Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technological content and precision manufacturing, and are widely used in industry, medical care, scientific research, military and other fields. When classifying for customs purposes, focus should be placed on the functional principle, use and technical parameters of the goods, rather than judging merely by appearance or name. Heading 9015 specifically covers instruments and appliances for geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry, hydrography, oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, etc. It includes rangefinders, theodolites, levels, compasses, navigation instruments, etc. Vehicle-mounted altimeters are instruments that measure altitude using barometric pressure or satellite signals, used for vehicle navigation or terrain surveying, and are therefore classified under this heading. Code 901540 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical and other precision instruments). Digits 3-4, 15, represent heading 9015 (instruments for geodesy, surveying, meteorology, etc.). Digits 5-6, 40, represent subheading 901540, specifically "altimeters and similar instruments." Note: under 9015 there are also 901510 (rangefinders), 901520 (theodolites and tachymeters), 901530 (levels), 901540 (altimeters), and 901580 (other instruments). Therefore 901540 specifically refers to instruments designed for measuring altitude, and does not include multifunctional surveying equipment. The core function of a vehicle-mounted altimeter is to measure altitude, which meets the definition of 901540 "altimeters." It does not belong to 901510 rangefinders (measuring horizontal distance), 901520 theodolites (measuring angles), 901530 levels (measuring height differences), nor to ordinary measuring instruments of 9025 or 9026. Because it is specially used for vehicles and has an altitude-measuring function, it is classified under 901540.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technological content and precision manufacturing, and are widely used in industry, medical care, scientific research, military and other fields. When classifying for customs purposes, focus should be placed on the functional principle, use and technical parameters of the goods, rather than judging merely by appearance or name.
Heading
Heading 9015 specifically covers instruments and appliances for geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry, hydrography, oceanography, meteorology, geophysics, etc. It includes rangefinders, theodolites, levels, compasses, navigation instruments, etc. Vehicle-mounted altimeters are instruments that measure altitude using barometric pressure or satellite signals, used for vehicle navigation or terrain surveying, and are therefore classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 901540 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical and other precision instruments). Digits 3-4, 15, represent heading 9015 (instruments for geodesy, surveying, meteorology, etc.). Digits 5-6, 40, represent subheading 901540, specifically "altimeters and similar instruments." Note: under 9015 there are also 901510 (rangefinders), 901520 (theodolites and tachymeters), 901530 (levels), 901540 (altimeters), and 901580 (other instruments). Therefore 901540 specifically refers to instruments designed for measuring altitude, and does not include multifunctional surveying equipment.
Classification Basis
The core function of a vehicle-mounted altimeter is to measure altitude, which meets the definition of 901540 "altimeters." It does not belong to 901510 rangefinders (measuring horizontal distance), 901520 theodolites (measuring angles), 901530 levels (measuring height differences), nor to ordinary measuring instruments of 9025 or 9026. Because it is specially used for vehicles and has an altitude-measuring function, it is classified under 901540.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared goods should use "vehicle-mounted altimeter" or "altimeter for vehicles," avoiding vague names such as "altitude meter." Use: Explain the application scenario of the instrument, such as "used for altitude measurement and terrain-assisted navigation for off-road vehicles and engineering vehicles." Working principle: Describe the measurement method, such as "barometric," "satellite positioning (GPS/BeiDou)," or "radar." Different principles do not affect the heading but affect the subheading. Measurement range: Indicate the altitude measurement range, such as "-500 meters to 9000 meters," reflecting the instrument's performance. Accuracy: Provide the measurement accuracy, such as "±1 meter" or "±0.5%." Accuracy affects whether it is a high-precision instrument. Brand and model: Declare the specific brand and model, such as "Garmin GPSMAP 66i," to facilitate customs verification. Whether it has navigation function: State whether a navigation module is integrated. If it only measures altitude, classify under 901540; if it has navigation, it may be classified under 901580 or 8526. Product name: vehicle-mounted altimeter; Use: for altitude measurement and terrain assistance for off-road vehicles; Working principle: barometric; Measurement range: -500 meters to 9000 meters; Accuracy: ±1 meter; Brand: Garmin; Model: GPSMAP 66i; With navigation: No. Incorrectly classifying an altimeter with navigation function under 901540; it should actually be classified under 901580 or 8526. Failure to declare the working principle, making it impossible for customs to distinguish barometric from satellite type. Confusing "altimeter" with "altitude meter," the latter of which may be classified under 9025.
Product name
The standard name of the declared goods should use "vehicle-mounted altimeter" or "altimeter for vehicles," avoiding vague names such as "altitude meter."
⚠️ Misdeclaring as "vehicle navigation device" or "barometric altimeter," leading to incorrect classification.
Use
Explain the application scenario of the instrument, such as "used for altitude measurement and terrain-assisted navigation for off-road vehicles and engineering vehicles."
⚠️ Writing only "for vehicle use" without specifying the specific function, making classification impossible to determine.
Working principle
Describe the measurement method, such as "barometric," "satellite positioning (GPS/BeiDou)," or "radar." Different principles do not affect the heading but affect the subheading.
⚠️ Confusing barometric with satellite type, leading to inaccurate declaration.
Measurement range
Indicate the altitude measurement range, such as "-500 meters to 9000 meters," reflecting the instrument's performance.
⚠️ Failure to provide the range may cause customs to question its altitude-measuring function.
Accuracy
Provide the measurement accuracy, such as "±1 meter" or "±0.5%." Accuracy affects whether it is a high-precision instrument.
⚠️ Incorrect accuracy units or failure to mark accuracy, leading to classification disputes.
Brand and model
Declare the specific brand and model, such as "Garmin GPSMAP 66i," to facilitate customs verification.
⚠️ Writing only "no brand" or "generic model," affecting traceability.
Whether it has navigation function
State whether a navigation module is integrated. If it only measures altitude, classify under 901540; if it has navigation, it may be classified under 901580 or 8526.
⚠️ Incorrectly classifying an altimeter with navigation under 901540.
Example： Product name: vehicle-mounted altimeter; Use: for altitude measurement and terrain assistance for off-road vehicles; Working principle: barometric; Measurement range: -500 meters to 9000 meters; Accuracy: ±1 meter; Brand: Garmin; Model: GPSMAP 66i; With navigation: No.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying an altimeter with navigation function under 901540; it should actually be classified under 901580 or 8526.
Failure to declare the working principle, making it impossible for customs to distinguish barometric from satellite type.
Confusing "altimeter" with "altitude meter," the latter of which may be classified under 9025.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 90 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of subheading 9015. 901540 is explicitly "altimeters and similar instruments," and vehicle-mounted altimeters meet its functional definition. Note: if the instrument also has multiple functions such as distance measurement and angle measurement, it may be classified under 901580; if it integrates a navigation system, it may be classified under 8526 or 9014. In addition, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, classification should first be based on the specific enumeration. 901510 Rangefinders: Rangefinders measure the horizontal distance between two points, while altimeters measure altitude. If a vehicle-mounted device only measures distance, it should be classified under 901510. 901520 Theodolites and tachymeters: Theodolites measure horizontal and vertical angles for geodesy and do not have a direct altitude-measuring function. 901530 Levels: Levels measure the height difference between two points, not absolute altitude. Vehicle-mounted altimeters usually provide absolute altitude. 901580 Other geodesic instruments: If an altimeter integrates other functions (such as distance measurement or navigation), it is classified under 901580. 9025 Altimeters for aircraft and ships: 9025 covers altimeters specially for aircraft and ships; vehicle-mounted altimeters do not fall within this scope. Does it measure only altitude? Is it used for vehicles rather than aircraft or ships? Does it integrate navigation or communication functions? Is the working principle barometric or satellite? Does it fall under a specific enumeration in 9015?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 90 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of subheading 9015. 901540 is explicitly "altimeters and similar instruments," and vehicle-mounted altimeters meet its functional definition. Note: if the instrument also has multiple functions such as distance measurement and angle measurement, it may be classified under 901580; if it integrates a navigation system, it may be classified under 8526 or 9014. In addition, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, classification should first be based on the specific enumeration.
Confused Codes：
901510 - Rangefinders
Rangefinders measure the horizontal distance between two points, while altimeters measure altitude. If a vehicle-mounted device only measures distance, it should be classified under 901510.
901520 - Theodolites and tachymeters
Theodolites measure horizontal and vertical angles for geodesy and do not have a direct altitude-measuring function.
901530 - Levels
Levels measure the height difference between two points, not absolute altitude. Vehicle-mounted altimeters usually provide absolute altitude.
901580 - Other geodesic instruments
If an altimeter integrates other functions (such as distance measurement or navigation), it is classified under 901580.
9025 - Altimeters for aircraft and ships
9025 covers altimeters specially for aircraft and ships; vehicle-mounted altimeters do not fall within this scope.
Self-Check：
✓ Does it measure only altitude?
✓ Is it used for vehicles rather than aircraft or ships?
✓ Does it integrate navigation or communication functions?
✓ Is the working principle barometric or satellite?
✓ Does it fall under a specific enumeration in 9015?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted altimeters and vehicle navigation devices? The main function of a vehicle-mounted altimeter is to measure altitude, classified under 901540; the main function of a vehicle navigation device is positioning and route planning, usually classified under 8526 or 9014. If a device has both functions, it should be judged according to the principal function, and customs may be consulted if necessary. How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted altimeter should be classified under 901540 rather than 901580? 901540 specifically refers to altimeters, while 901580 covers other geodesic instruments. If the device only measures altitude, classify under 901540; if it also has functions such as distance measurement, angle measurement or navigation, classify under 901580. The functions should be clearly stated at declaration. Is there any difference in classification between barometric vehicle-mounted altimeters and satellite vehicle-mounted altimeters? There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 901540. However, the working principle should be stated at declaration for customs verification. Barometric type uses atmospheric pressure, and satellite type uses GPS signals; both are altimeters. What declaration elements are required for importing vehicle-mounted altimeters? Product name, use, working principle, measurement range, accuracy, brand and model, whether with navigation, etc. are required. For details, refer to the requirements for 901540 in the Customs Administration's Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China. If a vehicle-mounted altimeter has Bluetooth or data transmission functions, will this affect classification? Generally not, as long as the core function is altitude measurement, it is still classified under 901540. However, if the data transmission function constitutes the principal function, it may be classified under 8517 or 8526. It is recommended to judge according to the proportion of functions. When exporting vehicle-mounted altimeters to the EU, is the HS code the same? The first six digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, namely 901540. However, the EU may use TARIC additional codes, which should be confirmed by checking the EU official database. CE certification and other requirements should also be noted when exporting. What are the customs regulatory conditions for vehicle-mounted altimeters? Regulatory conditions vary by country/region. China's imports may involve mechanical and electrical product import licenses, 3C certification, etc. Exports generally have no special regulation, but must meet destination country requirements. For details, consult announcements of the General Administration of Customs. How can one check the latest tariff rate for vehicle-mounted altimeters? You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Classification Intelligent Navigation" system, enter HS code 901540 to check the latest tariff rate, value-added tax and consumption tax. Rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest official publication should prevail.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted altimeters and vehicle navigation devices?
A: The main function of a vehicle-mounted altimeter is to measure altitude, classified under 901540; the main function of a vehicle navigation device is positioning and route planning, usually classified under 8526 or 9014. If a device has both functions, it should be judged according to the principal function, and customs may be consulted if necessary.
Q: How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted altimeter should be classified under 901540 rather than 901580?
A: 901540 specifically refers to altimeters, while 901580 covers other geodesic instruments. If the device only measures altitude, classify under 901540; if it also has functions such as distance measurement, angle measurement or navigation, classify under 901580. The functions should be clearly stated at declaration.
Q: Is there any difference in classification between barometric vehicle-mounted altimeters and satellite vehicle-mounted altimeters?
A: There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 901540. However, the working principle should be stated at declaration for customs verification. Barometric type uses atmospheric pressure, and satellite type uses GPS signals; both are altimeters.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing vehicle-mounted altimeters?
A: Product name, use, working principle, measurement range, accuracy, brand and model, whether with navigation, etc. are required. For details, refer to the requirements for 901540 in the Customs Administration's Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted altimeter has Bluetooth or data transmission functions, will this affect classification?
A: Generally not, as long as the core function is altitude measurement, it is still classified under 901540. However, if the data transmission function constitutes the principal function, it may be classified under 8517 or 8526. It is recommended to judge according to the proportion of functions.
Q: When exporting vehicle-mounted altimeters to the EU, is the HS code the same?
A: The first six digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, namely 901540. However, the EU may use TARIC additional codes, which should be confirmed by checking the EU official database. CE certification and other requirements should also be noted when exporting.
Q: What are the customs regulatory conditions for vehicle-mounted altimeters?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country/region. China's imports may involve mechanical and electrical product import licenses, 3C certification, etc. Exports generally have no special regulation, but must meet destination country requirements. For details, consult announcements of the General Administration of Customs.
Q: How can one check the latest tariff rate for vehicle-mounted altimeters?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Classification Intelligent Navigation" system, enter HS code 901540 to check the latest tariff rate, value-added tax and consumption tax. Rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest official publication should prevail.
⚠️ 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.