Product classification
HS code for Broadcast camera: 8525.89
Television cameras, n.e.c. in item no 8525.8.
Classification of broadcast camera under HS 8525.89
Broadcast cameras are classified under HS code 8525.89, which covers television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders not elsewhere specified. Heading 8525 generally deals with transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television. The specific subheading 8525.89 is used for high-end television cameras used in professional broadcasting environments, such as television studios or live sports coverage. These cameras are distinguished from consumer-grade camcorders or specialized high-speed cameras by their technical specifications, including sensor size, output formats (such as SDI or fiber optic), and the ability to be integrated into a multi-camera control system. The classification follows the principle that the device's primary function is the capture of images for television transmission. While the HS system was updated in 2022 to refine the 8525.8x series, 8525.89 remains the primary code for professional-grade broadcast equipment that does not meet the specific criteria for radiation-hardened, night-vision, or high-speed categories defined in 8525.81 through 8525.83.
- Covers
- Studio television cameras
- ENG (Electronic News Gathering) cameras
- 4K and 8K professional broadcast units
- Remote-controlled PTZ cameras for broadcast
- Field production cameras
- Also under 8525.89
- Sony VENICE
- ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
- Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
- Panasonic AW-UE150
- Axis P3245-LVE
Codes often confused with 8525.89
Common mistake. Broadcast cameras are frequently confused with HS code 8525.81 (high-speed cameras) or 8525.83 (night vision cameras). If the camera does not have specific night-vision capabilities or ultra-high-speed frame rates as defined by the HS notes, it must stay in 8525.89. Additionally, some may try to use 8525.50 for transmission apparatus, but if the device includes the image sensor and lens assembly for capturing video, it is classified as a camera under 8525.89.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852589 (the code used for broadcast camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852589 (the code used for broadcast camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 852589, not only broadcast camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11.8B 26% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$4.6B 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $3.8B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $45.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.6B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.7B 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $2.9B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $44.4B 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 codes for broadcast camera
Brazil splits HS 8525.89 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8525.89.11TV cameras with three or more image pickups
- 8525.89.12Low-light CCD TV cameras, under 0.20 lux
- 8525.89.13Low-light CMOS TV cameras, under 0.20 lux
- 8525.89.14Infrared TV cameras, 2 to 14 µm
- 8525.89.19Other television cameras
- 8525.89.21Digital and video cameras, three or more pickups
- 8525.89.22Infrared digital and video cameras, 2 to 14 µm
- 8525.89.29Other digital cameras and video camera recorders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about broadcast camera
What is the HS code for Broadcast camera?
The HS code for Broadcast camera is 852589 (Television cameras; n.e.c. in item no 8525.8). The HS code for professional broadcast television cameras is 8525.89.
How do I classify Broadcast camera for customs?
Broadcast camera is classified under HS code 852589 — Television cameras; n.e.c. in item no 8525.8. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code include the camera lens?
If the lens is imported attached to the camera or in the same shipment as part of a kit, it is generally classified under 8525.89. Lenses imported separately fall under 9002.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of broadcast camera (HS 852589)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852589 (the code used for broadcast camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.8B, 26% of world exports), Vietnam (about $4.6B) and Germany ($3.8B). World exports came to about $45.1B, 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 broadcast camera (HS 852589)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852589 (the code used for broadcast camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.6B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($3.7B) and Japan ($2.9B). World imports came to about $44.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Broadcast camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852589 for Broadcast 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 broadcast camera in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852589 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for broadcast camera depends on the product's details: 8525.89.11 (TV cameras with three or more image pickups), 8525.89.12 (Low-light CCD TV cameras, under 0.20 lux), 8525.89.13 (Low-light CMOS TV cameras, under 0.20 lux), 8525.89.14 (Infrared TV cameras, 2 to 14 µm), 8525.89.19 (Other television cameras), 8525.89.21 (Digital and video cameras, three or more pickups), and more.