HS 900640 Instant print cameras
Quick Answer: Instant print cameras imported under HS 900640 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.20% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 20% ad valorem depending on specific product details. This classification covers cameras that produce a developed image immediately after exposure, such as Polaroid-type cameras. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific tariff schedule for the destination country to confirm the applicable duty rate, as variations exist within the US classification. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9006400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9006400000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9006404000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 9006409000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 900640 | — | — | — |
| 9006406000 | 6.8% | Free (17 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 9006.40?
Imports of Instant print cameras 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, 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 900640 cover?
This subheading covers instant print cameras, also known as self-developing cameras. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these are photographic cameras that produce a finished photographic print shortly after exposure without the need for separate film processing. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes cameras designed to develop their own film internally, yielding an immediate print, such as those utilizing integral film packs.
What falls outside HS 900640?
The following products are excluded from HS 900640: standard photographic cameras that require separate film development and printing processes, digital cameras that store images electronically on memory cards or internal storage, and cameras designed for professional or specialized industrial applications that do not produce instant prints. For instance, digital cameras (HS 8525.80) and traditional 35mm film cameras (HS 9006.59) are classified under different headings, as they do not meet the criteria of producing an immediate, self-developed print.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 900640?
A common error is misclassifying digital cameras that have a printing function as instant print cameras. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Digital cameras, even if they can wirelessly transmit images to a separate instant printer, are fundamentally electronic devices for image capture and storage, not self-developing photographic cameras as defined by HS 900640.
How should importers classify products under HS 900640?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 900640 involves verifying that the camera in question is specifically designed to produce an instant, self-developed photographic print immediately after exposure. Importers and customs brokers should consult the product's technical specifications and user manual to confirm its functionality. Cross-referencing with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for the specific country of import is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 900640?
A Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant print camera, declared at a customs value of $80 USD, would attract a US duty of $4.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 5.0% × $80 USD = $4.00 USD. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 900640?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 900640, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. While not directly applicable to this specific product category for duty reduction, the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) offers reduced or free duties for certain developing countries, requiring a EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 900640 (Instant print cameras) in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?
Import duty rates for HS code 900640 vary by country. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.20% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is typically Free (0.00%) for goods originating from countries with a trade agreement, but can be higher for others. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a Free (0.00%) rate for goods from many origins. Always verify the specific rate based on the country of origin and the importing country's tariff schedule.
What specific criteria define a camera as an 'instant print camera' under HS code 900640?
HS code 900640 specifically covers 'Instant print cameras'. The defining characteristic is their ability to produce a developed photographic print or image immediately after exposure, without the need for further processing in a darkroom or by a separate developing machine. This typically involves integrated film packs with self-developing chemicals. Cameras that require separate development steps, even if portable, would generally not fall under this heading.
What documentation is typically required when importing instant print cameras (HS 900640)?
When importing instant print cameras under HS code 900640, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also ensure compliance with any product-specific safety or labeling regulations in the destination market.
How is the ad valorem duty calculated for instant print cameras, and can you provide an example for HS 900640?
Ad valorem duty is calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if instant print cameras (HS 900640) are imported into the United States with a declared customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 3.20%, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.0320 (Duty Rate) = $320.00 (Import Duty). This amount is payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Do trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 900640?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 900640. For instance, many free trade agreements (FTAs) negotiated by the EU and the UK provide for duty-free importation of goods classified under 900640, provided the cameras originate from a partner country and meet the rules of origin. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement between the exporting country and the importing country to determine eligibility for preferential treatment and the applicable duty rate, which is often Free (0.00%).