Product classification

HS code for Suture needles: 9018.32

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

Classification of suture needles under HS 9018.32

Suture needles are classified under HS code 9018.32. This code falls under the broader heading 9018, which encompasses instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences. Subheading 9018.32 specifically identifies tubular metal needles and needles for sutures. These needles are precision-engineered surgical tools, often made of high-grade stainless steel, designed to pass suture material through tissue. The classification is based on the technical function of the needle as a surgical instrument. It is important to distinguish between the needle as a standalone tool and the needle when it is part of a sterile suture kit, as the latter may change the classification based on the essential character of the set.

Covers
  • Curved surgical suture needles
  • Straight traumatic needles
  • Ophthalmic suture needles
  • Reverse cutting needles
  • Taper point surgical 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. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3006.10. This code covers sterile surgical catgut and similar sterile suture materials, including those with needles attached. If the needle is imported pre-attached to a sterile thread, it is usually classified under 3006.10 as a sterile surgical kit rather than 9018.32. Another error is using 7319.90, which covers general-purpose sewing needles or embroidery needles. Surgical needles are excluded from Chapter 73 because they are specialized medical instruments. Additionally, hypodermic needles are classified under 9018.31, so care must be taken to distinguish between injection needles and suture needles.

3006.10Pharmaceutical goods; sterile surgical catgut, suture materials, tissue adhesives, laminaria, laminaria tents, absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, and surgical or dental adhesion barriers7319.90Sewing and knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles, for use in the hand, not elsewhere specified or included, of iron or steel9018.31Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901832 (the code used for suture 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 suture 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 suture 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 suture needles

What is the HS code for Suture needles?

The HS code for Suture needles is 901832 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; tubular metal needles and needles for sutures). Standalone suture needles are classified under HS code 9018.32.

How do I classify Suture needles for customs?

Suture 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.

What if the needle is already attached to the suture thread?

If the needle is pre-attached to sterile suture material, it is typically classified under HS code 3006.10.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901832 (the code used for suture 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 suture needles (HS 901832)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 901832 (the code used for suture 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 Suture needles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 901832 for Suture 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 suture needles in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 901832 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for suture 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).