Product classification
HS code for GPS device: 9014.80
Navigational instruments and appliances, for navigation other than aeronautical or space navigation (excluding direction finding compasses).
Classification of GPS device under HS 9014.80
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are classified under HS code 9014.80, which covers 'other' navigational instruments and appliances. Heading 9014 is dedicated to direction-finding compasses and instruments designed specifically for navigation. While modern GPS units often incorporate advanced features such as data logging, cellular connectivity, or multimedia playback, their essential character is defined by their ability to receive satellite signals to determine geographic coordinates and provide navigational guidance. Subheading 9014.80 is the residual category for navigational instruments that are not specifically for aeronautical or space navigation (which fall under 9014.20) and are not simple magnetic compasses (9014.10). This classification applies to a broad range of equipment, including handheld hiking units, marine chartplotters, and vehicle-mounted navigation systems. The determination relies on the device's primary purpose as a tool for finding one's position or navigating a route, rather than its secondary capabilities as a communication or computing device.
- Covers
- Handheld GPS receivers for hiking
- Marine GPS chartplotters
- Automotive GPS navigation systems
- GPS-based fleet tracking hardware
- Portable GPS data loggers for navigation
- Also under 9014.80
- Furuno marine radar
- Simrad autopilots
- Raytheon Anschütz ECDIS
- Garmin marine GPS
- JRC echo sounders
Codes often confused with 9014.80
Common mistake. GPS devices are often misclassified under HS code 8526.91, which covers radio navigational aid apparatus. While GPS uses radio waves, the World Customs Organization (WCO) generally directs finished navigational instruments toward heading 9014. Another common error is 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception and transmission of voice or data; this is usually reserved for devices where communication is the primary function, such as smartphones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901480 (the code used for GPS device), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901480 (the code used for GPS device) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 901480, not only GPS device.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $463M 16% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$358M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $356M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $705M 21% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $604M 18% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $195M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 GPS device
Brazil splits HS 9014.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9014.80.10Echo sounders and sonar
- 9014.80.90Other navigational instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about GPS device
What is the HS code for GPS device?
The HS code for GPS device is 901480 (Navigational instruments and appliances; for navigation other than aeronautical or space navigation (excluding direction finding compasses)). The standard HS code for a dedicated GPS navigational device is 9014.80.
How do I classify GPS device for customs?
GPS device is classified under HS code 901480 — Navigational instruments and appliances; for navigation other than aeronautical or space navigation (excluding direction finding compasses). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are smartphones with GPS classified under 9014.80?
No, smartphones are classified under 8517.13 because their primary function is telecommunications, even though they contain GPS hardware.
Which countries are the top exporters of GPS device (HS 901480)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901480 (the code used for GPS device) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($463M, 16% of world exports), Taiwan (about $358M) and the United Kingdom ($356M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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 GPS device (HS 901480)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901480 (the code used for GPS device) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($705M, 21% of world imports), Indonesia ($604M) and the United Kingdom ($195M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 GPS device the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901480 for GPS device 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 GPS device in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901480 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for GPS device depends on the product's details: 9014.80.10 (Echo sounders and sonar), 9014.80.90 (Other navigational instruments).