Product classification

HS code for Medical needles: 9018.32

Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, tubular metal needles and needles for sutures.

Classification of medical needles under HS 9018.32

Medical needles are classified under HS code 9018.32. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9018 specifically covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Subheading 9018.32 is dedicated to tubular metal needles and needles for sutures. The classification is based on the physical form (tubular metal) and the specific medical function of the item. These needles are precision-engineered tools designed for the penetration of skin or tissue to deliver medication, withdraw fluids, or join tissue during surgery. Unlike general-purpose needles used in textiles or upholstery, medical needles must meet stringent regulatory standards for sterility and material composition, which justifies their placement in Chapter 90. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the needles are sold individually or in bulk, provided they are intended for medical use.

Covers
  • Hypodermic injection needles
  • Intravenous (IV) needles
  • Suture needles (with or without thread attached)
  • Spinal and epidural needles
  • Ophthalmic needles
  • Dental anesthetic needles
  • Blood collection needles
Also under 9018.32
  • BD Eclipse Needles
  • Terumo SurGuard3 Needles
  • B. Braun Sterican Needles
  • Nipro Hypodermic Needles
  • Ethicon Suture Needles

Codes often confused with 9018.32

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 9018.31, which is specifically for syringes, with or without needles. If the needle is imported as part of a pre-filled or assembled syringe, 9018.31 takes precedence. Another frequent error involves HS code 9018.39, which is a "catch-all" for other medical catheters and cannulae. While some needles are part of a cannula assembly, the specific tubular metal needle itself must be under 9018.32. Additionally, sewing needles are classified in Chapter 73 (7319.90) and should never be confused with medical-grade surgical needles.

9018.31Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles9018.39Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; catheters, cannulae and the like7319.90Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or included, of iron or steel

Top exporters and importers of HS 901832 (the code used for medical needles), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901832 (the code used for medical needles) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 901832, not only medical needles.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $580M
  2. 2 Mexico $566M
  3. 3 China $404M

World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $723M
  2. 2 China $633M
  3. 3 Mexico $327M

World total: $4.2B 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 medical needles

Brazil splits HS 9018.32 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about medical needles

What is the HS code for Medical needles?

The HS code for Medical needles is 901832 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; tubular metal needles and needles for sutures). The HS code for medical needles, specifically tubular metal needles and suture needles, is 9018.32.

How do I classify Medical needles for customs?

Medical needles is classified under HS code 901832 — Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; tubular metal needles and needles for sutures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are acupuncture needles classified under this code?

Acupuncture needles are generally classified under 9018.90 as other medical instruments, though some jurisdictions may accept 9018.32 if they meet the tubular metal definition.

Which countries are the top exporters of medical needles (HS 901832)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901832 (the code used for medical needles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($580M, 14% of world exports), Mexico ($566M) and China ($404M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 medical needles (HS 901832)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901832 (the code used for medical needles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($723M, 17% of world imports), China ($633M) and Mexico ($327M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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.

Is the HS code for Medical needles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901832 for Medical needles 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 medical needles in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901832 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for medical needles depends on the product's details: 9018.32.11 (Gingival tubular metal needles), 9018.32.12 (Blood bag needles, 1.6 mm diameter or more), 9018.32.13 (Pencil-point epidural or spinal needles), 9018.32.19 (Other tubular metal needles), 9018.32.20 (Suture needles).