Product classification
HS code for Thermal 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 thermal camera under HS 8525.83
Thermal cameras are classified under HS code 8525.83. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 85.25 includes transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders. Subheading 8525.83 specifically targets night vision goods as specified in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 85. These devices operate by detecting infrared radiation (heat) and converting it into a visual image. This technology is distinct from standard digital cameras that capture visible light. The classification applies to both handheld thermal imagers and fixed thermal surveillance cameras. It is important to note that for a camera to fall under this code, it must meet the technical criteria for night vision or thermographic imaging as defined by the Harmonized System explanatory notes. Specifically, Subheading Note 3 clarifies that these goods utilize infrared light and are designed for use in low-light or dark environments. If a camera is designed for general photography and merely has a night mode software feature, it may still fall under 8525.89. However, true thermal imaging cameras that use microbolometer sensors are strictly classified under 8525.83. This distinction is vital because night vision and thermal imaging equipment are often subject to export controls and different tariff rates compared to standard consumer electronics. The classification remains 8525.83 regardless of whether the device records the image or merely displays it in real-time.
- Covers
- Infrared thermal imaging cameras
- Night vision digital video cameras
- Thermographic surveillance cameras
- Handheld thermal leak detectors with imaging
- Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras
- 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. Thermal cameras are often misclassified under 9025.19, which covers pyrometers and thermometers. While both measure heat, 9025 is for instruments that provide a numerical temperature reading without an image, whereas 8525.83 is for imaging devices. They are also sometimes confused with 9027.50 (optical instruments), but 8525.83 is the more specific heading for digital camera technology.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852583 (the code used for thermal camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852583 (the code used for thermal 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 thermal 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 thermal camera
Brazil classifies thermal 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 thermal camera
What is the HS code for Thermal camera?
The HS code for Thermal 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 thermal imaging and night vision cameras is 8525.83.
How do I classify Thermal camera for customs?
Thermal 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.
Is a digital camera with a night mode classified here?
Generally, no. Standard digital cameras are classified under 8525.89. Only cameras specifically designed as night vision goods per Subheading Note 3 fall under 8525.83.
Which countries are the top exporters of thermal camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852583 (the code used for thermal 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 thermal camera (HS 852583)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852583 (the code used for thermal 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 Thermal camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852583 for Thermal 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 thermal camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, thermal camera (HS 852583) is classified under NCM 8525.83.00.