Product classification
HS code for Eye examination equipment: 9018.50
Ophthalmic instruments and appliances.
Classification of eye examination equipment under HS 9018.50
Eye examination equipment refers to a broad category of diagnostic instruments used by medical professionals to assess vision and ocular health. These instruments are classified under HS code 9018.50. Heading 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. The sub-heading 9018.50 is specifically reserved for ophthalmic instruments and appliances. This classification is determined by the specialized nature of the equipment, which is designed exclusively for the diagnosis or treatment of the human eye. Because these devices are used in a clinical or surgical setting and involve optical components tailored for ophthalmology, they are grouped here rather than under general optical equipment in heading 9011 or 9013.
- Covers
- Slit lamps and biomicroscopes
- Ophthalmoscopes (direct and indirect)
- Retinoscopes and streak retinoscopes
- Keratometers and corneal topographers
- Tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure
- Phoropters and manual refractors
- Also under 9018.50
- Zeiss SL 120 Slit Lamp
- Welch Allyn PanOptic Ophthalmoscope
- Topcon TRC-50DX Fundus Camera
- Alcon Centurion Vision System
- Nidek ARK-1a Autorefractor Keratometer
Codes often confused with 9018.50
Common mistake. Eye examination equipment is sometimes misclassified under HS code 9011.80, which covers other compound optical microscopes. However, if the microscope is specifically designed for ophthalmic use (like a slit lamp), 9018.50 takes precedence. Another error involves classifying automated refractors under 9031.49 (optical measuring instruments), but as medical diagnostic tools, they must remain in 9018.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901850 (the code used for eye examination equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901850 (the code used for eye examination equipment) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 901850, not only eye examination equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.3B 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.0B 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $473M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $6.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $916M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $640M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $477M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $6.5B 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 codes for eye examination equipment
Brazil splits HS 9018.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9018.50.10Binocular microscopes for eye surgery
- 9018.50.90Other ophthalmic instruments and appliances
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about eye examination equipment
What is the HS code for Eye examination equipment?
The HS code for Eye examination equipment is 901850 (Ophthalmic instruments and appliances). The HS code for ophthalmic instruments and appliances used for eye examinations is 9018.50.
How do I classify Eye examination equipment for customs?
Eye examination equipment is classified under HS code 901850 — Ophthalmic instruments and appliances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do vision testing charts fall under this code?
No, printed vision charts are usually classified under Chapter 49 as printed matter, while electronic vision charts may fall under 9018.50 if they are part of an integrated diagnostic system.
Which countries are the top exporters of eye examination equipment (HS 901850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901850 (the code used for eye examination equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 22% of world exports), Germany ($1.0B) and the Netherlands ($473M). World exports came to about $6.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of eye examination equipment (HS 901850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901850 (the code used for eye examination equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($916M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($640M) and the Netherlands ($477M). World imports came to about $6.5B, 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 Eye examination equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901850 for Eye examination equipment 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 eye examination equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901850 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for eye examination equipment depends on the product's details: 9018.50.10 (Binocular microscopes for eye surgery), 9018.50.90 (Other ophthalmic instruments and appliances).