Product classification
HS code for Aerial camera: 9006.30
Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs, comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use.
Classification of aerial camera under HS 9006.30
Aerial cameras are classified under HS code 9006.30 because they are photographic cameras specifically designed for specialized technical use. Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System covers optical, photographic, and cinematographic instruments. While heading 9006 generally encompasses photographic cameras, subheading 9006.30 is a specific provision for cameras designed for underwater use, aerial survey, or medical/surgical examination. The classification is driven by the camera's specialized construction, which often includes features for high-altitude operation, extreme vibration resistance, and integration with aircraft navigation systems. These cameras are distinct from standard consumer or professional cameras used for general photography. The technical specifications required for aerial photography, such as large format sensors, specialized shutter mechanisms for motion compensation, and the ability to withstand low atmospheric pressure, justify their placement in this specific category rather than the general camera subheadings. This code typically applies to traditional film-based or specialized photographic cameras rather than standard digital video recorders.
- Covers
- Fixed-wing mounted aerial cameras
- High-altitude reconnaissance cameras
- Specialized mapping cameras for aircraft
- Handheld cameras designed for aerial photography
- Vertical aerial cameras
- Also under 9006.30
- Nikon Z7 II (with underwater housing)
- Phase One iXM-RS150F (aerial)
- Olympus OTV-S7Pro (endoscope)
- Leica DMC III (aerial)
- Canon EOS R5 (with underwater housing)
Codes often confused with 9006.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8525.89, which covers digital cameras and video camera recorders. If the aerial camera is a standard digital or video camera not specifically modified for aerial survey or specialized photographic use, it may fall under 8525.89. Furthermore, if the camera is part of a complete surveying system, it might be confused with 9015.40, which covers photogrammetrical surveying instruments. The distinction lies in whether the item is primarily a camera (9006.30) or a surveying instrument (9015.40).
Top exporters and importers of HS 900630 (the code used for aerial camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900630 (the code used for aerial camera) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 900630, not only aerial camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 51% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $21M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $21M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $224M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 17% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $21M 14% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $148M 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.
Brazil NCM code for aerial camera
Brazil classifies aerial camera under NCM 9006.30.00: HS 9006.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aerial camera
What is the HS code for Aerial camera?
The HS code for Aerial camera is 900630 (Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs; comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use). The HS code for aerial cameras specially designed for aerial survey or specialized use is 9006.30.
How do I classify Aerial camera for customs?
Aerial camera is classified under HS code 900630 — Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs; comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 9006.30 include cameras mounted on drones?
If the camera is a permanent, specialized component of an aerial survey system, it may fall here; however, standard digital cameras mounted on drones are typically classified under 8525.89, and the drone itself under 8806.
Which countries are the top exporters of aerial camera (HS 900630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900630 (the code used for aerial camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 51% of world exports), Malaysia ($21M) and the United Kingdom ($21M). World exports came to about $224M, 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 aerial camera (HS 900630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900630 (the code used for aerial camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 17% of world imports), Indonesia ($21M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World imports came to about $148M, 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.
Is the HS code for Aerial camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900630 for Aerial camera is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aerial camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, aerial camera (HS 900630) is classified under NCM 9006.30.00.