Product classification
HS code for Aerospace navigation equipment: 9014.20
Navigational instruments and appliances, for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses).
Classification of aerospace navigation equipment under HS 9014.20
Aerospace navigation equipment is classified under HS code 901420, which falls within Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, or surgical instruments and apparatus. Specifically, heading 9014 covers direction-finding compasses and other navigational instruments and appliances. The subheading 901420 is reserved for instruments and appliances for aeronautical or space navigation, excluding compasses. The classification logic is based on the primary function of the device as a navigational aid within the specialized environment of aviation or space exploration. These instruments are distinguished from general-purpose measuring tools by their high degree of precision and their ability to operate under extreme conditions, such as high altitude or zero gravity. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the product is classified based on the specific wording of the heading and subheadings. Because 901420 explicitly mentions aeronautical and space navigation, it takes precedence over more general headings for electrical machinery or general-purpose measuring equipment.
- Covers
- Altimeters (barometric and radio)
- Airspeed indicators and Machmeters
- Vertical speed indicators (variometers)
- Artificial horizons and gyro-horizons
- Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
- Automatic pilots (flight control systems)
- Spacecraft orientation sensors
- Flight data recorders (when integrated with nav systems)
- Also under 9014.20
- Honeywell INS
- Garmin aviation GPS
- Thales FMS
- Collins Aerospace AHRS
- Safran altimeters
Codes often confused with 9014.20
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 901410, which is specifically for direction-finding compasses. While a compass is a navigational tool, it is carved out into its own subheading. Another common error is using HS code 8526, which covers radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus, and radio remote control apparatus. If the equipment relies primarily on radio waves (like GPS receivers or ILS systems), it may fall under 8526 rather than 901420. Additionally, parts of aircraft are often incorrectly classified under 8803, but Note 2(b) to Section XVII states that parts and accessories which are instruments of Chapter 90 remain classified in their respective headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901420 (the code used for aerospace navigation equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901420 (the code used for aerospace navigation equipment) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 901420, not only aerospace navigation equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $877M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $789M 17% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $468M 10% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $942M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $716M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $648M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $6.7B 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 aerospace navigation equipment
Brazil splits HS 9014.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9014.20.10Altimeters for air or space navigation
- 9014.20.20Autopilots for air or space navigation
- 9014.20.30Inclinometers for air or space navigation
- 9014.20.90Other air or space navigation instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aerospace navigation equipment
What is the HS code for Aerospace navigation equipment?
The HS code for Aerospace navigation equipment is 901420 (Navigational instruments and appliances; for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses)). The primary HS code for aeronautical or space navigational instruments (excluding compasses) is 901420.
How do I classify Aerospace navigation equipment for customs?
Aerospace navigation equipment is classified under HS code 901420 — Navigational instruments and appliances; for aeronautical or space navigation (excluding compasses). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include ground-based radar?
No, ground-based radar and radio navigation aids are typically classified under HS code 8526, as they are considered electrical radio apparatus rather than onboard navigational instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of aerospace navigation equipment (HS 901420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901420 (the code used for aerospace navigation equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($877M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($789M) and Singapore ($468M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 aerospace navigation equipment (HS 901420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901420 (the code used for aerospace navigation equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($942M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($716M) and Germany ($648M). World imports came to about $6.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Aerospace navigation equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901420 for Aerospace navigation equipment is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aerospace navigation equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901420 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for aerospace navigation equipment depends on the product's details: 9014.20.10 (Altimeters for air or space navigation), 9014.20.20 (Autopilots for air or space navigation), 9014.20.30 (Inclinometers for air or space navigation), 9014.20.90 (Other air or space navigation instruments).