Heading 9015

Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses; rangefinders; parts and accessories thereof

19 declarable lines

Heading 9015 covers surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological and geophysical instruments and appliances, plus rangefinders and their parts and accessories. The heading is split first by instrument type: rangefinders, theodolites and tachymeters, levels, photogrammetrical instruments, and a residual other group that includes seismographs and geophysical instruments. Most lines are further split between electrical and other goods, and parts are split by the instrument they serve.

Products in this heading

Laser rangefinders and optical distance meters
Theodolites and tachymeters used for angle and distance measurement
Surveying levels, including automatic and digital levels
Photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances
Seismographs for geological surveying
Geophysical instruments and appliances used in the field
Parts and accessories for levels, theodolites and rangefinders

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the instrument type: rangefinder, theodolite or tachymeter, level, photogrammetrical instrument, or other.
For other instruments, decide whether the goods are optical, seismographs, geophysical, or a residual other.
Decide whether the goods are electrical or non-electrical, since most subheadings split on that basis.
If the goods are a part or accessory, identify the instrument it serves to pick the correct parts line.
Confirm the goods are not a compass, navigational instrument, or a measuring instrument named in another heading of chapter 90.

Often confused with

Compasses and other navigational instruments
Heading 9015 excludes compasses; direction finding compasses and navigational instruments are classified in 9014.
Heading 9014
Thermometers, barometers and hygrometers
These meteorological-type measuring instruments are named in 9025, not 9015.
Heading 9025
Flow meters and level gauges for liquids or gases
Heading 9026 covers measuring or checking flow, level and pressure of liquids or gases and excludes 9015 goods.
Heading 9026
Hand measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers
Hand-held length measuring instruments are classified in 9017.
Heading 9017
Machines for testing mechanical properties of materials
Hardness, strength and elasticity testing machines belong in 9024.
Heading 9024

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for an electrical laser rangefinder?

Electrical rangefinders are classified under 9015.10.40.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. Non-electrical rangefinders go under 9015.10.80.00, also Free.

What is the duty on surveying levels?

Electrical levels are classified under 9015.30.40.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Other levels fall under 9015.30.80.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 2.8%.

How do I classify parts for a theodolite?

Parts and accessories of theodolites and tachymeters are classified under 9015.90.01.20, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. Parts for other instruments in the heading have their own parts lines, such as 9015.90.01.30 for parts of levels.

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.