world imports), China ($60M) and Saudi Arabia ($42M). World imports came to about $609M, 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 9007 structured?
HS code 9007 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.