Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technology content and high added value, and are widely used in industry, medical care, scientific research, and other fields. In HS classification, this chapter emphasizes the functional principle of products rather than material, and the classification of parts must follow the principle of consistency with the main machine. Heading 9015 specifically covers surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances; rangefinders, theodolites, levels, etc.; parts and accessories thereof. The core of this heading is instruments used for professional measurement, mapping, and environmental monitoring, and it does not include ordinary vehicle navigation or consumer-grade measuring tools. Code 901590 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, measuring, medical and other precision instruments); digits 3-4 "15" represent heading 9015 (surveying, hydrographic, meteorological and other instruments and parts); digits 5-6 "90" represent subheading 901590, namely "parts and accessories" under heading 9015. Note: subheading 901590 is a residual subheading specifically set for parts and accessories of instruments under 9015, not complete machines. If it is a complete machine, it is classified under other subheadings of 9015 (such as 901510 rangefinders, 901520 theodolites, etc.). This commodity is a part of a vehicle-mounted measuring instrument, and its main machine belongs to measuring instruments of heading 9015 (such as vehicle-mounted LiDAR, mobile mapping systems, etc.). According to General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the HS, if a part is not more specifically named in another heading and is dedicated to or principally used with instruments under 9015, it should be classified under 901590. It cannot be classified under 9013 (liquid crystal devices, etc.) or 9027 (physical or chemical analysis instruments), because its function is subordinate to measuring instruments.

Product name: Declare the specific part name, such as "rotating prism for vehicle-mounted laser scanner" or "circuit board assembly for vehicle-mounted measuring instrument." Use: Explain what kind of vehicle-mounted measuring instrument the part is dedicated to, such as "used in vehicle-mounted mobile mapping systems" or "used in vehicle-mounted meteorological monitoring instruments." Material: Main material, such as aluminum alloy, optical glass, stainless steel, plastic, etc., which affects classification but is not decisive. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as "Leica," "Trimble," or "Hi-Target." Model: Part model or main machine model, to facilitate customs confirmation of dedicated use. Applicable main machine model: The vehicle-mounted measuring instrument model for which the part is suitable, such as "suitable for Trimble MX9." Functional principle: Briefly explain the function of the part in the main machine, such as "used to emit laser and receive reflected signals." Customs declaration example: Product name: Rotating prism for vehicle-mounted laser scanner Use: Used in vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system to reflect laser beams Material: Optical glass Brand: Leica Model: PR-30 Applicable main machine model: Leica Pegasus:Two Functional principle: Changes the laser emission direction through high-speed rotation to achieve 360-degree scanning HS code: 9015900090 Mistakenly classifying the part under other subheadings of main machine code 9015, without noting that the part should be classified under 901590. If the part is a general electrical component (such as a resistor or capacitor), it should be classified under Chapter 85 rather than Chapter 90. Failure to provide the applicable main machine model, causing customs to question the dedicated nature of the part.

Core basis for classification: 1) The part must be dedicated to or principally used with instruments of heading 9015; 2) The part itself cannot be a commodity more specifically named in another heading (such as general bearings or motors); 3) It must be judged in combination with the function of the main machine; if the main machine is a vehicle-mounted measuring instrument, the part is classified under 901590. If the part can also be used for other equipment, it may be classified as a general part. 901510 Rangefinders: 901510 is a complete rangefinder, while 901590 is its dedicated part. If a complete rangefinder is imported, it should be classified under 901510; if it is only a part of a rangefinder, it is classified under 901590. 901520 Theodolites and tachymeters (tacheometers): 901520 is a complete theodolite, and its dedicated parts are still classified under 901590. Note that if the theodolite is optical, it may involve 9005. 902790 Parts of physical or chemical analysis instruments: 902790 is parts of physical or chemical analysis instruments under 9027. If a vehicle-mounted measuring instrument is used for meteorological or hydrological analysis, it may be mistakenly classified here. However, 9015 focuses on measuring geometrical quantities, while 9027 focuses on analyzing composition. 852990 Parts of radar and radio navigation equipment: If vehicle-mounted radar is used for measurement, it may be classified under 9015, but if its parts are general radio components, they may be classified under 852990. The key is whether the main machine belongs to 9015. Does the main machine belong to instruments under 9015? Is the part dedicated to that main machine? Is the part more specifically named in another heading? Have the main machine model and brand been provided? Have the functional principle and material been declared?

Are parts of vehicle-mounted measuring instruments always classified under 901590? Not necessarily. It is necessary to confirm that the main machine belongs to heading 9015. If the main machine is a vehicle navigation device (classified under 8527 or 8528), then the part is not classified under 901590. Only when the main machine is a 9015 instrument for surveying, meteorology, hydrology, etc., are dedicated parts classified under 901590. How can it be determined whether a part is dedicated or general? Dedicated parts refer to those used only or principally with 9015 instruments, usually having specific interfaces, dimensions, or functions. General parts such as screws and cables, if usable for multiple types of equipment, should be classified according to material (for example, steel screws under 7318). Are parts of vehicle-mounted LiDAR classified under 901590? If the LiDAR is used for surveying and mapping or measurement, and the main machine is classified under 9015, then its dedicated parts are classified under 901590. But if the LiDAR is used for autonomous driving obstacle avoidance, it may be classified under 8526 or 8708, and the parts are classified accordingly. What is the difference between 901590 and 902790? 901590 is parts of 9015 measuring instruments, and 902790 is parts of 9027 physical or chemical analysis instruments. The difference lies in the function of the main machine: 9015 measures geometrical quantities (distance, angle, position), while 9027 analyzes composition (pH, spectrum, chromatography). What should be done if there is no main machine model at the time of declaration? The main machine model must be provided; otherwise, the dedicated nature of the part cannot be proven. If it is truly unknown, a description of the main machine function and pictures may be provided, but customs may require supplementation. It is recommended to confirm with the supplier. How can the tax rate for 901590 be checked? The tax rate must be determined according to the importing country, country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You may consult China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or use the customs advance classification service. Note that tax rates are adjusted, and the latest announcement shall prevail. Is there a difference in classification between parts and accessories? In the HS, parts and accessories are generally classified together, but accessories may refer to items that are not essential but add functionality. 901590 covers parts and accessories, but it must be ensured that they are dedicated to 9015 instruments. If the parts are imported and then assembled into a complete machine for export, does this affect classification? At the time of import, they are classified according to the status of the parts, that is, 901590. If the conditions for bonded processing are met, bonded policies may apply. When exporting the complete machine, it is classified according to the complete machine (such as 901510).