Product classification
HS code for Telescopes: 9005.80
Monoculars, other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy.
Classification of telescopes under HS 9005.80
Telescopes are classified under HS code 9005.80. This classification is governed by Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9005 specifically covers binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and their mountings, as well as other astronomical instruments. While binoculars are classified under 9005.10, the subheading 9005.80 acts as the category for \"other\" instruments, which includes the vast majority of astronomical and terrestrial telescopes used by hobbyists and professionals alike. These instruments function by using lenses (refractors), mirrors (reflectors), or a combination of both (catadioptric) to gather and focus light to create a magnified image. It is important to note that this classification applies to the complete instrument, whether or not it is presented with its tripod or mounting. The classification is based on the optical nature of the device rather than its digital capabilities, though modern electronic telescopes still fall here if their primary function is optical observation.
- Covers
- Refracting telescopes for astronomical observation
- Reflecting telescopes (Newtonian, Cassegrain, etc.)
- Catadioptric telescopes (Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov)
- Terrestrial telescopes for long-range land observation
- Astronomical instruments not including radio-astronomy apparatus
- Also under 9005.80
- Celestron NexStar
- Orion SkyQuest
- Vortex Solo Monocular
- Leica Monovid
- Meade LX200
Codes often confused with 9005.80
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with radio telescopes, which are specifically excluded from heading 9005 and are instead classified under heading 8517 or 8526 depending on their specific radar or reception capabilities. Telescopic sights for fitting to arms are also excluded and must be classified under HS code 9013.10. Furthermore, digital cameras with high magnification lenses are sometimes confused with telescopes but belong in 8525.89. Parts and accessories for telescopes, such as eyepieces or specialized mounts imported separately, should be classified under 9005.90 rather than 9005.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900580 (the code used for telescopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900580 (the code used for telescopes) 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 telescopes.
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 telescopes
Brazil classifies telescopes 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 telescopes
What is the HS code for Telescopes?
The HS code for Telescopes is 900580 (Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy). The HS code for optical telescopes, including astronomical and terrestrial models, is 9005.80.
How do I classify Telescopes for customs?
Telescopes 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 binoculars classified under the same code as telescopes?
No, while they are in the same heading (9005), binoculars have their own specific subheading, which is 9005.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of telescopes (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900580 (the code used for telescopes) 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 telescopes (HS 900580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900580 (the code used for telescopes) 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 Telescopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900580 for Telescopes 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 telescopes in Brazil?
In Brazil, telescopes (HS 900580) is classified under NCM 9005.80.00.