Product classification
HS code for Monoculars: 9005.80
Monoculars, other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy.
Classification of monoculars under HS 9005.80
Monoculars are classified under HS code 9005.80. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9005 specifically covers binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and astronomical instruments. While binoculars are explicitly mentioned in subheading 9005.10, monoculars fall into the residual category of 9005.80, which covers "other instruments." The classification is based on the optical nature of the device, which uses lenses or prisms to magnify distant objects for a single eye. This code applies to standard refractive monoculars as well as those using catadioptric systems, provided they are not designed for specialized applications like weaponry or astronomical observation that might fall under different specific subheadings within the same chapter.
- Covers
- Handheld optical monoculars for birdwatching or hiking
- Spotting scopes used for single-eye distance viewing
- Pocket-sized telescopic monoculars
- Prismatic monoculars
- Compact monoculars for theater or sporting events
- Also under 9005.80
- Celestron NexStar
- Orion SkyQuest
- Vortex Solo Monocular
- Leica Monovid
- Meade LX200
Codes often confused with 9005.80
Common mistake. Monoculars are often confused with binoculars (9005.10), though the distinction is clearly based on the number of eyepieces. A more complex misclassification occurs with telescopic sights for fitting to arms, which are classified under 9013.10. Additionally, night vision monoculars that utilize electronic image intensifier tubes may be classified under 9005.80 if they are considered optical telescopes, but some jurisdictions may move them to 8525.89 if they are primarily viewed as electronic cameras or sensors. It is also important to distinguish these from astronomical telescopes, which are classified under 9005.80 but are distinct in their focal lengths and mounting requirements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900580 (the code used for monoculars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900580 (the code used for monoculars) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 900580, not only monoculars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $366M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $71M 7.7% of world exports
- 3 Greece $69M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $923M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $107M 16% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $104M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $48M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $675M 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 monoculars
Brazil classifies monoculars under NCM 9005.80.00: HS 9005.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about monoculars
What is the HS code for Monoculars?
The HS code for Monoculars is 900580 (Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy). The standard HS code for monoculars is 9005.80.
How do I classify Monoculars for customs?
Monoculars is classified under HS code 900580 — Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are monoculars classified differently if they have a tripod?
No, the addition of a tripod or a mount does not change the primary classification of the optical instrument as 9005.80, although the tripod itself, if shipped separately, might fall under 9620.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of monoculars (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900580 (the code used for monoculars) in UN Comtrade data were China ($366M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($71M) and Greece ($69M). World exports came to about $923M, 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 monoculars (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900580 (the code used for monoculars) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($107M, 16% of world imports), Indonesia ($104M) and Germany ($48M). World imports came to about $675M, 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 Monoculars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900580 for Monoculars 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 monoculars in Brazil?
In Brazil, monoculars (HS 900580) is classified under NCM 9005.80.00.