Monopods, Bipods, Tripods & Similar Camera and Instrument Supports

The US schedule prioritizes the intended instrument: tripods designed as accessories for cameras (heading 9006), binoculars (heading 9005), or surveying equipment (heading 9015) each have dedicated lines. Only tripods not classifiable by instrument type fall into the residual material-based lines (aluminum, steel, plastics, etc.). Importers should document the primary intended use and the instrument heading the support is designed to accompany.

Selfie sticks — handheld extendable monopods used to position smartphones or cameras — are generally classified within this heading as monopods. The specific 10-digit line depends on whether the stick is marketed as an accessory for a camera (heading 9006) or for audio/video recording equipment (headings 8519/8521), or falls into a residual material-based line. Classification should be confirmed based on the product's primary marketed use.