HS 901540 Photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances

Quick Answer: Photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances imported under HS 901540 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at a range of rates, with many items being free of duty under the MFN rate, though some face a 40% ad valorem duty. This classification covers equipment used to create maps and drawings from aerial photographs or other imagery, including stereoplotters and aerial cameras specifically designed for surveying. Importers should verify the precise tariff line and applicable duty rate for their specific product in each destination country. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the specific subheadings within the US tariff is crucial for accurate duty assessment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9015400000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9015400000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9015404000 Free — ["No."]
901540 — — —
9015408000 Free — ["No."]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 901540 cover?

This subheading covers photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are specialized tools designed for the process of making measurements from photographs, particularly for reconstructing the exact positions of points in space. According to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database, this includes instruments like stereoplotters, stereocomparators, and analytical plotters used in aerial or terrestrial photogrammetry for creating maps, models, or other spatial data from photographic imagery.

What falls outside HS 901540?

The following products are excluded from HS 901540: general-purpose cameras, even if used for photogrammetry, which are typically classified under heading 9006. Also excluded are digital cameras with integrated mapping functions that are primarily considered cameras, and software used solely for photogrammetric processing without the associated specialized hardware. Instruments for general surveying, such as theodolites or total stations not specifically designed for photogrammetric measurement, are classified under HS 9015.10 or 9015.20 respectively.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 901540?

A common error is misclassifying digital cameras that can be used for photogrammetry but are not specialized photogrammetrical surveying instruments. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If an item is a composite good, GRI 3 often applies, and the essential character of the product must be considered. For instance, a high-resolution digital camera with basic photogrammetric software might be classified as a camera under 9006 if its primary function is image capture, not precise spatial measurement.

How should importers classify products under HS 901540?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 901540 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and refer to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 9015. It is crucial to determine if the instrument is specifically designed for photogrammetrical surveying, which involves precise measurement from photographs to determine spatial coordinates, rather than general photography or surveying.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 901540?

A Wild Heerbrugg A8 stereoplotter, weighing 150 kg and declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 10% of $15,000 USD = $1,500.00. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 901540?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 901540, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, eligible photogrammetrical surveying instruments originating from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate declaration is typically required. Similarly, the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or zero duties for certain developing countries, often requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 901520 HS 901580 HS 901510 HS 903040 HS 901590 HS 901420

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 901540, 'Photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances'?

Duty rates for HS code 901540 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also Free. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a rate of Free for this classification. However, it is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date information, as rates can change and other duties or taxes may apply.

What specific criteria define an instrument or appliance as 'photogrammetrical surveying' for HS code 901540?

To be classified under HS code 901540, instruments and appliances must be specifically designed or adapted for the purpose of making measurements from photographic images, typically for the purpose of determining the location of objects in space or the shape of the earth's surface. This includes devices like stereoplotters, analytical plotters, and digital photogrammetry workstations that process aerial or terrestrial photographs to create maps, models, or other spatial data. General-purpose cameras or image processing software not specifically configured for photogrammetrical surveying would not fall under this code.

What documentation is typically required when importing photogrammetrical surveying instruments under HS code 901540?

Standard import documentation for HS code 901540 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the goods, additional documentation may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, technical specifications or brochures detailing the photogrammetrical capabilities of the instrument, and potentially an import license or permit if the importing country has specific regulations for such advanced surveying equipment. Always verify with the customs authority of the destination country.

How is the import duty calculated for photogrammetrical surveying instruments if a duty rate other than 'Free' applies?

If an ad valorem duty rate applies, the duty is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For instance, if a country imposes a 4% ad valorem duty on an instrument with a customs value of $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 (customs value) × 0.04 (duty rate) = $400. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per unit) or a compound duty (ad valorem + specific) applies, the calculation would differ. It is essential to confirm the exact duty calculation method and applicable rates from the official customs tariff of the importing country. For HS 901540, many major economies provide duty-free treatment, but this is not universal.

Do trade agreements, such as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), typically offer preferential duty rates for HS code 901540?

Yes, many Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) provide for preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry for goods classified under HS code 901540, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, goods originating from countries that have an FTA with the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom may qualify for reduced or eliminated duties. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must typically provide a certificate of origin or other acceptable proof of origin as required by the specific trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations.