Product classification
HS code for Laboratory sterilizer: 8419.20
Sterilizers, for medical, surgical or laboratory use, not used for domestic purposes.
Classification of laboratory sterilizer under HS 8419.20
Laboratory sterilizers are classified under HS code 8419.20. This subheading is specifically designated for medical, surgical, or laboratory sterilizers. These devices are used to eliminate all forms of life, including transmissible agents such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. In a laboratory setting, this usually involves autoclaves or steam sterilizers that use high-pressure saturated steam to achieve sterilization. The classification under 8419.20 is mandatory for equipment whose primary design and marketing are for sterilization purposes in a professional environment. This distinguishes them from general-purpose laboratory ovens (8419.89) which may reach high temperatures but are not specifically engineered or certified as sterilization units. Sterilizers are critical in microbiology, biotechnology, and clinical labs to ensure that instruments and media are free from biological contaminants. The heading 8419 covers a wide range of thermal treatment equipment, but the specificity of 8419.20 for medical and lab sterilization takes precedence over more general subheadings.
- Covers
- Laboratory autoclaves
- Steam sterilizers
- Dry heat sterilizers (specifically for sterilization)
- Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizers for lab use
- Pressure steam sterilizers
- Also under 8419.20
- Getinge (autoclaves)
- STERIS (steam sterilizers)
- Tuttnauer (benchtop autoclaves)
- Belimed (washer-disinfectors & sterilizers)
- Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) (plasma sterilizers)
Codes often confused with 8419.20
Common mistake. Laboratory sterilizers are often misclassified under 8419.89, which is for general laboratory machinery involving temperature change. However, if the device is specifically a sterilizer, 8419.20 is the correct, more specific code. Another common error is using 9018.90 (medical instruments), but 8419.20 is the primary code for the sterilization apparatus itself, even if used in a medical context.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841920 (the code used for laboratory sterilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841920 (the code used for laboratory sterilizer) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 841920, not only laboratory sterilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $229M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $166M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $124M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $238M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $57M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 China $49M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 laboratory sterilizer
Brazil classifies laboratory sterilizer under NCM 8419.20.00: HS 8419.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about laboratory sterilizer
What is the HS code for Laboratory sterilizer?
The HS code for Laboratory sterilizer is 841920 (Sterilizers; for medical, surgical or laboratory use, not used for domestic purposes). The specific HS code for laboratory, medical, or surgical sterilizers is 8419.20.
How do I classify Laboratory sterilizer for customs?
Laboratory sterilizer is classified under HS code 841920 — Sterilizers; for medical, surgical or laboratory use, not used for domestic purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is an autoclave classified as a sterilizer?
Yes, an autoclave used for laboratory or medical purposes is classified under HS code 8419.20 as a sterilizer.
Which countries are the top exporters of laboratory sterilizer (HS 841920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841920 (the code used for laboratory sterilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($229M, 19% of world exports), China ($166M) and the United States ($124M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 laboratory sterilizer (HS 841920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841920 (the code used for laboratory sterilizer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($238M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($57M) and China ($49M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Laboratory sterilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841920 for Laboratory sterilizer 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 laboratory sterilizer in Brazil?
In Brazil, laboratory sterilizer (HS 841920) is classified under NCM 8419.20.00.