HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9015.20 – Surveying equipment; theodolites and tachymeters (tacheometers)
HS code 9015.20 is the 6-digit subheading for surveying equipment, theodolites and tachymeters (tacheometers). It is used for optical theodolites, electronic theodolites, total stations, robotic total stations and digital tachymeters.
What HS 9015.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers theodolites and tachymeters (also known as tacheometers), which are fundamental instruments in surveying, civil engineering, and construction. Theodolites are precision optical instruments used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, while tachymeters combine angle and distance measurement capabilities, often incorporating electronic distance measurement (EDM) technology. These devices are crucial for establishing precise coordinates, setting out construction sites, and mapping terrain. In international trade, they are essential tools for infrastructure development projects globally. Major importers include countries undergoing rapid urbanization, extensive construction, or large-scale land development, such as China, India, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically nations with advanced precision instrument manufacturing and optical engineering expertise. Key considerations in this trade are accuracy, robustness for field use, integration with data collection systems, and the shift towards robotic total stations and GPS/GNSS integration for enhanced efficiency and precision.
- Covers
- Optical theodolites
- Electronic theodolites
- Total stations
- Robotic total stations
- Digital tachymeters
- Construction theodolites
- Mining survey instruments
- Examples
- Leica Geosystems Total Stations
- Trimble S-Series
- Topcon GT Series
- Sokkia iX Series
- GeoMax Zoom Series
Codes often confused with 9015.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 901530 (levels) or 901580 (other surveying instruments) if the instrument's primary function isn't angle/distance measurement. The specific capabilities of angle measurement and often distance measurement define this category.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901520 in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $270M 32% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $159M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $158M 19% of world exports
World total: $838M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $115M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $81M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $62M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $714M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 9015.20 2
Brazil splits HS 9015.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9015.20.10 Theodolites and tachymeters, 1 arcsecond readingCom sistema de leitura por meio de prisma ou micrômetro óptico e precisão de leitura de 1 segundo
- 9015.20.90 Other theodolites and tachymetersOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9015.20
What is HS code 901520?
HS code 901520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Surveying equipment; theodolites and tachymeters (tacheometers). This HS code specifically covers theodolites and tachymeters (also known as tacheometers), which are fundamental instruments in surveying, civil engineering, and construction. Theodolites are precision optical instruments used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, while tachymeters combine angle and distance measurement capabilities, often incorporating electronic distance measurement (EDM) technology. These devices are crucial for establishing precise coordinates, setting out construction sites, and mapping terrain. In international trade, they are essential tools for infrastructure development projects globally. Major importers include countries undergoing rapid urbanization, extensive construction, or large-scale land development, such as China, India, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically nations with advanced precision instrument manufacturing and optical engineering expertise. Key considerations in this trade are accuracy, robustness for field use, integration with data collection systems, and the shift towards robotic total stations and GPS/GNSS integration for enhanced efficiency and precision.
What products fall under HS code 901520?
Optical theodolites, Electronic theodolites, Total stations, Robotic total stations, Digital tachymeters, Construction theodolites, Mining survey instruments
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901520?
This code can be confused with 901530 (levels) or 901580 (other surveying instruments) if the instrument's primary function isn't angle/distance measurement. The specific capabilities of angle measurement and often distance measurement define this category.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901520 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($270M, 32% of world exports), Singapore ($159M) and Germany ($158M). World exports came to about $838M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 901520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($115M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($81M) and the United Kingdom ($62M). World imports came to about $714M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 901520 structured?
HS code 901520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901520?
Brazil splits HS code 901520 into 2 NCM codes: 9015.20.10 (Theodolites and tachymeters, 1 arcsecond reading), 9015.20.90 (Other theodolites and tachymeters). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.