HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9018.12 – Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultrasonic scanning apparatus
HS code 9018.12 is the 6-digit subheading for medical, surgical instruments and appliances, ultrasonic scanning apparatus. It is used for diagnostic ultrasound systems, portable ultrasound scanners, 2D/3D/4D ultrasound machines, cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) systems and vascular ultrasound systems.
What HS 9018.12 covers
This HS code covers ultrasonic scanning apparatus, commonly known as ultrasound machines, which are non-invasive medical devices that use high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures. These instruments are indispensable across a wide range of medical specialties, including obstetrics, cardiology, radiology, and emergency medicine, providing crucial diagnostic information without radiation exposure. The global trade in ultrasound machines is fueled by advancements in imaging technology, increasing demand for early and accurate diagnosis, and the expansion of healthcare services worldwide. Importers and exporters include major medical device manufacturers, specialized distributors, and healthcare providers. Key considerations involve image quality, portability, specialized probes for different applications, and compliance with stringent medical device regulations. The accessibility of these machines is vital for improving patient outcomes globally.
- Covers
- Diagnostic ultrasound systems
- Portable ultrasound scanners
- 2D/3D/4D ultrasound machines
- Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) systems
- Vascular ultrasound systems
- Obstetric ultrasound machines
- Point-of-care ultrasound devices
- Examples
- Philips Epiq Elite
- GE Healthcare Voluson E10
- Siemens Healthineers Acuson Sequoia
- Canon Medical Systems Aplio i-series
- Mindray Resona 7
Codes often confused with 9018.12
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 901813 (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus) which uses magnetic fields, and from 901819 (other electro-diagnostic apparatus) which covers electrical signal-based diagnostics.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901812, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901812 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.4% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 21% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $888M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $503M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $484M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $430M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $397M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 9018.12 2
Brazil splits HS 9018.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9018.12.10 Ultrasonic scanners with Doppler spectral analysisEcógrafos com análise espectral Doppler
- 9018.12.90 Other ultrasonic scanning apparatusOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9018.12
What is HS code 901812?
HS code 901812 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultrasonic scanning apparatus. This HS code covers ultrasonic scanning apparatus, commonly known as ultrasound machines, which are non-invasive medical devices that use high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures. These instruments are indispensable across a wide range of medical specialties, including obstetrics, cardiology, radiology, and emergency medicine, providing crucial diagnostic information without radiation exposure. The global trade in ultrasound machines is fueled by advancements in imaging technology, increasing demand for early and accurate diagnosis, and the expansion of healthcare services worldwide. Importers and exporters include major medical device manufacturers, specialized distributors, and healthcare providers. Key considerations involve image quality, portability, specialized probes for different applications, and compliance with stringent medical device regulations. The accessibility of these machines is vital for improving patient outcomes globally.
What products fall under HS code 901812?
Diagnostic ultrasound systems, Portable ultrasound scanners, 2D/3D/4D ultrasound machines, Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) systems, Vascular ultrasound systems, Obstetric ultrasound machines, Point-of-care ultrasound devices
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901812?
This code is distinct from 901813 (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus) which uses magnetic fields, and from 901819 (other electro-diagnostic apparatus) which covers electrical signal-based diagnostics.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901812?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901812 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 21% of world exports), South Korea ($888M) and the United States ($503M). World exports came to about $5.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 901812?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901812 in UN Comtrade data were China ($484M, 8.4% of world imports), Germany ($430M) and the Netherlands ($397M). World imports came to about $5.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 901812 structured?
HS code 901812 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901812?
Brazil splits HS code 901812 into 2 NCM codes: 9018.12.10 (Ultrasonic scanners with Doppler spectral analysis), 9018.12.90 (Other ultrasonic scanning apparatus). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.