Product classification
HS code for Night vision 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 night vision camera under HS 8525.83
The classification of night vision cameras under HS code 8525.83 is determined by their technical specifications as outlined in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 85. This code specifically applies to television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders that incorporate an image intensifier tube, a microchannel plate, or a semiconductor sensor (such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor) with a peak sensitivity at a wavelength exceeding 700 nm. These devices are designed to operate in low-light conditions by amplifying available ambient light or detecting infrared radiation. The classification is distinct from standard digital cameras because of the specialized hardware required to convert non-visible or low-level light into a visible image for the user. To qualify for 8525.83, the device must be capable of producing an image in conditions where the human eye cannot see, typically through the use of active or passive infrared technology or light intensification.
- Covers
- Infrared night vision scopes with digital sensors
- Night vision goggles (NVGs) incorporating image intensifier tubes
- Digital video cameras with CMOS sensors sensitive to wavelengths > 700 nm
- Thermal imaging cameras meeting the criteria of Subheading Note 3
- Low-light surveillance cameras for security applications
- 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. Night vision cameras are frequently misclassified under HS code 8525.89, which covers other digital cameras. The distinction lies in the hardware; if the camera does not meet the specific sensitivity or intensification requirements of Subheading Note 3, it falls into the general category. Additionally, purely optical night vision devices that do not convert light into an electronic signal are classified under 9013.80. High-speed cameras are classified under 8525.81, and radiation-hardened cameras fall under 8525.82, both of which are often confused with night vision equipment in industrial or military contexts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852583 (the code used for night vision camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852583 (the code used for night vision 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 night vision 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 night vision camera
Brazil classifies night vision 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 night vision camera
What is the HS code for Night vision camera?
The HS code for Night vision 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 night vision cameras is 8525.83, provided they meet the technical requirements for light intensification or sensor sensitivity.
How do I classify Night vision camera for customs?
Night vision 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 include thermal imaging cameras?
Yes, thermal imaging cameras are included under 8525.83 if they function as television or digital cameras and meet the specific wavelength sensitivity criteria defined in the chapter notes.
Which countries are the top exporters of night vision camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852583 (the code used for night vision 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 night vision camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852583 (the code used for night vision 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 Night vision camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852583 for Night vision 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 night vision camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, night vision camera (HS 852583) is classified under NCM 8525.83.00.