Product classification
HS code for High-speed camera: 8525.81
Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders, high-speed goods as specified in subheading note 1 to this chapter.
Classification of high-speed camera under HS 8525.81
High-speed cameras are classified under HS code 8525.81. This specific subheading was introduced in the 2022 HS update to provide clarity for advanced imaging technology that exceeds the capabilities of standard digital or video cameras. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 85, Subheading Note 1, high-speed cameras are defined by their ability to record at high frame rates or their significant data throughput. Specifically, a camera qualifies if it can record at speeds exceeding 225,000 frames per second or if it possesses a combination of resolution and frame rate that meets the technical thresholds defined in the note. These cameras are distinct from standard television or digital cameras because their primary function is the capture of transient phenomena for scientific, industrial, or military analysis. The classification depends heavily on the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer, such as the sensor's internal clock speed and buffer capacity.
- Covers
- Industrial high-speed video cameras
- Scientific recording cameras meeting Note 1 specs
- Ballistic research cameras
- High-speed digital cameras for crash testing
- Ultra-high-speed imaging systems
- Also under 8525.81
- Phantom Veo high-speed cameras
- Photron FASTCAM series
- Vision Research Phantom cameras
- Chronos high-speed cameras
- NAC Image Technology high-speed cameras
Codes often confused with 8525.81
Common mistake. High-speed cameras are frequently misclassified under 8525.89, which is the residual category for other digital cameras. This usually happens when the technical specifications regarding frame rate and throughput are not clearly documented. Another potential error is classification under 9010, which covers apparatus and equipment for photographic laboratories. However, since high-speed cameras are electronic imaging devices, Chapter 85 is more appropriate. Some specialized high-speed cameras used in medical imaging might be confused with 9018, but unless they are specifically designed for medical or surgical use, 8525.81 remains the primary code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852581 (the code used for high-speed camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852581 (the code used for high-speed camera) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 12% 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 852581, not only high-speed camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $275M 18% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $161M 10% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $125M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $194M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $117M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $106M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 high-speed camera
Brazil classifies high-speed camera under NCM 8525.81.00: HS 8525.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high-speed camera
What is the HS code for High-speed camera?
The HS code for High-speed camera is 852581 (Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; high-speed goods as specified in subheading note 1 to this chapter). The HS code for high-speed cameras meeting the technical criteria of Subheading Note 1 to Chapter 85 is 8525.81.
How do I classify High-speed camera for customs?
High-speed camera is classified under HS code 852581 — Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; high-speed goods as specified in subheading note 1 to this chapter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a camera as high-speed in the HS system?
It must have a recording speed exceeding 225,000 frames per second or meet specific throughput requirements (resolution multiplied by frame rate) as defined in the legal notes.
Which countries are the top exporters of high-speed camera (HS 852581)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852581 (the code used for high-speed camera) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($275M, 18% of world exports), the Netherlands ($161M) and Singapore ($125M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 high-speed camera (HS 852581)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852581 (the code used for high-speed camera) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($194M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($117M) and Malaysia ($106M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 High-speed camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852581 for High-speed 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 high-speed camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, high-speed camera (HS 852581) is classified under NCM 8525.81.00.