Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is characterized by being technology-intensive and requiring high precision, including navigation instruments, medical equipment, measuring instruments, etc. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices, as navigation instruments, fall within the scope of this chapter. Heading 9014 covers direction finding compasses and other navigational instruments; aeronautical, nautical or vehicular navigation equipment; and parts and accessories thereof. This heading mainly covers instruments used for determining position, direction or course, including satellite navigation system (such as GPS) receiving equipment. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices combine aviation navigation technology for use in vehicles, and are therefore classified under this heading. Code 901420 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 14, represent heading 9014 (navigation instruments). Digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 901420, specifically 'Aeronautical or space navigation instruments and apparatus (other than compasses)'. Therefore, 901420 specifically refers to navigation instruments and apparatus for aeronautical or space navigation, but vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are aviation navigation equipment installed in vehicles and are still classified under this subheading because their core technology is aviation navigation. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are classified under 901420 rather than 8708 (motor vehicle parts) or 8527 (radio receiving equipment), because their primary function is navigation and they are navigation instruments. The difference from 901410 (direction finding compasses) is that they do not rely on magnetic compasses but use satellite navigation and other technologies. The difference from 901480 (other navigation instruments) is that they are specifically for aeronautical or space applications; although installed in vehicles, their technical standards and functions meet aviation navigation requirements.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is characterized by being technology-intensive and requiring high precision, including navigation instruments, medical equipment, measuring instruments, etc. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices, as navigation instruments, fall within the scope of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9014 covers direction finding compasses and other navigational instruments; aeronautical, nautical or vehicular navigation equipment; and parts and accessories thereof. This heading mainly covers instruments used for determining position, direction or course, including satellite navigation system (such as GPS) receiving equipment. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices combine aviation navigation technology for use in vehicles, and are therefore classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 901420 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 14, represent heading 9014 (navigation instruments). Digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 901420, specifically 'Aeronautical or space navigation instruments and apparatus (other than compasses)'. Therefore, 901420 specifically refers to navigation instruments and apparatus for aeronautical or space navigation, but vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are aviation navigation equipment installed in vehicles and are still classified under this subheading because their core technology is aviation navigation.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are classified under 901420 rather than 8708 (motor vehicle parts) or 8527 (radio receiving equipment), because their primary function is navigation and they are navigation instruments. The difference from 901410 (direction finding compasses) is that they do not rely on magnetic compasses but use satellite navigation and other technologies. The difference from 901480 (other navigation instruments) is that they are specifically for aeronautical or space applications; although installed in vehicles, their technical standards and functions meet aviation navigation requirements.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'Vehicle-mounted Aviation Navigation Device'. Purpose: Explain the use scenario of the product, such as 'used for vehicle navigation, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy'. Brand: The brand name of the declared goods, such as 'Garmin', 'Honeywell', etc. Model: The specific model of the declared goods, such as 'GNS 430W'. Working Principle: Briefly describe the navigation principle, such as 'receives GPS/GLONASS satellite signals, calculates position and course'. Whether it has aviation navigation function: Clearly state whether it has aviation navigation function, such as 'Yes, complies with aviation navigation standards'. Installation Position: Explain where it is installed in the vehicle, such as 'cockpit dashboard'. Brand Type: Such as 'Foreign brand (other)', 'Domestic brand', etc. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted Aviation Navigation Device; Brand: Garmin; Model: GNS 430W; Purpose: Used for vehicle navigation, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy; Working Principle: Receives GPS/GLONASS satellite signals, calculates position and course; Whether it has aviation navigation function: Yes, complies with aviation navigation standards; Installation Position: Cockpit dashboard; Brand Type: Foreign brand (other). Failure to distinguish aviation navigation from ordinary vehicle-mounted navigation, leading to incorrect classification under other codes. False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs valuation and classification. Unclear description of working principle, unable to prove its aviation navigation characteristics.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'Vehicle-mounted Aviation Navigation Device'.
⚠️ Only writing 'navigation device' or 'GPS', without reflecting the 'aviation' and 'vehicle-mounted' characteristics.
Purpose
Explain the use scenario of the product, such as 'used for vehicle navigation, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy'.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'for navigation', without distinguishing between vehicle-mounted and aviation use.
Brand
The brand name of the declared goods, such as 'Garmin', 'Honeywell', etc.
⚠️ Brand misspelling or failure to declare the brand.
Model
The specific model of the declared goods, such as 'GNS 430W'.
⚠️ Omission or error in the model.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the navigation principle, such as 'receives GPS/GLONASS satellite signals, calculates position and course'.
⚠️ Failure to explain the working principle or an overly simple description.
Whether it has aviation navigation function
Clearly state whether it has aviation navigation function, such as 'Yes, complies with aviation navigation standards'.
⚠️ Failure to clarify, leading to classification disputes.
Installation Position
Explain where it is installed in the vehicle, such as 'cockpit dashboard'.
⚠️ Failure to specify the installation position.
Brand Type
Such as 'Foreign brand (other)', 'Domestic brand', etc.
⚠️ Failure to declare the brand type.
Example： Product Name: Vehicle-mounted Aviation Navigation Device; Brand: Garmin; Model: GNS 430W; Purpose: Used for vehicle navigation, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy; Working Principle: Receives GPS/GLONASS satellite signals, calculates position and course; Whether it has aviation navigation function: Yes, complies with aviation navigation standards; Installation Position: Cockpit dashboard; Brand Type: Foreign brand (other).
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish aviation navigation from ordinary vehicle-mounted navigation, leading to incorrect classification under other codes.
False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Unclear description of working principle, unable to prove its aviation navigation characteristics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the product's function, working principle and purpose. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices must have aviation navigation functions, using satellite navigation and other technologies, rather than simple magnetic compasses. They are installed in vehicles, but their technical standards comply with aviation navigation, and therefore are classified under 901420. If it is only an ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS, it may be classified under 8527 or 8708. 901410 Direction finding compasses: 901410 covers magnetic compasses and other direction finding instruments that do not rely on satellite signals; 901420 covers satellite navigation and other aviation navigation instruments. 901480 Other navigation instruments: 901480 covers other navigation instruments, such as marine navigation; 901420 is specifically for aeronautical or space navigation. 8527 Radio receiving equipment: 8527 covers radio broadcast receiving equipment; 901420 covers navigation instruments, which, although containing receiving functions, have navigation as their primary function. 8708 Motor vehicle parts: 8708 covers general motor vehicle parts; 901420 covers specialized navigation instruments, which are not classified as vehicle parts. Does the product have aviation navigation function? Does it use satellite navigation and other technologies? Is it specifically for aeronautical or space applications? Is it installed in a vehicle but its technical standards comply with aviation? Is it different from direction finding compasses (901410)?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the product's function, working principle and purpose. Vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices must have aviation navigation functions, using satellite navigation and other technologies, rather than simple magnetic compasses. They are installed in vehicles, but their technical standards comply with aviation navigation, and therefore are classified under 901420. If it is only an ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS, it may be classified under 8527 or 8708.
Confused Codes：
901410 - Direction finding compasses
901410 covers magnetic compasses and other direction finding instruments that do not rely on satellite signals; 901420 covers satellite navigation and other aviation navigation instruments.
901480 - Other navigation instruments
901480 covers other navigation instruments, such as marine navigation; 901420 is specifically for aeronautical or space navigation.
8527 - Radio receiving equipment
8527 covers radio broadcast receiving equipment; 901420 covers navigation instruments, which, although containing receiving functions, have navigation as their primary function.
8708 - Motor vehicle parts
8708 covers general motor vehicle parts; 901420 covers specialized navigation instruments, which are not classified as vehicle parts.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the product have aviation navigation function?
✓ Does it use satellite navigation and other technologies?
✓ Is it specifically for aeronautical or space applications?
✓ Is it installed in a vehicle but its technical standards comply with aviation?
✓ Is it different from direction finding compasses (901410)?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices and ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS? Ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS is usually classified under 8527 or 8708, while vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are classified under 901420 due to their aviation navigation function. The key difference lies in whether they meet aviation navigation standards, such as accuracy and functionality. How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device should be classified under 901420? It is necessary to confirm whether it has aviation navigation functions, such as receiving satellite signals, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy, and complying with aviation navigation standards. If it is only basic vehicle-mounted navigation, it should not be classified under this code. What key elements need to be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device? Product name, brand, model, purpose, working principle, whether it has aviation navigation function, installation position, etc. must be provided. Ensure the information is accurate to support classification. How to check the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices? You can consult the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or use the tariff inquiry system of the General Administration of Customs. Tariff rates may vary due to trade agreements, country of origin and other factors; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff. If a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device also has entertainment functions, does it affect classification? If the primary function is navigation and entertainment is auxiliary, it is still classified under 901420. However, if entertainment is the primary function, it may be classified under other codes, such as 8527. What certifications are required for importing vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices? Radio type approval, CCC certification, etc. may be required, depending on product functions and national regulations. It is recommended to consult professional institutions. What is the difference in classification between vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices and aviation navigation devices? Both are classified under 901420, but vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are installed in vehicles, while aviation navigation devices are installed in aircraft. Both are treated as aviation navigation instruments for classification purposes. How to avoid classification errors for vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices? Carefully check the product functions to ensure they meet the description of 901420. You may refer to customs classification decisions or advance rulings, and apply for an advance ruling if necessary.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices and ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS?
A: Ordinary vehicle-mounted GPS is usually classified under 8527 or 8708, while vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are classified under 901420 due to their aviation navigation function. The key difference lies in whether they meet aviation navigation standards, such as accuracy and functionality.
Q: How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device should be classified under 901420?
A: It is necessary to confirm whether it has aviation navigation functions, such as receiving satellite signals, providing aviation-grade positioning accuracy, and complying with aviation navigation standards. If it is only basic vehicle-mounted navigation, it should not be classified under this code.
Q: What key elements need to be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device?
A: Product name, brand, model, purpose, working principle, whether it has aviation navigation function, installation position, etc. must be provided. Ensure the information is accurate to support classification.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices?
A: You can consult the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or use the tariff inquiry system of the General Administration of Customs. Tariff rates may vary due to trade agreements, country of origin and other factors; it is recommended to refer to the latest tariff.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted aviation navigation device also has entertainment functions, does it affect classification?
A: If the primary function is navigation and entertainment is auxiliary, it is still classified under 901420. However, if entertainment is the primary function, it may be classified under other codes, such as 8527.
Q: What certifications are required for importing vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices?
A: Radio type approval, CCC certification, etc. may be required, depending on product functions and national regulations. It is recommended to consult professional institutions.
Q: What is the difference in classification between vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices and aviation navigation devices?
A: Both are classified under 901420, but vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices are installed in vehicles, while aviation navigation devices are installed in aircraft. Both are treated as aviation navigation instruments for classification purposes.
Q: How to avoid classification errors for vehicle-mounted aviation navigation devices?
A: Carefully check the product functions to ensure they meet the description of 901420. You may refer to customs classification decisions or advance rulings, and apply for an advance ruling if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.