Product classification
HS code for Electrocardiograph: 9018.11
Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, electro-cardiographs.
Classification of electrocardiograph under HS 9018.11
The classification of an Electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) falls under HS code 9018.11, which is a specific subheading within the broader category of medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary instruments and appliances. This classification is determined by the primary function of the device: the detection and recording of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin. Under the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) of the Harmonized System, specifically GIR 1, the classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9018 specifically addresses instruments used in medical sciences. Within this heading, the system differentiates between various types of electro-diagnostic apparatus. Subheading 9018.11 is reserved exclusively for electrocardiographs because of their unique diagnostic role and widespread clinical application, distinguishing them from other electro-diagnostic tools that might measure different physiological parameters.
- Covers
- Portable electrocardiographs
- Multi-channel ECG machines
- Stress test ECG systems
- Wireless ECG recorders
- Digital electrocardiograph units with integrated printers
- Also under 9018.11
- GE Healthcare MAC 2000 ECG
- Philips PageWriter TC50
- Schiller AT-1 G2 ECG
- Nihon Kohden Cardiofax C
- Welch Allyn CP 150
Codes often confused with 9018.11
Common mistake. Electrocardiographs are frequently misclassified under HS code 9018.19, which is the residual category for other electro-diagnostic apparatus. While 9018.19 covers devices like EEGs or EMGs, 9018.11 is the specific legal provision for ECGs and must take precedence. Another common error is attempting to classify them under 9018.12 (ultrasonic scanning apparatus) or 9018.13 (magnetic resonance imaging) if the device is part of a larger diagnostic suite. However, if the unit is a standalone electrocardiograph, 9018.11 is the only correct code. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 9031.80 for general measuring or checking instruments, but Note 1(m) to Chapter 90 excludes general instruments when they are specifically described in heading 9018.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901811 (the code used for electrocardiograph), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901811 (the code used for electrocardiograph) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 25% 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 901811, not only electrocardiograph.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $399M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $350M 22% of world exports
- 3 Canada $129M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $364M 24% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $187M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $138M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for electrocardiograph
Brazil classifies electrocardiograph under NCM 9018.11.00: HS 9018.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electrocardiograph
What is the HS code for Electrocardiograph?
The HS code for Electrocardiograph is 901811 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; electro-cardiographs). The primary HS code for an Electrocardiograph is 9018.11, which specifically covers electro-cardiographs within the medical instruments category.
How do I classify Electrocardiograph for customs?
Electrocardiograph is classified under HS code 901811 — Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; electro-cardiographs. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include ECG electrodes?
No, while the machine itself is 9018.11, the disposable electrodes used with the machine are typically classified under HS code 9018.90 as parts and accessories of medical instruments, or sometimes under 3006.70 if they are presented as gel-coated diagnostic sensors.
Which countries are the top exporters of electrocardiograph (HS 901811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901811 (the code used for electrocardiograph) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($399M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($350M) and Canada ($129M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 electrocardiograph (HS 901811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901811 (the code used for electrocardiograph) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($364M, 24% of world imports), Singapore ($187M) and the Netherlands ($138M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Electrocardiograph the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901811 for Electrocardiograph 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 electrocardiograph in Brazil?
In Brazil, electrocardiograph (HS 901811) is classified under NCM 9018.11.00.