U.S. imports of Theodolites & Tachymeters (HS 901520) totaled $7.0M in August 2026, imported from 18 countries.
Importers of Theodolites & Tachymeters paid $825K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 11.73% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
290 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 4 of 6 in heading 9015
Subheading 901520 · $7.0M of $120.4M
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9015204000 | Electrical Theodolites and Tachymeters | $6.6M | 11.75% | 100.00% | $772K |
| 9015208000 | Theodolites and Tachymeters, Except Electrical | $469K | 11.41% | 96.81% | $53K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9015200000 | Theodolites and Tachyometers | $2.9M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$7.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$2.9MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $82.3M of Theodolites & Tachymeters and exported $28.9M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Sweden and Japan together supply 48% of it.
customs district
entry
rate provision · imports
0.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 11.73% of imports for consumption.