Product classification
HS code for Underwater camera: 9006.30
Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic), specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs, comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use.
Classification of underwater camera under HS 9006.30
The classification of underwater cameras under HS code 9006.30 is determined by the specific engineering and design features that allow the device to function under high-pressure aquatic environments. Unlike standard consumer cameras that may have basic weather sealing or "water-resistant" ratings, products in this category are purpose-built with specialized housings, seals, and controls that remain operational at significant depths. This code falls under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, and cinematographic instruments. The primary criterion for 9006.30 is that the camera must be "specially designed" for underwater use. This means the waterproof capability is an intrinsic part of the camera's design rather than an after-market addition. Customs authorities look for features such as pressure-resistant glass, specialized O-ring systems, and buoyancy characteristics that are unique to sub-aquatic photography. Furthermore, this code includes cameras used for aerial survey and medical examination of internal organs, as they share the "specially designed" characteristic for non-standard environments. The technical complexity of these devices, which must withstand corrosive saltwater and extreme pressure, justifies their separation from general-purpose photographic equipment.
- Covers
- Submersible still cameras
- Deep-sea photographic equipment
- Amphibious cameras designed for pressure
- Underwater forensic cameras
- Specialized underwater survey cameras
- Also under 9006.30
- Nikon Z7 II (with underwater housing)
- Phase One iXM-RS150F (aerial)
- Olympus OTV-S7Pro (endoscope)
- Leica DMC III (aerial)
- Canon EOS R5 (with underwater housing)
Codes often confused with 9006.30
Common mistake. Underwater cameras are frequently misclassified under HS code 8525.89, which covers digital cameras and video camera recorders. While many modern underwater cameras are digital, 9006.30 is a specific provision for cameras designed for special uses. Additionally, they are sometimes confused with 9006.59, which covers other photographic cameras, but 9006.30 takes precedence due to the specific environmental design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900630 (the code used for underwater camera), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900630 (the code used for underwater camera) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 900630, not only underwater camera.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 51% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $21M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $21M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $224M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 17% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $21M 14% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $148M 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 underwater camera
Brazil classifies underwater camera under NCM 9006.30.00: HS 9006.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about underwater camera
What is the HS code for Underwater camera?
The HS code for Underwater camera is 900630 (Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs; comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use). The HS code for an underwater camera specially designed for sub-aquatic use is 9006.30.
How do I classify Underwater camera for customs?
Underwater camera is classified under HS code 900630 — Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); specially designed for underwater use, aerial survey, medical or surgical examination of internal organs; comparison cameras for forensic or criminological use. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include waterproof phone cases?
No, waterproof cases or housings imported separately are typically classified under 4202 or 3926 depending on the material, as they are accessories rather than the camera itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of underwater camera (HS 900630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900630 (the code used for underwater camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 51% of world exports), Malaysia ($21M) and the United Kingdom ($21M). World exports came to about $224M, 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 underwater camera (HS 900630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900630 (the code used for underwater camera) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 17% of world imports), Indonesia ($21M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World imports came to about $148M, 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 Underwater camera the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900630 for Underwater 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 underwater camera in Brazil?
In Brazil, underwater camera (HS 900630) is classified under NCM 9006.30.00.