Product classification
HS code for Photogrammetry equipment: 9015.40
Surveying equipment, photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances.
Classification of photogrammetry equipment under HS 9015.40
Photogrammetry equipment is classified under HS code 9015.40. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, measuring, and checking instruments. Heading 9015 specifically addresses instruments and appliances used in surveying, hydrography, oceanography, hydrology, meteorology, or geophysics. Photogrammetrical surveying instruments are specialized tools used to determine the geometric properties of objects from photographic images, typically for the creation of maps, drawings, or 3D models. The classification is determined by the specialized surveying function of the equipment. This includes analytical stereoplotters, digital photogrammetric workstations, and specialized aerial cameras designed specifically for mapping. The technical nature of these instruments distinguishes them from standard photographic equipment, as they are built with high-precision optics and integrated software for geodetic measurements.
- Covers
- Analytical stereoplotters
- Photogrammetric cameras for aerial surveying
- Digital photogrammetric workstations (specialized hardware)
- Terrestrial photogrammetry instruments
- Stereocomparators
- Also under 9015.40
- 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. The most frequent misclassification for photogrammetry equipment is HS code 9006, which covers general photographic cameras. While photogrammetry involves photography, the instruments in 9015.40 are distinguished by their use in surveying and their ability to provide precise spatial data. Another common error is using HS code 9015.80, which is a residual category for "other" surveying instruments. Because photogrammetrical instruments have their own specific subheading (9015.40), they must be classified there rather than in the general category. Furthermore, software used for photogrammetry, if imported separately on media, should be classified under 8523, not with the hardware instruments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901540 (the code used for photogrammetry equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901540 (the code used for photogrammetry equipment) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 901540, not only photogrammetry equipment.
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 photogrammetry equipment
Brazil classifies photogrammetry equipment under NCM 9015.40.00: HS 9015.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photogrammetry equipment
What is the HS code for Photogrammetry equipment?
The HS code for Photogrammetry equipment is 901540 (Surveying equipment; photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances). The specific HS code for photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances is 9015.40.
How do I classify Photogrammetry equipment for customs?
Photogrammetry equipment is classified under HS code 901540 — Surveying equipment; photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include drones used for mapping?
No, drones (unmanned aircraft) are generally classified under heading 8806. However, the specialized photogrammetric camera payload itself may be classified under 9015.40 if shipped separately.
Which countries are the top exporters of photogrammetry equipment (HS 901540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901540 (the code used for photogrammetry equipment) 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 photogrammetry equipment (HS 901540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901540 (the code used for photogrammetry equipment) 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.
Is the HS code for Photogrammetry equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901540 for Photogrammetry 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 photogrammetry equipment in Brazil?
In Brazil, photogrammetry equipment (HS 901540) is classified under NCM 9015.40.00.