HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9018.50 – Ophthalmic instruments and appliances
HS code 9018.50 is the 6-digit subheading for ophthalmic instruments and appliances. It is used for slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, tonometers, fundus cameras and phacoemulsification systems.
What HS 9018.50 covers
This HS code specifically covers ophthalmic instruments and appliances, which are highly specialized tools used for examining, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the eye. This includes a range of devices from diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments for ophthalmologists and optometrists. The trade involves specialized ophthalmic equipment manufacturers, eye clinics, hospitals, and optical retailers. Key considerations for trade include precision optics, advanced imaging capabilities, ergonomic design for delicate procedures, and strict regulatory compliance. The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of eye diseases, an aging global population, and advancements in ophthalmic surgery and diagnostics, making these instruments crucial for maintaining and restoring vision worldwide.
- Covers
- Slit lamps
- Ophthalmoscopes
- Tonometers
- Fundus cameras
- Phacoemulsification systems
- Refractors
- Keratometers
- Examples
- Zeiss SL 120 Slit Lamp
- Welch Allyn PanOptic Ophthalmoscope
- Topcon TRC-50DX Fundus Camera
- Alcon Centurion Vision System
- Nidek ARK-1a Autorefractor Keratometer
Codes often confused with 9018.50
Common mistake. This code can be confused with general medical instruments (901890) or other optical instruments (e.g., 9011 for microscopes) if their specific ophthalmic application is not clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 901850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 901850 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 $1.3B 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.0B 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $473M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $6.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $916M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $640M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $477M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $6.5B 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 9018.50 2
Brazil splits HS 9018.50 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9018.50.10 Binocular microscopes for eye surgeryMicroscópios binoculares, do tipo utilizado em cirurgia oftalmológica
- 9018.50.90 Other ophthalmic instruments and appliancesOutros
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 9018.50
What is HS code 901850?
HS code 901850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ophthalmic instruments and appliances. This HS code specifically covers ophthalmic instruments and appliances, which are highly specialized tools used for examining, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the eye. This includes a range of devices from diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments for ophthalmologists and optometrists. The trade involves specialized ophthalmic equipment manufacturers, eye clinics, hospitals, and optical retailers. Key considerations for trade include precision optics, advanced imaging capabilities, ergonomic design for delicate procedures, and strict regulatory compliance. The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of eye diseases, an aging global population, and advancements in ophthalmic surgery and diagnostics, making these instruments crucial for maintaining and restoring vision worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 901850?
Slit lamps, Ophthalmoscopes, Tonometers, Fundus cameras, Phacoemulsification systems, Refractors, Keratometers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 901850?
This code can be confused with general medical instruments (901890) or other optical instruments (e.g., 9011 for microscopes) if their specific ophthalmic application is not clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 901850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 901850 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 22% of world exports), Germany ($1.0B) and the Netherlands ($473M). World exports came to about $6.0B, 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 901850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 901850 in UN Comtrade data were China ($916M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($640M) and the Netherlands ($477M). World imports came to about $6.5B, 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.
How is HS code 901850 structured?
HS code 901850 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 901850?
Brazil splits HS code 901850 into 2 NCM codes: 9018.50.10 (Binocular microscopes for eye surgery), 9018.50.90 (Other ophthalmic instruments and appliances). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.