HTS code 9015 — Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses; rangefinders; parts and accessories thereof

Tariff lines under heading 9015

Full 10-digit codes with their general (MFN) duty rates. The correct line depends on the product's material, construction, and use.

Documents required to import under 9015

Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.

• Commercial InvoiceRequired
• Packing ListRequired
• Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
• CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required

  Prepared and filed by your customs broker

• CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required

  Prepared and filed by your customs broker

• Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional

  Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500

  Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety

• Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional

  Required for ocean freight only

  Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port

• Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional

  Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP

  One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment

• Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional

  Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries

Common questions

What is HTS code 9015?

HTS heading 9015 covers surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses; rangefinders; parts and accessories thereof. It sits in Chapter 90 (optical and medical instruments) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 19 tariff lines.

What is the duty rate for HTS 9015?

General duty rate of 2.8%, with 18 duty-free lines. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.

How many digits does a full HTS code have?

US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 9015 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

Related headings in Chapter 90

• 9001Optical fibers and optical fiber bundles; optical fiber cables other than those of heading 8544; sheets and plates of polarizing material; lenses (including contact lenses), prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, unmounted, other than such elements of glass not optically worked
• 9002Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, mounted, being parts of or fittings for instruments or apparatus, other than such elements of glass not optically worked; parts and accessories thereof
• 9003Frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles or the like, and parts thereof
• 9004Spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other
• 9005Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings therefor; other astronomical instruments and mountings therefor, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy; parts and accessories thereof
• 9006Photographic (other than cinematographic) cameras; photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs other than discharge lamps of heading 8539; parts and accessories thereof
• 9007Cinematographic cameras and projectors, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus; parts and accessories thereof
• 9008Image projectors, other than cinematographic; photographic (other than cinematographic) enlargers and reducers; parts and accessories thereof