Product classification
HS code for Catheters: 9018.39
Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, catheters, cannulae and the like.
Classification of catheters under HS 9018.39
Catheters are classified under HS code 9018.39. This code is situated within Chapter 90, which encompasses instruments and apparatus for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Heading 9018 is the primary heading for such instruments, and subheading 9018.39 is a specific category for "other" instruments including catheters, cannulae, and similar items. The classification is based on the intended use of the product in a clinical or surgical setting for the purpose of introducing fluids into, or withdrawing fluids from, the human or animal body. These items are typically sterile, single-use medical devices. Under GRI 1, the specific mention of catheters in the subheading notes and the functional nature of the device as a medical tool ensure its placement here. The material (usually plastic or silicone) is secondary to its specialized medical design and application, which prevents it from being classified as simple tubing under Chapter 39.
- Covers
- Urinary (Foley) catheters
- Venous and arterial catheters
- Intravenous (IV) cannulae
- Suction catheters for respiratory care
- Cardiac catheters for diagnostic 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. A frequent error is classifying catheters as plastic articles under 3926.90 or as plastic tubing under 3917. However, because they are finished medical instruments with specific connectors and sterile packaging, Chapter 90 takes precedence. Another misclassification is 9018.31, which is strictly for syringes, or 9018.32, which is for tubular metal needles and needles for sutures. Catheters are distinct from needles as they are flexible tubes intended for longer-term or specific fluid transfer paths.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901839 (the code used for catheters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901839 (the code used for catheters) 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 catheters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $8.0B 17% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $7.6B 16% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $5.3B 11% of world exports
World total: $47.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10.4B 24% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $5.8B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $3.1B 7.1% of world imports
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 catheters
Brazil splits HS 9018.39 into 10 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9018.39.10Needles, other than tubular metal or suture
- 9018.39.21Rubber probes, catheters and cannulae
- 9018.39.22PVC catheters for arterial embolectomy
- 9018.39.23PVC thermodilution catheters
- 9018.39.25Hydrophilic intermittent urinary catheters
- 9018.39.26Peripheral IV catheters, plastic
- 9018.39.29Other probes, catheters and cannulae
- 9018.39.30Vaccination lancets and cauteries
- 9018.39.91Arteriovenous fistula needle sets
- 9018.39.99Other instruments similar to catheters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about catheters
What is the HS code for Catheters?
The HS code for Catheters is 901839 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; catheters, cannulae and the like). The HS code for catheters, cannulae, and similar medical instruments is 9018.39.
How do I classify Catheters for customs?
Catheters 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 IV cannulae classified under the same code?
Yes, IV cannulae are classified under 9018.39 as they are considered similar to catheters in function and medical application.
Which countries are the top exporters of catheters (HS 901839)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901839 (the code used for catheters) 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 catheters (HS 901839)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901839 (the code used for catheters) 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 Catheters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901839 for Catheters 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 catheters in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901839 into 10 NCM codes, so the right one for catheters 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.