HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9018.20 – Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultra-violet or infra-red ray apparatus
HS code 9018.20 is the 6-digit subheading for medical, surgical instruments and appliances, ultra-violet or infra-red ray apparatus. It is used for UV phototherapy lamps, IR therapy devices, UV sterilization units (medical), surgical IR coagulators and dermatological UV treatment systems.
What HS 9018.20 covers
This HS code covers medical, surgical instruments, and appliances utilizing ultra-violet (UV) or infra-red (IR) rays. These devices are employed across various medical fields for therapeutic purposes, sterilization, and certain diagnostic applications, particularly in dermatology, physical therapy, and wound care. The global trade in these instruments involves manufacturers, hospitals, specialized clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Key considerations for trade include safety standards, efficacy regulations, and the specific medical applications for which the devices are intended. The market is influenced by advancements in light therapy, increasing demand for non-invasive treatments, and the growing adoption of UV for disinfection in healthcare settings. This segment highlights the intersection of physics and medicine in developing targeted therapeutic and hygienic solutions.
- Covers
- UV phototherapy lamps
- IR therapy devices
- UV sterilization units (medical)
- Surgical IR coagulators
- Dermatological UV treatment systems
- Wound healing IR devices
- Medical germicidal UV lamps
- Examples
- Waldmann UV 7002
- Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2 IR
- Philips UV-C Disinfection Upper Air
- Bovie Medical Aaron 950
- Daavlin 7 Series
Codes often confused with 9018.20
Common mistake. These devices are sometimes confused with non-medical UV/IR apparatus (e.g., for industrial curing or cosmetic tanning beds not for medical treatment) or general electro-medical equipment (901890).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901820 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 Italy $312M 44% of world exports
- 2 United States $102M 14% of world exports
- 3 Dominican Republic $52M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $717M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $158M 26% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $38M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $29M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $597M 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 9018.20 3
Brazil splits HS 9018.20 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9018.20.10 Surgical laser apparatus (ultraviolet or infrared)Para cirurgia, que operem por laser
- 9018.20.20 Oral treatment laser apparatus (UV or infrared)Outros, para tratamento bucal, que operem por laser
- 9018.20.90 Other ultraviolet or infrared ray 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 9018.20
What is HS code 901820?
HS code 901820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultra-violet or infra-red ray apparatus. This HS code covers medical, surgical instruments, and appliances utilizing ultra-violet (UV) or infra-red (IR) rays. These devices are employed across various medical fields for therapeutic purposes, sterilization, and certain diagnostic applications, particularly in dermatology, physical therapy, and wound care. The global trade in these instruments involves manufacturers, hospitals, specialized clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Key considerations for trade include safety standards, efficacy regulations, and the specific medical applications for which the devices are intended. The market is influenced by advancements in light therapy, increasing demand for non-invasive treatments, and the growing adoption of UV for disinfection in healthcare settings. This segment highlights the intersection of physics and medicine in developing targeted therapeutic and hygienic solutions.
What products fall under HS code 901820?
UV phototherapy lamps, IR therapy devices, UV sterilization units (medical), Surgical IR coagulators, Dermatological UV treatment systems, Wound healing IR devices, Medical germicidal UV lamps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901820?
These devices are sometimes confused with non-medical UV/IR apparatus (e.g., for industrial curing or cosmetic tanning beds not for medical treatment) or general electro-medical equipment (901890).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901820 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($312M, 44% of world exports), the United States ($102M) and the Dominican Republic ($52M). World exports came to about $717M, 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 901820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901820 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($158M, 26% of world imports), Brazil ($38M) and the Netherlands ($29M). World imports came to about $597M, 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 901820 structured?
HS code 901820 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901820?
Brazil splits HS code 901820 into 3 NCM codes: 9018.20.10 (Surgical laser apparatus (ultraviolet or infrared)), 9018.20.20 (Oral treatment laser apparatus (UV or infrared)), 9018.20.90 (Other ultraviolet or infrared ray apparatus). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.