Product classification
HS code for Gamma irradiator: 9022.29
Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, (for other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses).
Classification of gamma irradiator under HS 9022.29
The classification of a gamma irradiator falls under HS code 9022.29, which pertains to apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, or gamma radiations for non-medical applications. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that 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. Specifically, heading 9022 includes apparatus based on the use of X-rays or alpha, beta, or gamma radiations. Since gamma irradiators utilize radioactive isotopes such as Cobalt-60 or Cesium-137 to emit gamma rays for industrial processes like sterilization or material testing, they are categorized here. Subheading 9022.29 is designated for uses other than medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary, distinguishing industrial irradiators from radiotherapy equipment used in hospitals.
- Covers
- Industrial gamma sterilizers for medical devices
- Food irradiation equipment for phytosanitary treatment
- Gamma-ray units for material cross-linking
- Research irradiators for biological samples
- Radioactive source containers integrated with exposure mechanisms
- Also under 9022.29
- GE Inspection Technologies X-ray systems
- Smiths Detection HI-SCAN baggage scanners
- Rapiscan Systems cargo scanners
- Thermo Fisher Scientific radiation gauges
- Olympus NDT X-ray diffractometers
Codes often confused with 9022.29
Common mistake. Gamma irradiators are frequently misclassified under HS code 9022.21, which is reserved for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary uses. While the technology is similar, the end-use is the primary differentiator in the 9022 subheadings. Another common error is attempting to classify the entire unit under HS code 2844, which covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes. While the radioactive source itself is classified in Chapter 28, the apparatus that houses and utilizes the source for irradiation is classified in Chapter 90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 902229 (the code used for gamma irradiator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902229 (the code used for gamma irradiator) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 49% 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 902229, not only gamma irradiator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $123M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $67M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $35M 10% of world exports
World total: $335M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $219M 49% of world imports
- 2 Canada $30M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $25M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $449M 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 gamma irradiator
Brazil splits HS 9022.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9022.29.10Gamma-ray can fill-level and missing-cap detectors
- 9022.29.90Other non-medical ionising radiation apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gamma irradiator
What is the HS code for Gamma irradiator?
The HS code for Gamma irradiator is 902229 (Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; (for other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses)). The primary HS code for a gamma irradiator used for industrial or research purposes is 9022.29.
How do I classify Gamma irradiator for customs?
Gamma irradiator is classified under HS code 902229 — Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; (for other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the radioactive source?
No, the radioactive isotopes (like Cobalt-60) are typically classified separately under heading 2844, whereas 9022.29 covers the mechanical and electronic apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of gamma irradiator (HS 902229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902229 (the code used for gamma irradiator) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($123M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($67M) and Germany ($35M). World exports came to about $335M, 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 gamma irradiator (HS 902229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 902229 (the code used for gamma irradiator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($219M, 49% of world imports), Canada ($30M) and Malaysia ($25M). World imports came to about $449M, 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 Gamma irradiator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 902229 for Gamma irradiator 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 gamma irradiator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 902229 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gamma irradiator depends on the product's details: 9022.29.10 (Gamma-ray can fill-level and missing-cap detectors), 9022.29.90 (Other non-medical ionising radiation apparatus).