Product classification
HS code for Slow-motion 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 slow-motion camera under HS 8525.81
Slow-motion cameras, specifically those designed for high-speed capture, are classified under HS code 8525.81. This classification was refined in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to better categorize digital imaging technology. According to Subheading Note 1 to Chapter 85, high-speed cameras are defined by their ability to record at specific frame rates and resolutions, typically exceeding 1,000 frames per second at a resolution of at least 1 megapixel. These devices are essential in scientific research, industrial testing, and specialized cinematography. The classification is based on the technical specifications of the sensor and the internal recording capabilities rather than the external housing or intended end-use. If a camera meets the high-speed criteria defined in the legal notes, it must be classified here rather than under general digital camera codes.
- Covers
- High-speed digital video cameras
- Scientific slow-motion recording systems
- Industrial high-speed cameras for crash testing
- Digital cameras meeting Subheading Note 1 criteria
- 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. The most common misclassification is HS code 8525.89, which is the residual category for other digital cameras. Standard consumer cameras with a \"slow-mo\" software feature but lacking the hardware to meet the high-speed definition in Subheading Note 1 belong in 8525.89. Another potential error is 8525.83, which is reserved for night vision cameras. It is vital to verify the frames-per-second (fps) and resolution against the specific thresholds mentioned in the Chapter 85 notes to ensure the 8525.81 code is appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852581 (the code used for slow-motion camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852581 (the code used for slow-motion 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 slow-motion 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 slow-motion camera
Brazil classifies slow-motion 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 slow-motion camera
What is the HS code for Slow-motion camera?
The HS code for Slow-motion 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 slow-motion cameras meeting specific technical thresholds is 8525.81.
How do I classify Slow-motion camera for customs?
Slow-motion 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.
Does a smartphone camera with slow-motion fall under this code?
Generally, no. Most consumer electronics do not meet the rigorous frame rate and resolution requirements of Subheading Note 1 and are classified under 8525.89.
Which countries are the top exporters of slow-motion camera (HS 852581)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852581 (the code used for slow-motion 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 slow-motion camera (HS 852581)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852581 (the code used for slow-motion 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 Slow-motion camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852581 for Slow-motion 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 slow-motion camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, slow-motion camera (HS 852581) is classified under NCM 8525.81.00.