Product classification
HS code for Dental drill: 9018.41
Dental instruments and appliances, dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment.
Classification of dental drill under HS 9018.41
The classification of dental drills is governed by the Harmonized System under code 9018.41. This specific subheading is reserved for dental drill engines, which may be mounted on a single base with other dental equipment or used as standalone units. The Harmonized System categorizes these items under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Specifically, heading 9018 encompasses instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Subheading 9018.41 is distinct because it isolates the mechanical drilling apparatus from other manual or specialized dental tools. This classification is determined by the primary function of the device—providing the rotational force and control necessary for dental procedures such as cavity preparation, endodontic work, or restorative dentistry. The classification remains consistent whether the engine is powered by an electric motor or a compressed air system (pneumatic). Furthermore, the inclusion of the engine on a \"single base\" refers to the dental unit or chair assembly where the drill is integrated with other utilities like water suction and lighting. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes are paramount. Chapter 90, Note 1, does not exclude these items, and the specific mention of \"dental drill engines\" in the subheading text for 9018.41 makes it the primary choice for classification over more general categories. This ensures that the complex machinery used in modern dentistry is tracked accurately for international trade statistics and tariff application.
- Covers
- Air-turbine dental handpieces
- Electric dental motors
- Dental drill engines on swivel arms
- High-speed and low-speed dental drills
- Integrated dental workstations with drill engines
- Also under 9018.41
- KaVo EXPERTmatic
- W&H Synea Vision
- Bien-Air MX-i
- NSK Ti-Max Z
- Dentsply Sirona T3 Racer
Codes often confused with 9018.41
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying dental drills under HS code 9018.49, which is a residual category for other dental instruments and appliances. While 9018.49 covers a wide range of tools, 9018.41 is the specific code for drill engines. Additionally, some importers mistakenly look at heading 8467, which covers tools for working in the hand, pneumatic, hydraulic, or with self-contained electric or non-electric motors. However, because these are specialized medical/dental instruments, Chapter 90 takes precedence over Chapter 84 due to the specific use case and the exclusion notes in Section XVI.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901841 (the code used for dental drill), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901841 (the code used for dental drill) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 901841, not only dental drill.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $119M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $109M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $45M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $544M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77M 16% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$37M 7.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $32M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $472M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for dental drill
Brazil classifies dental drill under NCM 9018.41.00: HS 9018.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dental drill
What is the HS code for Dental drill?
The HS code for Dental drill is 901841 (Dental instruments and appliances; dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment). The HS code for dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment, is 9018.41.
How do I classify Dental drill for customs?
Dental drill is classified under HS code 901841 — Dental instruments and appliances; dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dental burs included in this code?
No, dental burs, which are the actual cutting or grinding bits used with the drill, are typically classified under 9018.49 as separate dental instruments, as they are considered interchangeable tools rather than the engine itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of dental drill (HS 901841)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901841 (the code used for dental drill) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($119M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($109M) and China ($45M). World exports came to about $544M, 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 dental drill (HS 901841)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901841 (the code used for dental drill) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 16% of world imports), Russia (about $37M) and Germany ($32M). World imports came to about $472M, 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 Dental drill the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901841 for Dental drill 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 dental drill in Brazil?
In Brazil, dental drill (HS 901841) is classified under NCM 9018.41.00.