Product classification
HS code for Syringes: 9018.31
Medical, surgical instruments and appliances, syringes, with or without needles.
Classification of syringes under HS 9018.31
Syringes are classified under HS code 901831, a subheading within the broader category of medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary instruments. This classification is governed by the functional application of the device. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 90 includes high-precision optical, medical, and measuring instruments. Syringes are defined as mechanical devices used to inject fluids into, or withdraw them from, the body. This code applies to various types of syringes, including those made of plastic, glass, or metal, and it explicitly includes those presented with or without their needles. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the syringe is a simple manual version or a more complex mechanical delivery system, provided it does not contain medication at the time of import. If a syringe is pre-filled with a vaccine or medicine, the classification may shift to Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products), making the distinction between the device and its contents a critical point for customs valuation and regulation. The inclusion of needles does not change the classification, as the syringe is considered the principal component of the set.
- Covers
- Disposable plastic medical syringes
- Glass medical syringes
- Insulin syringes with integrated needles
- Pre-filled syringes (empty of medication)
- Tuberculin syringes
- Veterinary syringes
- Also under 9018.31
- BD Syringes
- Terumo Syringes
- B. Braun Omnifix
- Nipro Syringes
- Smiths Medical Jelco
Codes often confused with 9018.31
Common mistake. Often confused with 901832, which specifically covers tubular metal needles and needles for sutures when imported separately. It is also sometimes misclassified under 901839, which is a residual category for catheters, cannulae, and similar instruments that do not meet the specific definition of a syringe.
Top exporters and importers of HS 901831 (the code used for syringes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 901831 (the code used for syringes) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 901831, not only syringes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $925M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 12% of world imports
- 3 France $841M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 syringes
Brazil splits HS 9018.31 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9018.31.11Plastic syringes, capacity 2 cm³ or less
- 9018.31.19Plastic syringes, capacity over 2 cm³
- 9018.31.90Other syringes, not of plastics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about syringes
What is the HS code for Syringes?
The HS code for Syringes is 901831 (Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles). The HS code for medical syringes, with or without needles, is 901831.
How do I classify Syringes for customs?
Syringes is classified under HS code 901831 — Medical, surgical instruments and appliances; syringes, with or without needles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pre-filled syringes classified under this code?
No, if the syringe is pre-filled with a pharmaceutical substance (like a vaccine), it is typically classified under Chapter 30. HS code 901831 is for the instrument itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of syringes (HS 901831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 901831 (the code used for syringes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Switzerland ($925M). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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 syringes (HS 901831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 901831 (the code used for syringes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.1B) and France ($841M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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 Syringes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 901831 for Syringes 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 syringes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 901831 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for syringes depends on the product's details: 9018.31.11 (Plastic syringes, capacity 2 cm³ or less), 9018.31.19 (Plastic syringes, capacity over 2 cm³), 9018.31.90 (Other syringes, not of plastics).