Product classification
HS code for Breathing apparatus: 9020.00
Breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20.
Classification of breathing apparatus under HS 9020.00
HS code 902000 specifically covers breathing appliances and gas masks. This classification is applied to devices designed to provide breathable air or filter harmful substances from the air, thereby enabling respiration in hazardous environments. The key distinction for inclusion under this code is the presence of mechanical parts or replaceable filters, which differentiate these sophisticated devices from simpler protective masks. The description explicitly excludes protective masks lacking these features, as well as apparatus falling under HS 9019.20, which pertains to mechano-therapy appliances and similar items. This ensures that only true respiratory support or protection systems are categorized here.
- Covers
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- SCUBA diving equipment (regulators, demand valves)
- Rebreathers
- Industrial respirators with powered air-purifying systems (PAPR)
- Gas masks with filter cartridges
- Emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD)
- Also under 9020.00
- MSA G1 SCBA
- Dräger PSS 7000
- Aqua Lung Legend Regulator
- Scott Safety Air-Pak X3 Pro
- Avon Protection C50 Respirator
Codes often confused with 9020.00
Common mistake. HS 630790 (Other made up articles): Simple protective masks, such as surgical masks or dust masks, which lack mechanical parts or replaceable filters, are often misclassified. HS 902000 specifically excludes these less complex items, focusing on devices with active air supply or advanced filtration mechanisms. HS 901920 (Mechano-therapy appliances, massage apparatus, psychological aptitude-testing apparatus): This code is explicitly excluded from 902000. Confusion might arise if a device has a therapeutic aspect, but the primary function of breathing support or gas filtration dictates classification under 902000.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902000 (the code used for breathing apparatus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902000 (the code used for breathing apparatus) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 902000, not only breathing apparatus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $588M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $477M 19% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $307M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $268M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $262M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $160M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 breathing apparatus
Brazil splits HS 9020.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9020.00.10Gas masks
- 9020.00.90Other breathing appliances
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about breathing apparatus
What is the HS code for Breathing apparatus?
The HS code for Breathing apparatus is 902000 (Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20). The HS code for breathing apparatus, including gas masks with mechanical parts or replaceable filters, is 902000.
How do I classify Breathing apparatus for customs?
Breathing apparatus is classified under HS code 902000 — Breathing appliances and gas masks; excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters and excluding apparatus of item no. 9019.20. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes HS 902000 from simpler protective masks?
HS 902000 applies to breathing apparatus that incorporate mechanical parts or replaceable filters for active air purification or supply. Simpler protective masks, such as basic dust masks or surgical masks, which lack these features, are typically classified elsewhere, often under HS 630790. The presence of sophisticated components for air management is the defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of breathing apparatus (HS 902000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902000 (the code used for breathing apparatus) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($588M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($477M) and the United Kingdom ($307M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 breathing apparatus (HS 902000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902000 (the code used for breathing apparatus) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($268M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($262M) and the United Kingdom ($160M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Breathing apparatus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902000 for Breathing apparatus is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for breathing apparatus in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902000 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for breathing apparatus depends on the product's details: 9020.00.10 (Gas masks), 9020.00.90 (Other breathing appliances).