HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9022.21 – Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses
HS code 9022.21 is the 6-digit subheading for apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses. It is used for cobalt-60 teletherapy units, brachytherapy systems, PET/CT scanners (radioisotope-based), SPECT scanners and gamma cameras.
What HS 9022.21 covers
This HS code covers apparatus utilizing alpha, beta, gamma, or other ionizing radiations for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes, encompassing advanced radiotherapy and diagnostic systems beyond X-rays. This includes highly specialized equipment for cancer treatment and certain imaging techniques. International trade in these devices is critical for advanced healthcare globally. Major importers are typically countries with sophisticated healthcare systems and significant investments in oncology and nuclear medicine, such as the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are often nations at the forefront of medical technology and nuclear engineering, like the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. Key considerations for traders involve extremely stringent regulatory approvals, managing the logistics of radioactive sources (where applicable), and ensuring highly specialized installation and maintenance. The market is driven by the increasing global incidence of cancer, advancements in radiation therapy techniques, and the demand for precision medicine.
- Covers
- Cobalt-60 teletherapy units
- Brachytherapy systems
- PET/CT scanners (radioisotope-based)
- SPECT scanners
- Gamma cameras
- Proton therapy systems
- Neutron therapy systems
- Radiation dosimeters (medical)
- Examples
- Varian Medical Systems Halcyon
- Elekta Unity MR-Linac
- Siemens Healthineers Biograph PET/CT
- GE Healthcare Discovery SPECT/CT
- IBA ProteusONE proton therapy
Codes often confused with 9022.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 90221X series (X-ray apparatus) by its use of other ionizing radiations (alpha, beta, gamma). Confusion can arise if the specific type of radiation source is not identified, especially with X-ray radiotherapy equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 902221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 902221 in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% 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 Sweden $59M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $44M 19% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 15% of world exports
World total: $235M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $85M 21% of world imports
- 2 China $84M 21% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $24M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $395M 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 9022.21 3
Brazil splits HS 9022.21 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9022.21.10 Radiocobalt therapy units (cobalt bombs)Aparelhos de radiocobalto (bombas de cobalto)
- 9022.21.20 Other gamma therapy apparatusOutros, para gamaterapia
- 9022.21.90 Other medical ionising radiation apparatusOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.22 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9022.21
What is HS code 902221?
HS code 902221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses. This HS code covers apparatus utilizing alpha, beta, gamma, or other ionizing radiations for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes, encompassing advanced radiotherapy and diagnostic systems beyond X-rays. This includes highly specialized equipment for cancer treatment and certain imaging techniques. International trade in these devices is critical for advanced healthcare globally. Major importers are typically countries with sophisticated healthcare systems and significant investments in oncology and nuclear medicine, such as the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are often nations at the forefront of medical technology and nuclear engineering, like the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. Key considerations for traders involve extremely stringent regulatory approvals, managing the logistics of radioactive sources (where applicable), and ensuring highly specialized installation and maintenance. The market is driven by the increasing global incidence of cancer, advancements in radiation therapy techniques, and the demand for precision medicine.
What products fall under HS code 902221?
Cobalt-60 teletherapy units, Brachytherapy systems, PET/CT scanners (radioisotope-based), SPECT scanners, Gamma cameras, Proton therapy systems, Neutron therapy systems, Radiation dosimeters (medical)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 902221?
This code is distinct from 90221X series (X-ray apparatus) by its use of other ionizing radiations (alpha, beta, gamma). Confusion can arise if the specific type of radiation source is not identified, especially with X-ray radiotherapy equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 902221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 902221 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($59M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($44M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World exports came to about $235M, 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 902221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 902221 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($85M, 21% of world imports), China ($84M) and Brazil ($24M). World imports came to about $395M, 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 902221 structured?
HS code 902221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (22) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 902221?
Brazil splits HS code 902221 into 3 NCM codes: 9022.21.10 (Radiocobalt therapy units (cobalt bombs)), 9022.21.20 (Other gamma therapy apparatus), 9022.21.90 (Other medical ionising radiation apparatus). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.