U.S. imports of Monoculars, Optical Telescopes & Astronomical Instruments (HS 900580) totaled $9.9M in August 2026, imported from 44 countries.
Importers of Monoculars, Optical Telescopes & Astronomical Instruments paid $1.8M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 17.85% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Monoculars, Optical Telescopes & Astronomical Instruments imports of $9.9M in August 2026 ran 12% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.8M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataOptical telescopes and astronomical instruments occupy a technically specialized corner of the optics schedule, with the US tariff lines separating infrared-capable telescopes (9005804020), other optical telescopes (9005804040), and non-telescope astronomical instruments and mountings (9005806000). China leads imports, but Austria and Japan — both known for precision optical manufacturing — are significant sources, reflecting the heading's mix of consumer-grade and research-quality instruments. Importers of infrared or night-vision-capable telescopes should evaluate dual-use licensing obligations under the EAR before entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
225 import shipments a month
When imported together as a complete instrument, the mounting is generally classified with the telescope under 9005804040 or the appropriate subheading. Mountings imported separately may fall under 9005806000 as astronomical instrument mountings, or potentially under a parts provision. The key classification factor is whether the mounting is presented with the optical instrument or as a standalone article.
Technical specifications — aperture, focal length, optical coatings, and intended application — help establish whether an instrument is a consumer product or a precision scientific instrument. For high-value research equipment, a detailed manufacturer's specification sheet and, where applicable, an end-use certificate may be requested by CBP to confirm classification and admissibility.
Subheading 2 of 3 in heading 9005
Subheading 900580 · $9.9M of $34.4M
ImportsExports
Imports
$9.9MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $102.6M of Monoculars, Optical Telescopes & Astronomical Instruments and exported $73.1M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Austria together supply 79% of it. China pays 20.8% duty; Taiwan 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
0.0600% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 17.85% of imports for consumption.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9005804040 | Optical Telescopes, NESOI | $8.8M | 18.05% | 99.93% | $1.6M |
| 9005806000 | Astronomical Instruments and Mounting, NESOI | $692K | 13.90% | 100.00% | $96K |
| 9005804020 | Optical Telescopes for Use With Infrared Light | $369K | 20.50% | 100.00% | $76K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9005806000 | Astronomical Instruments and Mounting, NESOI | $2.5M |
| 9005804040 | Optical Telescopes, NESOI | $1.9M |
| 9005804020 | Optical Telescopes for Use With Infrared Light | $1.2M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
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