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HSChapter 90
U.S. imports of theodolites & tachymeters (HS 901520) totaled $7.2M in April 2026, traded with 16 countries.
Importers of Theodolites & Tachymeters paid $745K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $7.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataPrecision angle-measuring instruments used in land surveying, construction layout, and geodetic work, theodolites and tachymeters are classified by operating principle — electrical (9015204000) versus non-electrical (9015208000) — reflecting the shift from traditional optical instruments to electronic total stations. Sweden and Switzerland dominate US imports under this heading, a concentration that reflects the global market leadership of a small number of precision geodetic instrument manufacturers headquartered in those countries. Japan and Singapore are also notable sources.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes, in most cases. An electronic total station integrates an electronic theodolite with an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit and data recording capability. CBP generally classifies total stations as electrical theodolites under 9015204000 based on the instrument's primary angle-measuring function. However, if the EDM or data-processing function is considered the essential character, a different line may apply; a binding ruling resolves ambiguity.
Both instruments measure horizontal and vertical angles, but a tachymeter (or tacheometer) also determines distance and elevation simultaneously using stadia or EDM methods. For US HTS purposes, both are classified together under heading 9015.20, so the distinction does not create a separate tariff line — it matters primarily for technical specification documentation and end-use verification rather than duty determination.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWITZERLAND | $2.7M | $4K | -$2.7M |
| SWEDEN | $1.4M | $252K | -$1.2M |
| JAPAN | $1.1M | -- | -$1.1M |
| CANADA | $5K | $1.0M | +$1.0M |
| SINGAPORE | $909K | $37K | -$873K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9015204000 | ELECTRICAL THEODOLITES AND TACHYMETERS | $6.9M | 10.36% | $711K |
| 9015208000 | THEODOLITES AND TACHYMETERS, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL | $291K | 11.93% | $34K |
ELECTRICAL THEODOLITES AND TACHYMETERS
THEODOLITES AND TACHYMETERS, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9015200000 | THEODOLITES AND TACHYOMETERS | $2.2M |
THEODOLITES AND TACHYOMETERS
382 no
INSTR & APPL F MEDICAL SURGICAL DENTAL VET, NESOI
HS 901890
MED NEEDLES. NESOI, CATHERERS ETC AND PARTS ETC
HS 901839
ARTIFICIAL JOINTS & PARTS & ACCESSORIES THEROF,NES
HS 902139
ELECTRO-DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS NESOI, AND PARTS ETC.
HS 901819
OZONE,OXYGEN,ETC THERAPY, RESPIRATION APPARATUS,PT
HS 901920
MEAS CHECKNG INSTRUMENT & MACH, NOT OPTICAL, NESOI
HS 903180
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATLANTA, GA | $3.5M | -- | -$3.5M |
| CHICAGO, IL | $2.2M | $47K | -$2.2M |
| NEW ORLEANS, LA | $16K | $569K | +$552K |