Product classification
HS code for Sonography machine: 9018.12
Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, ultrasonic scanning apparatus.
Classification of sonography machine under HS 9018.12
A sonography machine, or ultrasonic scanning apparatus, is classified under HS code 9018.12. This code is situated within Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9018 is the primary heading for instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Within this heading, the 9018.1x series covers electro-diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, 9018.12 is dedicated to ultrasonic scanning apparatus. These machines work by emitting high-frequency sound waves and recording the echoes to create images of internal body structures. The classification applies to the complete system, including the central processing unit, the display monitor, and the associated transducers or probes that are essential for the machine's operation. This includes advanced technologies such as 3D/4D imaging and color Doppler systems used in cardiology, obstetrics, and general radiology.
- Covers
- Ultrasound scanners
- Diagnostic sonography machines
- Color Doppler ultrasound systems
- Portable ultrasound units
- Echocardiography machines
- Also under 9018.12
- Philips Epiq Elite
- GE Healthcare Voluson E10
- Siemens Healthineers Acuson Sequoia
- Canon Medical Systems Aplio i-series
- Mindray Resona 7
Codes often confused with 9018.12
Common mistake. Sonography machines are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9018.19, which is a residual category for "other" electro-diagnostic apparatus. However, because 9018.12 specifically mentions ultrasonic scanning, it takes precedence. Another common error is classifying individual ultrasound probes under 9018.90 (other medical instruments). According to the General Rules of Interpretation, parts and accessories that are suitable for use solely or principally with a specific machine should generally follow the machine's classification or the specific parts heading 9018.90, but the complete scanning system must remain in 9018.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901812 (the code used for sonography machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901812 (the code used for sonography machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.4% 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 901812, not only sonography machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 21% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $888M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $503M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $484M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $430M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $397M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $5.8B 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 sonography machine
Brazil splits HS 9018.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9018.12.10Ultrasonic scanners with Doppler spectral analysis
- 9018.12.90Other ultrasonic scanning apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sonography machine
What is the HS code for Sonography machine?
The HS code for Sonography machine is 901812 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultrasonic scanning apparatus). The HS code for a sonography machine (ultrasonic scanning apparatus) is 9018.12.
How do I classify Sonography machine for customs?
Sonography machine is classified under HS code 901812 — Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; ultrasonic scanning apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
One more relevant question
Are veterinary ultrasound machines classified here? Yes, HS code 9018.12 covers ultrasonic scanning apparatus used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Which countries are the top exporters of sonography machine (HS 901812)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901812 (the code used for sonography machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 21% of world exports), South Korea ($888M) and the United States ($503M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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 sonography machine (HS 901812)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901812 (the code used for sonography machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($484M, 8.4% of world imports), Germany ($430M) and the Netherlands ($397M). World imports came to about $5.8B, 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 Sonography machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901812 for Sonography machine 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 sonography machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901812 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sonography machine depends on the product's details: 9018.12.10 (Ultrasonic scanners with Doppler spectral analysis), 9018.12.90 (Other ultrasonic scanning apparatus).