HS Code 9005Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, mountings therefore; other astronomical instruments, mountings therefore, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy
3 six-digit codes · Heading 5 of 32 in Chapter 90 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 9005 is where customs places binoculars and telescopes. This page helps you choose the right six-digit code and see what falls outside it.
“Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, mountings therefore; other astronomical instruments, mountings therefore, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy” divides three ways under heading 9005 — 900510, 900580 and 900590. Each carries its own customs description, and the exact wording below is what a classification has to match. The heading is number 5 of 32 in Chapter 90, Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories, which runs to 143 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 9005
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 900510 | Binoculars |
| 900580 | Monoculars; other optical telescopes and astronomical instruments, excluding instruments for radio-astronomy |
| 900590 | Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, astronomical instruments (excluding those of radio-astronomy); parts and accessories (including mountings) |
What HS code 9005 covers
This heading is for instruments you look through to see things far away. It also takes other astronomical instruments and the mountings made for them.
Many countries add extra digits after the first six. You may see the same goods called an HSN code in India or an HTS number elsewhere. The start stays the same, so a search for HTS 9005 and a search for the HS heading point to the same goods.
For tariff classification, customs reads the words of the description. The name printed on the box does not decide the code.
Binoculars HS code 900510 and telescope HS code 900580
Binoculars go under 900510. It is the one code named for them, so it is the first place to look if you buy or sell binoculars.
A single-eye monocular or a complete optical telescope goes under 900580. Other optical astronomical instruments go there too.
Its wording also names the instruments themselves, so read the full description before you settle on it.
A quick test is to look at what is in the carton. A whole instrument points to 900510 or 900580. A stand, a mount or a spare part points to 900590. If you are still unsure, the HS code classifier can narrow it down.
What falls outside heading 9005
The heading says it leaves out instruments for radio-astronomy. The dividing line is the word optical. A dish that listens to radio waves belongs elsewhere.
Loose optics have their own homes. Unmounted lenses, prisms, mirrors and optical fibres sit in 9001. Mounted lenses and mirrors that serve as parts of instruments sit in 9002. Photographic cameras sit in 9006, even if they zoom like a telescope.
Three other headings cause doubt. Heading 9013 is a catch-all for lasers and optical appliances that fit nowhere else in the chapter. Heading 9015 holds surveying, hydrographic and weather instruments.
So 9005 is about bringing distant things closer. The neighbouring headings handle most other optical goods.
Who imports and exports binoculars and telescopes
Once you have the code, you can look at the trade behind it. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
Duty rates vary by country, so check the tariff of the market you trade with before you quote a price.
Related
- Chapter 90 optical and measuring instruments
- HS 9001 unmounted lenses and optical fibres
- HS 9002 mounted lenses and optical elements
- HS 9006 photographic cameras
- HS 9011 optical microscopes
- HS 9013 lasers and other optical appliances
- HS 9015 surveying instruments
- All HS code chapters
- Binoculars import data
- Telescope export data
- Buyers of binoculars and telescopes
- Binocular suppliers
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 90
- 9001Optical fibres and optical fibre bundles; optical fibre cables not of heading…6 codes
- 9002Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted…4 codes
- 9003Frames and mountings; for spectacles, goggles or the like, and parts3 codes
- 9004Spectacles, goggles and the like; corrective, protective or other2 codes
- 9006Cameras, photographic (excluding cinematographic); photographic flashlight…8 codes
- 9007Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound…4 codes
- 9008Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than…2 codes
- 9010Photographic (including cinematographic) laboratory apparatus and equipment…4 codes
- 9011Microscopes, compound optical; including those for photomicrography…4 codes
- 9012Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes); diffraction apparatus2 codes
- 9013Lasers, other than laser diodes; other optical appliances and instruments…4 codes
- 9014Navigational instruments and appliances; direction finding compasses4 codes
Who ships under 9005?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 3 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XVIII: Optical, Photographic, Medical Instruments; Clocks, chapters 90–92.
HS Code 9005: common questions
What is the HS code for binoculars?
It is 900510.
What is the HS code for a telescope or monocular?
Use 900580 for a complete optical telescope or a monocular. Check that it is an optical instrument and not a radio one.
Which HS code covers telescope mountings and parts?
Mountings are named in its description.
Are radio telescopes classified under HS 9005?
No. Radio-astronomy instruments are carved out of this heading by its own wording.
Are loose lenses or camera optics classified under 9005?
Mostly no.
What is the difference between HS 9005 and 9013?
Heading 9005 is for viewing far objects with binoculars and telescopes. Heading 9013 holds lasers and other optical appliances not named elsewhere.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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