HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9015.40 – Surveying equipment; photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances
HS code 9015.40 is the 6-digit subheading for surveying equipment, photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances. It is used for stereoplotters, digital photogrammetric workstations, aerial cameras (for mapping), liDAR scanners (integrated) and image correlation systems.
What HS 9015.40 covers
This category is dedicated to photogrammetrical surveying instruments, which are crucial for creating highly accurate maps, 3D models, and precise measurements from photographs, particularly aerial or satellite imagery. These sophisticated instruments are vital for a wide range of applications in civil engineering, urban planning, geology, archaeology, environmental monitoring, and defense. The trade involves high-precision optical and digital equipment, often integrated with advanced software for image processing and data analysis. Key importers and exporters are countries with significant infrastructure development projects, robust geospatial industries, and advanced technological manufacturing capabilities. The market is driven by the increasing demand for accurate 3D mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) data across various sectors, enabling more efficient planning and resource management.
- Covers
- Stereoplotters
- Digital photogrammetric workstations
- Aerial cameras (for mapping)
- LiDAR scanners (integrated)
- Image correlation systems
- Orthophoto production systems
- UAV-based photogrammetry systems
- Examples
- Leica Geosystems HxGN Imagery Program
- Trimble Inpho software
- Vexcel Imaging UltraCam
- Z/I Imaging DMC
- Topcon photogrammetry systems
Codes often confused with 9015.40
Common mistake. This code is specific to photogrammetry; it should not be confused with 901520 (theodolites, tachymeters) or 901530 (levels), which cover other types of surveying instruments.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901540, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901540 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 United States $55M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $34M 18% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $17M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $191M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $55M 28% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $13M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Australia $11M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $199M 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 code for 9015.40
Brazil does not split HS 9015.40: its NCM code is 9015.40.00.
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 9015.40
What is HS code 901540?
HS code 901540 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Surveying equipment; photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances. This category is dedicated to photogrammetrical surveying instruments, which are crucial for creating highly accurate maps, 3D models, and precise measurements from photographs, particularly aerial or satellite imagery. These sophisticated instruments are vital for a wide range of applications in civil engineering, urban planning, geology, archaeology, environmental monitoring, and defense. The trade involves high-precision optical and digital equipment, often integrated with advanced software for image processing and data analysis. Key importers and exporters are countries with significant infrastructure development projects, robust geospatial industries, and advanced technological manufacturing capabilities. The market is driven by the increasing demand for accurate 3D mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) data across various sectors, enabling more efficient planning and resource management.
What products fall under HS code 901540?
Stereoplotters, digital photogrammetric workstations, aerial cameras (for mapping), LiDAR scanners (integrated), image correlation systems, orthophoto production systems, UAV-based photogrammetry systems
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901540?
This code is specific to photogrammetry; it should not be confused with 901520 (theodolites, tachymeters) or 901530 (levels), which cover other types of surveying instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901540?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901540 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($55M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($34M) and the Netherlands ($17M). World exports came to about $191M, 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 901540?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901540 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($55M, 28% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($13M) and Australia ($11M). World imports came to about $199M, 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 901540 structured?
HS code 901540 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901540?
In Brazil, HS code 901540 is NCM 9015.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.