Product classification
HS code for Film camera: 9006.53
Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), for roll film of a width of 35mm.
Classification of film camera under HS 9006.53
The classification of film cameras under HS code 9006.53 is determined by the technical specifications of the device, specifically its use of 35mm roll film. Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Within this chapter, heading 9006 is dedicated to photographic cameras, excluding cinematographic ones. The subheading 9006.53 is precise, targeting cameras designed for roll film with a width of 35mm. This classification is based on the physical mechanism of the camera, which relies on chemical-based film rather than digital sensors. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these cameras are specifically engineered to transport and expose 35mm film, they fall squarely into this category. The distinction is important because it separates traditional analog photography equipment from modern digital imaging technology and from cameras using different film formats like 120mm or instant film. The 35mm format, historically the most common for consumer and professional photography, is the defining characteristic for this specific code, ensuring that customs authorities can distinguish these goods from specialized scientific cameras or large-format studio equipment.
- Covers
- 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) film cameras
- 35mm point-and-shoot analog cameras
- Disposable 35mm film cameras
- Rangefinder cameras using 35mm roll film
- Panoramic 35mm film cameras
- Also under 9006.53
- Canon AE-1
- Nikon F3
- Leica M6
- Olympus OM-1
- Kodak FunSaver
Codes often confused with 9006.53
Common mistake. Film cameras are frequently misclassified under HS code 8525.89, which is reserved for digital cameras. While both capture images, the technology (chemical vs. electronic) is the primary differentiator. Another common error is using HS code 9006.59, which covers cameras for roll film of other widths, such as 120mm or 220mm medium format film. Additionally, instant print cameras are classified under 9006.40, regardless of the film size, because their primary characteristic is the immediate development of the photograph within the device.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900653 (the code used for film camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900653 (the code used for film camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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 900653, not only film camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $42M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $40M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $33M 19% of world exports
World total: $179M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $31M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $18M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $17M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $179M 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 codes for film camera
Brazil splits HS 9006.53 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9006.53.10Fixed-focus 35 mm roll film cameras
- 9006.53.20Adjustable-focus 35 mm roll film cameras
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about film camera
What is the HS code for Film camera?
The HS code for Film camera is 900653 (Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), for roll film of a width of 35mm). The HS code for a photographic camera designed for 35mm roll film is 9006.53.
How do I classify Film camera for customs?
Film camera is classified under HS code 900653 — Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), for roll film of a width of 35mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are disposable cameras classified under this same code?
Yes, disposable cameras that use 35mm roll film are classified under 9006.53, as the classification is based on the film format and mechanism rather than the durability of the camera body.
Which countries are the top exporters of film camera (HS 900653)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900653 (the code used for film camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($42M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($40M) and the United States ($33M). World exports came to about $179M, 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 film camera (HS 900653)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900653 (the code used for film camera) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($31M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($18M) and Hong Kong ($17M). World imports came to about $179M, 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 Film camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900653 for Film 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 film camera in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900653 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for film camera depends on the product's details: 9006.53.10 (Fixed-focus 35 mm roll film cameras), 9006.53.20 (Adjustable-focus 35 mm roll film cameras).