Product classification
HS code for TV camera: 8525.89
Television cameras, n.e.c. in item no 8525.8.
Classification of TV camera under HS 8525.89
Television cameras that do not fall under the specific subheadings for high-speed, radiation-hardened, or night-vision equipment are classified under HS code 852589. This code is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The classification process involves identifying the primary function of the device: capturing live images for transmission or recording. Unlike digital still cameras, TV cameras are designed for continuous video capture and often include features for remote control, signal processing, and integration into a broadcast or surveillance network. This subheading acts as a "residual" category for standard professional and commercial television cameras. It includes everything from studio-grade equipment used in newsrooms to high-definition cameras used in security systems. The technical specifications, such as frame rate and sensor type, are secondary to the intended use as a television or video capture device. Accurate classification ensures that the correct electronic standards and import duties are applied to these high-value technology imports, which are distinct from consumer-grade digital cameras intended primarily for still photography.
- Covers
- Professional broadcast cameras
- Digital studio cameras
- CCTV television cameras
- PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras
- Webcams for television transmission
- ENG (Electronic News Gathering) cameras
- Also under 8525.89
- Sony VENICE
- ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
- Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
- Panasonic AW-UE150
- Axis P3245-LVE
Codes often confused with 8525.89
Common mistake. Often confused with 852581 (high-speed cameras), 852582 (radiation-hardened), or 852583 (night vision). It is also distinct from 8521, which covers video recording apparatus without a camera component. Another common error is using 852589 for digital still cameras that have a secondary video function, which may fall under different subheadings depending on the primary design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852589 (the code used for TV camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852589 (the code used for TV camera) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 852589, not only TV camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $11.8B 26% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$4.6B 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $3.8B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $45.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.6B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.7B 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $2.9B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $44.4B 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 codes for TV camera
Brazil splits HS 8525.89 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8525.89.11TV cameras with three or more image pickups
- 8525.89.12Low-light CCD TV cameras, under 0.20 lux
- 8525.89.13Low-light CMOS TV cameras, under 0.20 lux
- 8525.89.14Infrared TV cameras, 2 to 14 µm
- 8525.89.19Other television cameras
- 8525.89.21Digital and video cameras, three or more pickups
- 8525.89.22Infrared digital and video cameras, 2 to 14 µm
- 8525.89.29Other digital cameras and video camera recorders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about TV camera
What is the HS code for TV camera?
The HS code for TV camera is 852589 (Television cameras; n.e.c. in item no 8525.8). The HS code for television cameras not elsewhere specified is 852589.
How do I classify TV camera for customs?
TV camera is classified under HS code 852589 — Television cameras; n.e.c. in item no 8525.8. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include security cameras?
Yes, most professional CCTV and security cameras that function as television cameras are classified under 852589 unless they have specialized night-vision or radiation-hardened features.
Which countries are the top exporters of TV camera (HS 852589)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852589 (the code used for TV camera) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.8B, 26% of world exports), Vietnam (about $4.6B) and Germany ($3.8B). World exports came to about $45.1B, 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 TV camera (HS 852589)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852589 (the code used for TV camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.6B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($3.7B) and Japan ($2.9B). World imports came to about $44.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for TV camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852589 for TV 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 TV camera in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852589 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for TV camera depends on the product's details: 8525.89.11 (TV cameras with three or more image pickups), 8525.89.12 (Low-light CCD TV cameras, under 0.20 lux), 8525.89.13 (Low-light CMOS TV cameras, under 0.20 lux), 8525.89.14 (Infrared TV cameras, 2 to 14 µm), 8525.89.19 (Other television cameras), 8525.89.21 (Digital and video cameras, three or more pickups), and more.