Product classification

HS code for Radiotherapy equipment: 9022.21

Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses.

Classification of radiotherapy equipment under HS 9022.21

Radiotherapy equipment is classified under HS code 9022.21 because it utilizes ionizing radiation—specifically alpha, beta, or gamma rays—for therapeutic medical purposes. This classification falls within Chapter 90, which encompasses optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9022 specifically addresses apparatus based on the use of X-rays or of alpha, beta, or gamma radiations. The subheading 9022.21 is designated for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary uses. The classification is determined by the source of the radiation and the intended application. Unlike diagnostic X-ray machines, radiotherapy equipment is designed to deliver controlled doses of radiation to treat diseases, such as cancer, by destroying malignant cells. The inclusion of this equipment under 9022.21 is contingent upon the apparatus being complete and intended for the specified medical fields. Components or parts that are not integral to the radiation-emitting unit might be classified elsewhere, but the primary therapeutic unit remains here. Proper classification is essential for regulatory compliance, especially given the radioactive nature of the sources often used in these machines.

Covers
  • Linear accelerators (LINAC) for cancer treatment
  • Cobalt-60 teletherapy units
  • Brachytherapy afterloaders and delivery systems
  • Gamma knife systems for radiosurgery
  • Proton therapy equipment
  • Apparatus for alpha or beta radiation therapy
Also under 9022.21
  • Varian Medical Systems Halcyon
  • Elekta Unity MR-Linac
  • Siemens Healthineers Biograph PET/CT
  • GE Healthcare Discovery SPECT/CT
  • IBA ProteusONE proton therapy

Codes often confused with 9022.21

Common mistake. Radiotherapy equipment is frequently confused with HS code 9022.14, which covers X-ray apparatus for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary use. The distinction lies in the radiation source; 9022.14 is for X-rays, while 9022.21 is for alpha, beta, or gamma radiations. Additionally, industrial radiation equipment is classified under 9022.29, which must be avoided for medical-grade therapy units.

9022.14Apparatus based on the use of x-rays; including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, for medical, surgical or veterinary uses, not dental uses, excluding computed tomography apparatus9022.29Apparatus 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)

Top exporters and importers of HS 902221 (the code used for radiotherapy equipment), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 902221 (the code used for radiotherapy equipment) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% 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 902221, not only radiotherapy equipment.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Sweden $59M
  2. 2 United States $44M
  3. 3 Netherlands $34M

World total: $235M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $85M
  2. 2 China $84M
  3. 3 Brazil $24M

World total: $395M 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 radiotherapy equipment

Brazil splits HS 9022.21 into 3 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 radiotherapy equipment

What is the HS code for Radiotherapy equipment?

The HS code for Radiotherapy equipment is 902221 (Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses). The primary HS code for radiotherapy equipment using alpha, beta, or gamma radiation for medical use is 9022.21.

How do I classify Radiotherapy equipment for customs?

Radiotherapy equipment is classified under HS code 902221 — Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus; for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can this code be used for veterinary radiotherapy?

Yes, HS code 9022.21 explicitly includes apparatus intended for veterinary uses as well as human medical and surgical applications.

Which countries are the top exporters of radiotherapy equipment (HS 902221)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 902221 (the code used for radiotherapy equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($59M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($44M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World exports came to about $235M, 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 radiotherapy equipment (HS 902221)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 902221 (the code used for radiotherapy equipment) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($85M, 21% of world imports), China ($84M) and Brazil ($24M). World imports came to about $395M, 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 Radiotherapy equipment the same in all countries?

The base HS code 902221 for Radiotherapy 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 radiotherapy equipment in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 902221 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for radiotherapy equipment depends on the product's details: 9022.21.10 (Radiocobalt therapy units (cobalt bombs)), 9022.21.20 (Other gamma therapy apparatus), 9022.21.90 (Other medical ionising radiation apparatus).