Product classification
HS code for Surveying instrument: 9015.80
Surveying equipment, articles n.e.c. in heading no. 9015, including hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances (excluding compasses).
Classification of surveying instrument under HS 9015.80
The classification 9015.80 applies to "other" surveying instruments and appliances that are not specifically named in the preceding subheadings of 9015. While subheadings like 9015.10 (rangefinders), 9015.20 (theodolites), and 9015.30 (levels) cover common tools, 9015.80 encompasses more specialized equipment used in geophysical, oceanographic, and meteorological studies. These instruments are used to measure various physical characteristics of the earth, the sea, or the atmosphere. The classification is based on the scientific application of the device. It excludes simple compasses (9014) but includes complex systems used for mapping underwater topography or measuring seismic activity. Instruments classified here often involve sophisticated sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, or magnetic fields in a surveying context. For instance, a hydrological instrument used to measure the flow of a river or an oceanographic current meter would fall under this code. The distinction is made based on the instrument's role in gathering data about the physical environment, distinguishing it from laboratory equipment or general industrial measuring tools. This code is also used for geophysical instruments like seismometers and magnetometers used in oil and gas exploration or earthquake monitoring, provided they are not specifically covered by other headings in the HS nomenclature.
- Covers
- Oceanographic current meters
- Seismometers and seismographs
- Hydrological water-level recorders
- Meteorological anemometers and wind vanes
- Geophysical electromagnetic surveying tools
- Also under 9015.80
- Teledyne RDI ADCP current profiler
- Vaisala radiosondes
- Fugro multibeam echosounders
- Sonardyne acoustic positioning systems
- Campbell Scientific weather stations
Codes often confused with 9015.80
Common mistake. These instruments are often confused with 9015.10 (rangefinders) or 9015.30 (levels) if their function is misunderstood. They may also be misclassified under 9027 if they are perceived as chemical analysis instruments, or 9030 if they are seen as purely electrical measuring devices without a surveying or geophysical application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901580 (the code used for surveying instrument), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901580 (the code used for surveying instrument) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 901580, not only surveying instrument.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $985M 17% of world exports
- 2 China $755M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $613M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $627M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $369M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Norway $312M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 surveying instrument
Brazil splits HS 9015.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9015.80.10Hydrometric current meters
- 9015.80.90Meteorological, geophysical and other instruments
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surveying instrument
What is the HS code for Surveying instrument?
The HS code for Surveying instrument is 901580 (Surveying equipment; articles n.e.c. in heading no. 9015, including hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances (excluding compasses)). The HS code for other surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, or meteorological instruments is 9015.80.
How do I classify Surveying instrument for customs?
Surveying instrument is classified under HS code 901580 — Surveying equipment; articles n.e.c. in heading no. 9015, including hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances (excluding compasses). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include weather station sensors?
Yes, most professional-grade meteorological sensors used for surveying weather patterns are classified under 9015.80.
Which countries are the top exporters of surveying instrument (HS 901580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901580 (the code used for surveying instrument) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($985M, 17% of world exports), China ($755M) and the United Kingdom ($613M). World exports came to about $5.9B, 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 surveying instrument (HS 901580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901580 (the code used for surveying instrument) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($627M, 11% of world imports), China ($369M) and Norway ($312M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Surveying instrument the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901580 for Surveying instrument 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 surveying instrument in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901580 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for surveying instrument depends on the product's details: 9015.80.10 (Hydrometric current meters), 9015.80.90 (Meteorological, geophysical and other instruments).