Product classification
HS code for Electronic flash: 9006.61
Photographic flashlight apparatus, discharge lamp (electronic).
Classification of electronic flash under HS 9006.61
Electronic flash apparatus for photography is classified under HS code 9006.61. This classification is situated within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, and medical instruments. Heading 9006 specifically addresses photographic cameras and flashlight apparatus. The subheading 9006.61 is dedicated to discharge lamp (electronic) flashlight apparatus. These devices function by discharging a high-voltage electrical pulse through a gas-filled tube (usually xenon) to produce a brief, intense burst of light. This classification is distinct from continuous lighting systems or chemical-based flashbulbs. The technical specification of the light source—being a discharge lamp—is the primary driver for this specific HS code assignment, ensuring that professional photography equipment is distinguished from general-purpose lighting or electrical signaling equipment.
- Covers
- Xenon speedlights for DSLR cameras
- Studio electronic strobe lights
- External flash units for mirrorless cameras
- Ring flashes for macro photography
- Remote-triggered electronic flash heads
- Also under 9006.61
- Godox V1
- Profoto B10
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
- Nikon SB-5000
- Elinchrom ELC Pro HD
Codes often confused with 9006.61
Common mistake. Electronic flashes are often misclassified under HS code 8539, which covers electric filament or discharge lamps. However, because the flash is a specialized photographic instrument, Chapter 90 takes precedence over Chapter 85. Additionally, it may be confused with 9006.69, which is a residual category for other flashlight apparatus, such as flashbulbs or flashcubes that do not utilize electronic discharge technology.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900661 (the code used for electronic flash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900661 (the code used for electronic flash) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 72% 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 900661, not only electronic flash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $175M 50% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $111M 32% of world exports
- 3 Poland $26M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $352M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $386M 72% of world imports
- 2 United States $30M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $16M 3.0% of world imports
World total: $536M 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 electronic flash
Brazil classifies electronic flash under NCM 9006.61.00: HS 9006.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electronic flash
What is the HS code for Electronic flash?
The HS code for Electronic flash is 900661 (Photographic flashlight apparatus; discharge lamp (electronic)). The HS code for electronic discharge lamp flashlight apparatus is 9006.61.
How do I classify Electronic flash for customs?
Electronic flash is classified under HS code 900661 — Photographic flashlight apparatus; discharge lamp (electronic). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are LED photography lights classified under 9006.61?
Generally, no. LED lights that provide continuous illumination are often classified under 9405 as lamps and lighting fittings, as they do not utilize the discharge lamp technology specified in 9006.61.
Which countries are the top exporters of electronic flash (HS 900661)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900661 (the code used for electronic flash) in UN Comtrade data were China ($175M, 50% of world exports), Hong Kong ($111M) and Poland ($26M). World exports came to about $352M, 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 electronic flash (HS 900661)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900661 (the code used for electronic flash) in UN Comtrade data were China ($386M, 72% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and the Netherlands ($16M). World imports came to about $536M, 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 Electronic flash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900661 for Electronic flash 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 electronic flash in Brazil?
In Brazil, electronic flash (HS 900661) is classified under NCM 9006.61.00.