Product classification

HS code for Cannulae: 9018.39

Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, catheters, cannulae and the like.

Classification of cannulae under HS 9018.39

Cannulae are classified under HS code 9018.39, which falls within the broader category of medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary instruments and appliances. This specific subheading is designated for catheters, cannulae, and similar instruments that are not syringes or needles. The classification is determined by the primary function of the device as a conduit for fluids or gases into or out of the body. Under the Harmonized System, instruments used in medical practice are grouped by their specific application and design. Since cannulae are distinct from standard hypodermic needles (which have their own code), they are placed in this \"other\" category of tubular medical instruments. The classification covers a wide range of materials, including plastic, silicone, and stainless steel, provided the item is designed for medical use. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6 are applied here to ensure the product is classified according to its specific description as a cannula rather than a general plastic tube or a specific needle.

Covers
  • Intravenous (IV) cannulae with or without ports
  • Nasal cannulae for oxygen delivery
  • Arterial cannulae for blood pressure monitoring
  • Ophthalmic cannulae for eye surgery
  • Suction cannulae for surgical procedures
Also under 9018.39
  • Medtronic Resolute Onyx
  • B. Braun Certofix
  • Teleflex Arrow EZ-IO
  • Boston Scientific Guidezilla
  • Cook Medical Roadrunner

Codes often confused with 9018.39

Common mistake. Cannulae are often misclassified under HS code 9018.31 (syringes) or 9018.32 (tubular metal needles and needles for sutures). While they are often used together, a cannula is distinct because it is a tube inserted into the body, often over a needle which is then removed. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 3917 for general plastic tubing, but if the product is sterilized and designed for medical use, 9018.39 is the legally required code.

9018.31Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles9018.32Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; tubular metal needles and needles for sutures39.17Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics

Top exporters and importers of HS 901839 (the code used for cannulae), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901839 (the code used for cannulae) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 901839, not only cannulae.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $8.0B
  2. 2 Ireland $7.6B
  3. 3 Mexico $5.3B

World total: $47.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $10.4B
  2. 2 Netherlands $5.8B
  3. 3 Germany $3.1B

World total: $44.0B 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 cannulae

Brazil splits HS 9018.39 into 10 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about cannulae

What is the HS code for Cannulae?

The HS code for Cannulae is 901839 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; catheters, cannulae and the like). The HS code for cannulae is 9018.39, covering catheters, cannulae, and similar medical instruments.

How do I classify Cannulae for customs?

Cannulae is classified under HS code 901839 — Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; catheters, cannulae and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are veterinary cannulae classified differently?

No, HS code 9018.39 covers instruments used in both human medical and veterinary sciences.

Which countries are the top exporters of cannulae (HS 901839)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901839 (the code used for cannulae) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.0B, 17% of world exports), Ireland ($7.6B) and Mexico ($5.3B). World exports came to about $47.2B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of cannulae (HS 901839)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901839 (the code used for cannulae) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.4B, 24% of world imports), the Netherlands ($5.8B) and Germany ($3.1B). World imports came to about $44.0B, 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.

Is the HS code for Cannulae the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901839 for Cannulae 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 cannulae in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901839 into 10 NCM codes, so the right one for cannulae depends on the product's details: 9018.39.10 (Needles, other than tubular metal or suture), 9018.39.21 (Rubber probes, catheters and cannulae), 9018.39.22 (PVC catheters for arterial embolectomy), 9018.39.23 (PVC thermodilution catheters), 9018.39.25 (Hydrophilic intermittent urinary catheters), 9018.39.26 (Peripheral IV catheters, plastic), and more.