HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9018.31 – Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles
HS code 9018.31 is the 6-digit subheading for medical, surgical instruments and appliances, syringes, with or without needles. It is used for disposable syringes, insulin syringes, tuberculin syringes, luer-lock syringes and oral syringes.
What HS 9018.31 covers
This category specifically covers syringes, whether or not fitted with needles, which are fundamental and high-volume medical consumables. They are indispensable for administering injections, drawing blood, and other fluid management tasks in healthcare. The trade involves a vast network of manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, clinics, and global aid organizations. Key aspects of this trade include stringent sterility requirements, single-use regulations, and material science advancements (e.g., safety syringes to prevent needlestick injuries). The market is highly competitive, driven by global healthcare needs, vaccination programs, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring regular medication administration. The sheer volume and critical nature of these products make them a constant and significant component of international medical trade.
- Covers
- Disposable syringes
- Insulin syringes
- Tuberculin syringes
- Luer-lock syringes
- Oral syringes
- Safety syringes
- Pre-filled syringes
- Examples
- BD Syringes
- Terumo Syringes
- B. Braun Omnifix
- Nipro Syringes
- Smiths Medical Jelco
Codes often confused with 9018.31
Common mistake. This code is distinct from tubular metal needles and needles for sutures (901832), as 901831 specifically includes the syringe barrel, even if it comes with a needle.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901831, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901831 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 United States $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $925M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 12% of world imports
- 3 France $841M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 9018.31 3
Brazil splits HS 9018.31 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9018.31.1 Of plasticsDe plástico Group
- 9018.31.11 Plastic syringes, capacity 2 cm³ or lessDe capacidade inferior ou igual a 2 cm³
- 9018.31.19 Plastic syringes, capacity over 2 cm³Outras
- 9018.31.90 Other syringes, not of plasticsOutras
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 9018.31
What is HS code 901831?
HS code 901831 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles. This category specifically covers syringes, whether or not fitted with needles, which are fundamental and high-volume medical consumables. They are indispensable for administering injections, drawing blood, and other fluid management tasks in healthcare. The trade involves a vast network of manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, clinics, and global aid organizations. Key aspects of this trade include stringent sterility requirements, single-use regulations, and material science advancements (e.g., safety syringes to prevent needlestick injuries). The market is highly competitive, driven by global healthcare needs, vaccination programs, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring regular medication administration. The sheer volume and critical nature of these products make them a constant and significant component of international medical trade.
What products fall under HS code 901831?
Disposable syringes, Insulin syringes, Tuberculin syringes, Luer-lock syringes, Oral syringes, Safety syringes, Pre-filled syringes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901831?
This code is distinct from tubular metal needles and needles for sutures (901832), as 901831 specifically includes the syringe barrel, even if it comes with a needle.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901831?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901831 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Switzerland ($925M). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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 901831?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901831 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.1B) and France ($841M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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 901831 structured?
HS code 901831 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901831?
Brazil splits HS code 901831 into 3 NCM codes: 9018.31.11 (Plastic syringes, capacity 2 cm³ or less), 9018.31.19 (Plastic syringes, capacity over 2 cm³), 9018.31.90 (Other syringes, not of plastics). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.