90021100
9›Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts of or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked
Objective lenses - For cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers
Classification scope of subheading 9002 11 — camera objectives
Subheading 9002 11 of the Combined Nomenclature covers mounted objectives intended for photographic cameras (both analog and digital), film and slide projectors, and photographic enlargers. A mounted objective within the meaning of this subheading is a system of lenses assembled together in a mechanical housing, forming a complete optical unit ready to be fitted to the host device. The decisive classification criterion is the specific intended use for the devices enumerated in this subheading. Camera objectives include a wide range of designs: prime lenses, zoom lenses, macro lenses, tilt-shift lenses, and specialist cinematographic lenses. They are mounted in both analog and digital cameras, including mirrorless and DSLR systems. Objectives for film and slide projectors fall under the same subheading regardless of the film format. Classification must distinguish mounted objectives from unmounted optical elements such as raw lenses and glass blanks (heading 9001), and from optical systems forming integral parts of precision instruments not listed elsewhere. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN, in particular Rules 1 and 6, and the notes to Section XVIII and Chapter 90. In case of doubt, a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling should be sought from the competent customs authority.
Import requirements for camera and projector objectives
Importing mounted objectives under subheading 9002 11 into the European Union requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and lodge a customs declaration in the AIS/IMPORT system with the correct 8- or 10-digit CN code. Camera objectives are precision optical instruments and may be subject to EU product safety regulations. It should be verified whether the product requires a CE declaration of conformity or compliance with harmonised standards. Objectives incorporating electronic autofocus systems or communication interfaces with the camera body may be subject to electromagnetic compatibility requirements under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Documents required for the customs declaration include: a commercial invoice, transport document (CMR, AWB or B/L), product specification, and where preferential rates are claimed, a certificate or declaration of origin. Imports of objectives originating from countries subject to EU sanctions (Russia, Belarus) may be restricted or prohibited. Current MFN duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.
Duty rates and trade conditions for subheading 9002 11
Mounted optical objectives under subheading 9002 11 belong to a category of goods for which a 0% duty rate may apply under the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) — to which over 80 countries are signatories — or under EU autonomous tariff suspensions. The ITA covers a range of Chapter 90 products, including optical elements for photographic equipment and projectors. MFN duty rates for specific 8-digit subheadings must be verified in the current TARIC database, as rates may vary by product description. Preferential rates may be available under EU free trade agreements, including the EU-Japan EPA, the EU-South Korea FTA, CETA (Canada) and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, as well as under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries. A valid proof of origin is required to claim preferences. The importer should verify in TARIC whether anti-dumping or other trade restriction measures apply to the specific product and country of origin. VAT at the applicable domestic rate is levied on import in addition to customs duties.
Camera objectives CN 9002 11 and intellectual property enforcement
Importing camera objectives under CN 9002 11 requires particular attention to intellectual property issues. Major brands (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma) are protected under EU Regulation 608/2013 on customs enforcement of intellectual property rights. Customs authorities may detain suspect shipments for 10 working days for authenticity verification. This applies to prime lenses, zoom lenses, macro lenses, and tilt-shift objectives. Projector objectives (DLP, LCD) are also classified under this subheading.
Frequently asked questions
What goods are covered by CN subheading 9002 11?
CN subheading 9002 11 covers mounted optical objectives designed for photographic cameras (analog and digital), film and slide projectors, and photographic enlargers. The objective must be assembled in a mechanical housing as a complete optical unit ready for installation. Raw unmounted lenses and optical elements fall under heading 9001. Objectives for microscopes, telescopes and medical instruments are classified under subheading 9002 19. Classification depends on the actual intended use of the objective as confirmed by the manufacturer's technical specification.
What duty rates apply when importing camera objectives into the EU?
Mounted objectives under subheading 9002 11 may benefit from a 0% duty rate under the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) or EU autonomous tariff suspensions. Current MFN and preferential duty rates for the specific 8-digit CN code must always be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric). Preferential 0% rates may be available under EU FTAs with Japan, South Korea and Canada. VAT at the applicable domestic rate is charged in addition to any customs duty.
How to distinguish subheading 9002 11 from related CN codes?
Subheading 9002 11 covers only mounted objectives for photographic cameras, film and slide projectors, and enlargers. Unmounted optical lenses and glass elements are classified under heading 9001. Objectives for microscopes, telescopes and medical instruments fall under subheading 9002 19. Mounted optical filters are classified under subheading 9002 20. In case of doubt regarding correct classification, a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority provides legal certainty binding for 3 years across the entire EU.
How should camera objectives be classified under CN 9002 11?
CN 9002 11 covers mounted objectives designed for cameras, cinematographic cameras, and projectors. Objectives must be mounted – unmounted optical elements are classified under 9001 90. Objectives for microscopes and telescopes fall under 9002 19.
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