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U.S. imports of theodolites & tachymeters (HS 901520) totaled $10.5M in July 2026, traded with 18 countries.
Importers of Theodolites & Tachymeters paid $1.1M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $10.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Theodolites & Tachymeters imports of $10.5M in July 2026 ran 32% above the year-to-date monthly average of $7.9M.
Last updated: July 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.
283 shipments/mo
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.
HSChapter 90
Subheading 4 of 6 in heading 9015
Subheading 901520 · $10.5M of $136.4M
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9015204000 | Electrical Theodolites and Tachymeters | $9.3M | 10.91% | 98.87% | $1.0M |
| 9015208000 | Theodolites and Tachymeters, Except Electrical | $1.2M | 9.38% | 84.68% | $110K |
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 | $2.6M |
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
$10.5MYoY · Pro
Exports
$2.6MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Switzerland and Singapore together supply 49% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
2.7% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 10.74%.