HS 900211 Objective lenses
Quick Answer: Objective lenses imported under HS 900211 enter the EU at 6.70% ad valorem, the UK at 0.00% ad valorem, and the US at 45% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification covers lenses specifically designed for use in photographic cameras, cinematographic cameras, and other optical instruments, excluding those for the naked eye. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity for the US market, which may necessitate exploring preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9002110090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9002110050 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9002110085 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9002110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9002110018 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9002110000 | 6.70 % | — | — |
| 9002110018 | 6.70 % | — | — |
| 9002110020 | 6.70 % | — | — |
| 9002110023 | 6.70 % | — | — |
| 9002110045 | 6.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9002114000 | 2.45% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9002116000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 900211 | — | — | — |
| 9002119000 | 2.3% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9002.11?
Imports of Objective lenses may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 900211 cover?
This subheading covers objective lenses, which are the primary optical elements of an optical instrument designed to form a real image of an object. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these lenses are specifically for cameras, projection apparatus, and photographic enlargers or reducers. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to lenses intended for use in photographic cameras, including those for still and motion pictures, as well as lenses for projectors and photographic printing equipment.
What falls outside HS 900211?
The following products are excluded from HS 900211: eyepieces (classified under 900290), lenses for binoculars or microscopes (classified under 900590 or 901090 respectively), and lenses for medical or surgical instruments (classified under 901890). Additionally, complete optical instruments incorporating objective lenses, such as cameras or projectors, are classified under their respective headings (e.g., 9006 for photographic cameras). Unmounted lenses intended for general optical use, not specifically for the apparatus listed in the heading, may also fall under different classifications.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 900211?
A common error is misclassifying lenses that are part of a larger assembly or are intended for different optical instruments. For example, a lens designed for a telescope might be incorrectly entered under 900211 instead of its correct classification. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure the lens is specifically an "objective lens" for cameras, projectors, or photographic enlargers/reducers, and not a component of other optical devices.
How should importers classify products under HS 900211?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 900211 involves a detailed examination of the product's intended use and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers should first consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. They must verify that the lens is an objective lens designed for photographic cameras, projection apparatus, or photographic enlargers/reducers. If the lens is part of a complete apparatus, the entire apparatus should be classified under its own heading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 900211?
A set of two Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM objective lenses, declared at a customs value of $250 USD, would attract a US duty of $12.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 900211. The calculation is: 5.0% × $250 USD = $12.50 USD. This rate applies to goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 900211?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 900211, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan and Singapore. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a specific origin declaration as stipulated by the respective agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 900211 (Objective lenses)?
Import duty rates for HS code 900211 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also 0.00%. The UK Trade Tariff lists a rate of 0.00% for most origins. However, specific trade agreements or origin countries can lead to different rates. For instance, some countries may apply rates as high as 6.70% or even 45% depending on the specific tariff schedule and origin.
How are objective lenses classified under HS code 900211, and what are the key classification criteria?
HS code 900211 specifically covers 'Objective lenses, for cameras, projectors, enlargers or reducers, for microscopes, for other photographic or cinematographic cameras and for projection apparatus; magnifying lenses, unmounted, other than those for spectacles'. The key classification criterion is that the lens must be an 'objective' lens, meaning it is the primary lens closest to the object being viewed or captured. This distinguishes it from eyepieces or other optical components. The lens must also be unmounted, or if mounted, it must be specifically for the apparatus listed (cameras, projectors, microscopes, etc.).
What common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 900211, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 900211. For example, under the US HTS, rates can be 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' which corresponds to various free trade agreements like those with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), etc. To benefit, importers must ensure the lenses originate from a country that is a party to an applicable trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, as stipulated by the agreement.
How is the import duty for HS code 900211 calculated, and can you provide a numerical example?
The calculation of import duty for HS code 900211 depends on whether the duty rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). Let's assume an importer brings in objective lenses with a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 6.70% ad valorem. The duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty Amount = $10,000 USD × 0.0670 = $670 USD. If there were a specific duty component (e.g., $0.50 per lens), the calculation would be: Duty Amount = Number of Lenses × Specific Duty Rate. The total duty would be the sum of any ad valorem and specific duties.
What documentation is typically required for importing objective lenses under HS code 900211?
Standard documentation for importing objective lenses under HS code 900211 includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, description, unit price, and total value of the lenses. A packing list is also essential, outlining the contents of each package. A bill of lading or air waybill serves as the contract of carriage. Depending on the country of import and origin, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries might also require specific product certifications or declarations related to optical quality or safety standards, though this is less common for basic objective lenses themselves and more for the final apparatus they are incorporated into.