Product classification

HS code for Dental instruments: 9018.49

Dental instruments and appliances, other than dental drill engines.

Classification of dental instruments under HS 9018.49

Dental instruments are classified under HS code 9018.49. This code falls under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9018 is for instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus, and sight-testing instruments. Subheading 9018.49 is a residual category for "other" dental instruments and appliances that are not specifically dental drill engines (which are classified under 9018.41). This category includes a wide range of manual and powered tools used by dental professionals for examination, extraction, and restorative procedures. The classification is determined by the primary use of the instrument in the field of dentistry and its exclusion from more specific subheadings like those for X-ray equipment or furniture.

Covers: Dental forceps and elevators
Dental mirrors and explorers
Periodontal scalers
Orthodontic pliers
Dental burs and cutters (when not part of a drill engine)
Also under 9018.49: Hu-Friedy Perio Probes
Miltex Extraction Forceps
Nordent Scalers
Kerr Dental Spatulas
GC Fuji Impression Trays

Codes often confused with 9018.49

Common mistake. Dental instruments are frequently misclassified under 9018.41, which is exclusively for dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment. They may also be confused with 9018.90 (other medical instruments) or 9402.10 (dentists' chairs), which are distinct categories.

9018.90Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances; n.e.c. in heading no. 9018 9018.41Dental instruments and appliances; dental drill engines, whether or not combined on a single base with other dental equipment 9402.10Chairs; dentists', barbers' or similar chairs having rotating as well as both reclining and elevating movements, and parts thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 901849 (the code used for dental instruments), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901849 (the code used for dental instruments) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 901849, not only dental instruments.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

1 Germany $1.5B 23% of world exports
2 China $765M 11% of world exports
3 Switzerland $732M 11% of world exports

World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 United States $930M 14% of world imports
2 Germany $725M 11% of world imports
3 Netherlands $477M 7.0% of world imports

World total: $6.8B 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 dental instruments

Brazil splits HS 9018.49 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

9018.49.11Tungsten carbide dental burs
9018.49.12Vanadium steel dental burs
9018.49.19Other dental burs
9018.49.20Dental files
9018.49.40Dental kinetic particle projection apparatus
9018.49.91Computerised dental ceramic restoration systems
9018.49.99Other dental instruments and appliances

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

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POST /api/classify/

{
  "query": "dental instruments"
}

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Questions about dental instruments

What is the HS code for Dental instruments?

The HS code for Dental instruments is 901849 (Dental instruments and appliances; other than dental drill engines). The HS code for dental instruments (excluding drill engines) is 9018.49.

How do I classify Dental instruments for customs?

Dental instruments is classified under HS code 901849 — Dental instruments and appliances; other than dental drill engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are dental X-ray machines included in this code?

No, dental X-ray apparatus is classified under HS code 9022.13.

Which countries are the top exporters of dental instruments (HS 901849)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901849 (the code used for dental instruments) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.5B, 23% of world exports), China ($765M) and Switzerland ($732M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 instruments (HS 901849)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901849 (the code used for dental instruments) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($930M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($725M) and the Netherlands ($477M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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 instruments the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901849 for Dental instruments 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 instruments in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901849 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for dental instruments depends on the product's details: 9018.49.11 (Tungsten carbide dental burs), 9018.49.12 (Vanadium steel dental burs), 9018.49.19 (Other dental burs), 9018.49.20 (Dental files), 9018.49.40 (Dental kinetic particle projection apparatus), 9018.49.91 (Computerised dental ceramic restoration systems), and more.