Product classification
HS code for Instant camera: 9006.40
Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), instant print cameras.
Classification of instant camera under HS 9006.40
HS code 9006.40 specifically identifies instant print cameras within the broader category of photographic equipment. These devices are unique because they integrate the exposure mechanism with a processing unit that develops the film immediately after the picture is taken. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 90.06 covers photographic cameras, and 9006.40 is the specific subheading for the instant print variety. This includes both traditional analog instant cameras that use chemical packets in the film and modern hybrid cameras that may use digital sensors but include an internal printer using specialized paper (like Zink or Instax film). It does not include standalone portable printers that connect to smartphones, as those are typically classified under heading 84.43 as printers. The classification is based on the primary function of the device: capturing an image and producing a physical print as a single, integrated process. Even if the camera has digital storage capabilities or an LCD screen, the presence of the instant printing mechanism defines its classification under 9006.40 rather than as a standard digital camera.
- Covers
- Analog instant cameras (e.g., Polaroid)
- Hybrid digital-instant cameras
- Self-developing film cameras
- Instant print cameras for professional use
- Consumer-grade instant cameras (e.g., Instax)
- Also under 9006.40
- Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Polaroid Now
- Kodak Printomatic
- Canon Ivy CLIQ
- Lomography Lomo'Instant
Codes often confused with 9006.40
Common mistake. Instant cameras are often misclassified under 8525.89, which covers standard digital cameras. However, if the device has an integrated printing mechanism, 9006.40 takes precedence. Another common error is classifying the camera and film together; the film must be classified separately under Chapter 37 (e.g., 3702.32).
Top exporters and importers of HS 900640 (the code used for instant camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900640 (the code used for instant camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 18% 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 900640, not only instant camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $201M 24% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $139M 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $108M 13% of world exports
World total: $841M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $190M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $153M 15% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $90M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 instant camera
Brazil classifies instant camera under NCM 9006.40.00: HS 9006.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about instant camera
What is the HS code for Instant camera?
The HS code for Instant camera is 900640 (Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); instant print cameras). The specific HS code for instant print cameras is 9006.40.
How do I classify Instant camera for customs?
Instant camera is classified under HS code 900640 — Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); instant print cameras. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the film?
No, unexposed instant film is classified separately in Chapter 37, typically under heading 37.01 or 37.02 depending on the format.
Which countries are the top exporters of instant camera (HS 900640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900640 (the code used for instant camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($201M, 24% of world exports), Hong Kong ($139M) and the Netherlands ($108M). World exports came to about $841M, 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 instant camera (HS 900640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900640 (the code used for instant camera) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($190M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($153M) and the Netherlands ($90M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 Instant camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900640 for Instant 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 instant camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, instant camera (HS 900640) is classified under NCM 9006.40.00.