Heading 9005

Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings therefor; other astronomical instruments and mountings therefor, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy; parts and accessories thereof

8 declarable lines

Heading 9005 covers binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and the mountings for them, plus other astronomical instruments and their parts. It does not cover radio-astronomy instruments. The heading splits by article type: binoculars in 9005.10, other instruments in 9005.80, and parts and accessories in 9005.90.

Products in this heading

Prism binoculars for general outdoor use
Binoculars built for use with infrared light
Monoculars
Optical telescopes for amateur astronomy
Mountings and tripod heads sold as parts of binoculars or telescopes
Objective lenses and prisms mounted as parts of binoculars
Spotting scopes built as optical telescopes

How to choose the right subheading

Article type: binoculars go to 9005.10, other instruments such as telescopes go to 9005.80, and parts go to 9005.90.
For binoculars, whether the item is prism binoculars and whether it is designed for use with infrared light.
For other instruments, whether the item is an optical telescope or another instrument.
For parts and accessories, whether the item incorporates goods of heading 9001 or 9002.
Intended use, since infrared use has its own statistical line under both binoculars and telescopes.

Often confused with

Unmounted lenses and prisms of glass or other material
Unmounted optical elements are classified in 9001, not as parts of 9005.
Heading 9001
Photographic cameras
Cameras that capture images are in 9006 even when they use an optical lens.
Heading 9006
Compound optical microscopes
Microscopes have their own heading and are not treated as telescopes.
Heading 9011
Rangefinders and surveying instruments
Measuring and rangefinding instruments are classified in 9015.
Heading 9015
Lasers other than laser diodes
Lasers and other optical appliances not named elsewhere fall in 9013.
Heading 9013

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for prism binoculars?

Other prism binoculars are classified under 9005.10.00.40, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. Prism binoculars for use with infrared light go under 9005.10.00.20, also Free.

What is the duty on optical telescopes?

Optical telescopes other than those for infrared use are classified under 9005.80.40.40, with a general (MFN) rate of 8%. Telescopes for use with infrared light go under 9005.80.40.20 at the same 8% general (MFN) rate.

How do I classify parts and accessories for binoculars and telescopes?

Parts and accessories incorporating goods of heading 9001 or 9002 go under 9005.90.40.00, and other parts and accessories go under 9005.90.80.01. Both carry the general (MFN) rate applicable to the article of which the part is a part or accessory.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.