Product classification
HS code for Astronomical telescopes: 9005.80
Monoculars, other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy.
Classification of astronomical telescopes under HS 9005.80
Astronomical telescopes are classified under HS code 9005.80, which covers other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments. This classification is part of Chapter 90, focusing on high-precision optical instruments. Heading 9005 specifically includes binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and their mountings. While 9005.10 is reserved for binoculars, 9005.80 captures more complex astronomical instruments used for observing celestial bodies. These instruments function by collecting and focusing light or other electromagnetic radiation to create a magnified image. It is important to note that this code specifically excludes instruments designed for radio-astronomy, which are classified elsewhere due to their reliance on radio waves rather than optical lenses or mirrors. The classification under 9005.80 ensures that professional and amateur astronomical equipment is grouped based on its optical nature and intended use in celestial observation. The inclusion of mountings is also standard for this heading, provided they are imported with the telescope or designed specifically for it.
- Covers
- Refracting telescopes for astronomical use
- Reflecting telescopes (Newtonian, Cassegrain, etc.)
- Catadioptric telescopes
- Astronomical cameras used exclusively with telescopes
- Altazimuth and equatorial mountings for telescopes
- Also under 9005.80
- Celestron NexStar
- Orion SkyQuest
- Vortex Solo Monocular
- Leica Monovid
- Meade LX200
Codes often confused with 9005.80
Common mistake. Astronomical telescopes are often misclassified under 9005.10, which is strictly for binoculars. Another common error is using 9002, which covers lenses and prisms as separate optical elements rather than complete instruments. Most significantly, radio telescopes must not be classified here; they belong under 8526.10 or 8526.91 depending on their radar or navigational capabilities, as they do not utilize optical light. Additionally, terrestrial spotting scopes are sometimes confused with astronomical telescopes, though they often share the 9005.80 code if they are not binoculars.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900580 (the code used for astronomical telescopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900580 (the code used for astronomical telescopes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 900580, not only astronomical telescopes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $366M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $71M 7.7% of world exports
- 3 Greece $69M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $923M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $107M 16% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $104M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $48M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $675M 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 astronomical telescopes
Brazil classifies astronomical telescopes under NCM 9005.80.00: HS 9005.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about astronomical telescopes
What is the HS code for Astronomical telescopes?
The HS code for Astronomical telescopes is 900580 (Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy). The HS code for astronomical telescopes and other optical astronomical instruments is 9005.80.
How do I classify Astronomical telescopes for customs?
Astronomical telescopes is classified under HS code 900580 — Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include digital telescopes?
Yes, provided the primary function is optical observation of celestial bodies, even if the device uses a digital sensor for image output.
Which countries are the top exporters of astronomical telescopes (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900580 (the code used for astronomical telescopes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($366M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($71M) and Greece ($69M). World exports came to about $923M, 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 astronomical telescopes (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900580 (the code used for astronomical telescopes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($107M, 16% of world imports), Indonesia ($104M) and Germany ($48M). World imports came to about $675M, 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 Astronomical telescopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900580 for Astronomical telescopes 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 astronomical telescopes in Brazil?
In Brazil, astronomical telescopes (HS 900580) is classified under NCM 9005.80.00.