Chapter 90 is the HS classification system's "Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof." This chapter covers an extremely wide range, from spectacles, telescopes, and cameras to medical instruments and measuring equipment. The core characteristic is that the products are precision, functional, or measurement-purpose goods, typically not classified under the general machinery or electrical equipment of Chapter 84 or 85. Headings within the chapter are divided by function or use, such as 9013 liquid crystal devices, 9014 directional compasses, 9015 measuring instruments, etc. Heading 9014 is titled "Directional compasses; other navigational instruments and appliances." This heading covers all compasses used for determining direction, including magnetic compasses, gyrocompasses, electronic compasses, etc., as well as GPS navigators, marine navigation equipment, etc. Note, however, that 9014 does not include instruments used solely for measuring angles (such as theodolites of 9015) or radio navigational equipment (such as radar and radio navigational equipment of 8526). Vehicle compasses, as devices for determining direction, whether or not combined with other functions, fall under this heading. Code 901410 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, and other precision instruments). Digits 3-4 "14" represent heading 9014 (directional compasses; other navigational instruments and appliances). Digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 901410, specifically "directional compasses." In HS classification, subheadings further subdivide goods; 901410 includes only compasses, while other navigational instruments are classified under 901420 (aircraft or spacecraft navigation instruments) or 901480 (other navigational instruments). Therefore, 901410 specifically refers to compasses used for determining direction, including vehicle compasses, handheld compasses, marine compasses, etc., but does not include electronic navigation devices such as GPS navigators. Vehicle compasses are classified under 901410 because their core function is determining direction, making them directional compasses. They are not classified under 901420 (aircraft or spacecraft navigation instruments) or 901480 (other navigational instruments), as those codes target specific uses or more complex navigation systems. Nor are they classified under 8526 (radar and radio navigational equipment), because compasses do not rely on radio waves. Furthermore, if a vehicle compass is combined with other equipment, it must be classified according to its primary function.

Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "vehicle compass" or "automotive magnetic compass." Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the product's model or specification, such as "C-100." Working Principle: Explain the compass's working principle, such as "magnetic needle type," "electronic type," or "gyroscopic type." Use: Specific use, such as "automotive direction indication," "marine navigation," etc. Whether It Has Navigation Function: Confirm whether it only indicates direction or integrates GPS and other navigation functions. Installation Method: Such as "embedded," "adhesive-mounted," etc. Customs declaration example: Product Name: Vehicle Compass Brand: XX Model: C-100 Working Principle: Magnetic needle type Use: Automotive direction indication Whether It Has Navigation Function: No Installation Method: Embedded Remarks: This product is a magnetic compass, used only for indicating direction, with no electronic navigation function. Incorrectly classifying a compass with GPS navigation function under 901410; it should actually be classified under 901480 or 8526. Failing to declare the working principle, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is a magnetic compass or an electronic compass. Confusing a vehicle compass with an automotive dashboard assembly; if the assembly's primary function is indicating direction, it is still classified under 901410, but attention must be paid to the combined state.

The core determination basis for classification is the product's function and use. 901410 covers only directional compasses, i.e., devices that use magnetic needles, gyroscopes, or electronic sensors to determine direction. If a compass is used only for indicating direction, whether or not it is for vehicles, it is classified under this code. However, if a compass is combined with other navigation equipment (such as GPS) and the primary function is navigation, it may be classified under 901480 or 8526. Additionally, attention must be paid to whether the compass is an optical instrument or a measuring instrument, but compasses are generally not classified under 9015. 901420 Aircraft or Spacecraft Navigation Instruments: 901420 is dedicated to navigation instruments for aviation or aerospace fields, such as flight instruments, autopilots, etc. Vehicle compasses are used for ground vehicles, so they are not classified under this code. 901480 Other Navigational Instruments and Appliances: 901480 covers navigation instruments not otherwise specified, such as GPS navigators, marine navigation equipment, etc. If a vehicle compass has electronic navigation functions, it may be classified under this code. 852691 Radio Navigational Equipment: 852691 includes radio navigational equipment, such as GPS receivers. If a vehicle compass operates solely by magnetic needle, it is not classified under this code; if it contains radio navigation, it is classified under 852691. 902920 Speedometers and Tachometers: 902920 is used for measuring speed or rotational speed, while compasses are used for indicating direction; the functions are different. Is the product used only for indicating direction? Does it contain electronic navigation or GPS functions? Is it dedicated for aviation or aerospace? Does it belong to radio navigational equipment? Is it combined with other instruments, and is the primary function directional?

What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle compasses and ordinary compasses? Both vehicle compasses and ordinary compasses are classified under 901410, because HS code 901410 covers all directional compasses regardless of their use. However, if a vehicle compass has special functions (such as electronic navigation), it may be classified under other codes. How do you determine whether a vehicle compass should be classified under 901410 or 901480? The key is the primary function. If it only indicates direction, classify under 901410; if it integrates GPS and other navigation functions and the primary function is navigation, classify under 901480. Judgment should be based on the product manual and actual functions. What key information is required when declaring a vehicle compass? Product name, brand, model, working principle, use, whether it has navigation function, installation method, etc. are required. The working principle is particularly important to distinguish between magnetic compasses and electronic compasses. If a vehicle compass is part of an automotive component, how is it classified? If the compass is declared as an independent component, it is still classified under 901410. If it is combined with other components into a whole, it must be classified according to the primary function of the whole. For example, if combined with a dashboard and the primary function is indicating direction, it is still classified under 901410. Is there a difference in classification between electronic compasses and magnetic compasses? No difference; both are classified under 901410. HS code 901410 covers all types of directional compasses, including magnetic compasses, electronic compasses, gyrocompasses, etc. Are HS codes consistent when vehicle compasses are exported to different countries? The first six digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but individual countries may have subdivisions in later digits. When exporting, the complete code of the destination country's customs must be confirmed. How can the specific tax rate for vehicle compasses be checked? Tax rates change; it is recommended to check the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the destination country's customs website. Professional trade databases such as the WCO HS Database can also be used. If a vehicle compass has both compass and thermometer functions, how is it classified? If the primary function is indicating direction, it is still classified under 901410; if the thermometer function is the primary function, it may be classified under 9025. Judgment must be based on the primary function.