Product classification
HS code for Infrared camera: 8525.83
Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders, night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter.
Classification of infrared camera under HS 8525.83
Infrared cameras are classified under HS code 852583, which covers television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders specifically designed for night vision. This classification is guided by Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 85, which defines night vision goods. These devices utilize infrared radiation to produce images in low-light or no-light conditions. The classification distinguishes these from standard digital cameras (852589) based on their specialized sensors and circuitry designed to detect the infrared spectrum. Under GRI 1 and 6, the technical capability of the camera to operate in the infrared range for night vision purposes dictates its placement here. This code is particularly relevant for security equipment, wildlife observation tools, and specialized industrial monitoring cameras that do not perform physical or chemical analysis.
- Covers
- Thermal imaging cameras for night vision
- Infrared security cameras
- Night vision goggles with recording capability
- Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras
- Infrared digital video recorders
- Also under 8525.83
- FLIR thermal cameras
- Pulsar thermal imagers
- ATN night vision cameras
- Hikvision thermal cameras
- Axis Communications thermal network cameras
Codes often confused with 8525.83
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is HS code 902750, which covers instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis using optical radiations (UV, visible, IR). If the camera is used to measure temperature gradients for scientific analysis rather than just producing a visual image, 9027 might be argued. Additionally, standard digital cameras are often incorrectly placed in 852589 if the importer fails to identify the night vision/IR specification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852583 (the code used for infrared camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852583 (the code used for infrared camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 11% 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 852583, not only infrared camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 77% of world exports
- 2 Germany $74M 5.3% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $33M 2.4% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$106M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $82M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$60M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $960M 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 code for infrared camera
Brazil classifies infrared camera under NCM 8525.83.00: HS 8525.83 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about infrared camera
What is the HS code for Infrared camera?
The HS code for Infrared camera is 852583 (Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter). The HS code for infrared cameras designed for night vision is 852583. Standard digital cameras fall under 852589.
How do I classify Infrared camera for customs?
Infrared camera is classified under HS code 852583 — Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders; night vision goods as specified in subheading note 3 to this chapter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover thermal thermometers?
No, handheld infrared thermometers that provide a numerical temperature reading are classified under 902519 as thermometers.
Which countries are the top exporters of infrared camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852583 (the code used for infrared camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 77% of world exports), Germany ($74M) and the United Kingdom ($33M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of infrared camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852583 (the code used for infrared camera) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $106M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($82M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $60M). World imports came to about $960M, 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 Infrared camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852583 for Infrared 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 infrared camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, infrared camera (HS 852583) is classified under NCM 8525.83.00.