9015.80.20.00 - Optical instruments and appliances

This HTS subcategory, 9015.80.20.00, specifically covers "Optical instruments and appliances" that fall within the broader scope of surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological, or geophysical instruments and apparatus. It captures devices that utilize optical principles for measurement, observation, or data collection in these specialized scientific and technical fields. Examples include optical levels, optical theodolites, optical tacheometers, and other similar instruments where the primary function relies on light manipulation and optical components for precise readings.

While the parent category encompasses a wide range of instruments, this subcategory zeroes in on those that employ optical mechanisms. It distinguishes itself from non-optical instruments within the same broader chapter (e.g., purely electronic surveying equipment or mechanical compasses) by the fundamental reliance on light, lenses, prisms, or other optical elements for their operation and the type of data they generate. The focus is on the optical nature of the measurement or observation process.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the emphasis for classification purposes under 9015.80.20.00 is on accurately identifying instruments designed for the specified scientific applications that operate through optical means. If an instrument utilizes optical components as a secondary feature for a non-optical primary function, it would likely be classified elsewhere.