Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have high technology content and high added value, including medical diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment, optical instruments, measuring instruments, etc. As medical equipment, hemodialysis machines fall within the scope of medical or surgical instruments and apparatus of this chapter. Heading 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Specifically, it includes electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, hemodialysis machines, dental drills, radiotherapy equipment, etc. This heading is one of the main headings for the classification of medical equipment. Code 901834 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical and other instruments); digits 3-4, 18, represent heading 9018 (instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences); digits 5-6, 34, represent subheading 9018.34, i.e., hemodialysis machines. In the HS classification, 9018.34 is a subheading established specifically for hemodialysis machines, distinct from other medical equipment. Hemodialysis machines are medical equipment used to treat diseases such as renal failure by removing waste products and excess water from the blood through extracorporeal circulation. Their function conforms to the description of heading 9018, "instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences," and subheading 9018.34 explicitly names "hemodialysis machines," so they are classified under 901834 rather than other medical equipment subheadings.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have high technology content and high added value, including medical diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment, optical instruments, measuring instruments, etc. As medical equipment, hemodialysis machines fall within the scope of medical or surgical instruments and apparatus of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Specifically, it includes electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, hemodialysis machines, dental drills, radiotherapy equipment, etc. This heading is one of the main headings for the classification of medical equipment.
Digit Breakdown
Code 901834 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical and other instruments); digits 3-4, 18, represent heading 9018 (instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences); digits 5-6, 34, represent subheading 9018.34, i.e., hemodialysis machines. In the HS classification, 9018.34 is a subheading established specifically for hemodialysis machines, distinct from other medical equipment.
Classification Basis
Hemodialysis machines are medical equipment used to treat diseases such as renal failure by removing waste products and excess water from the blood through extracorporeal circulation. Their function conforms to the description of heading 9018, "instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences," and subheading 9018.34 explicitly names "hemodialysis machines," so they are classified under 901834 rather than other medical equipment subheadings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "血液透析机 (Hemodialysis machine)." Use: Explain the medical use of the product, such as "used to treat acute and chronic renal failure, uremia, etc." Working principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the equipment, such as "using a semipermeable membrane and dialysate to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood through diffusion and ultrafiltration." Brand: Declare the brand of the goods, such as "Fresenius," "B. Braun," etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Declare the model of the goods, such as "4008S," "Dialog+," etc., which should be consistent with the actual item. Composition: Explain the main components of the equipment, such as "main unit, blood pump, dialyzer holder, monitoring system, etc." Whether it includes a dialyzer: State whether the equipment includes a disposable dialyzer. Usually, the main unit of a hemodialysis machine does not include a dialyzer. Product name: Hemodialysis machine; Brand: Fresenius; Model: 4008S; Use: Used to treat acute and chronic renal failure; Working principle: Uses a semipermeable membrane and dialysate to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood through diffusion and ultrafiltration; Composition: Main unit, blood pump, dialyzer holder, monitoring system, display screen, etc.; Whether it includes a dialyzer: No. Failure to distinguish hemodialysis machines from peritoneal dialysis machines, the latter being classified under other subheadings. Declaring the dialyzer (a disposable consumable) together with the dialysis machine, resulting in classification errors. The description of the working principle is too simple to prove that it conforms to the definition of a hemodialysis machine.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "血液透析机 (Hemodialysis machine)."
⚠️ Filling in only "dialysis machine" or "blood dialysis machine" without distinguishing between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Use
Explain the medical use of the product, such as "used to treat acute and chronic renal failure, uremia, etc."
⚠️ Filling in "medical use" is too general and fails to specify the disease being treated.
Working principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the equipment, such as "using a semipermeable membrane and dialysate to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood through diffusion and ultrafiltration."
⚠️ Failing to mention key principles such as semipermeable membrane and diffusion, or confusing it with peritoneal dialysis.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods, such as "Fresenius," "B. Braun," etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to declare according to the actual situation.
Model
Declare the model of the goods, such as "4008S," "Dialog+," etc., which should be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Composition
Explain the main components of the equipment, such as "main unit, blood pump, dialyzer holder, monitoring system, etc."
⚠️ Omitting key components or confusing them with consumables.
Whether it includes a dialyzer
State whether the equipment includes a disposable dialyzer. Usually, the main unit of a hemodialysis machine does not include a dialyzer.
⚠️ Declaring the dialyzer as a component of the complete machine, resulting in classification errors.
Example： Product name: Hemodialysis machine; Brand: Fresenius; Model: 4008S; Use: Used to treat acute and chronic renal failure; Working principle: Uses a semipermeable membrane and dialysate to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood through diffusion and ultrafiltration; Composition: Main unit, blood pump, dialyzer holder, monitoring system, display screen, etc.; Whether it includes a dialyzer: No.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish hemodialysis machines from peritoneal dialysis machines, the latter being classified under other subheadings.
Declaring the dialyzer (a disposable consumable) together with the dialysis machine, resulting in classification errors.
The description of the working principle is too simple to prove that it conforms to the definition of a hemodialysis machine.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the function, working principle and use of the goods. A hemodialysis machine must conform to the medical equipment definition of heading 9018, and subheading 9018.34 explicitly names it. If the equipment is a peritoneal dialysis machine, it is classified under 9018.39 or other subheadings; if it is a dialyzer, it is classified under 9018.90 or others. Therefore, confirming that the goods are a hemodialysis machine is key to classification. 901839 Other medical equipment: 901839 covers other medical equipment not elsewhere specified or included, including peritoneal dialysis machines. Hemodialysis machines have a dedicated subheading 901834 and cannot be classified under 901839. 901890 Other instruments and appliances: 901890 is another subheading under heading 9018, used for medical equipment not specifically named. Hemodialysis machines are already named, so they are not classified under 901890. 842121 Filtering or purifying machinery: 842121 covers liquid filtering or purifying equipment used for industrial or water treatment purposes. Although hemodialysis machines involve filtration, they are dedicated to medical use and should be classified under 9018. 901920 Ozone therapy equipment: 901920 covers ozone therapy, oxygen therapy and similar equipment, which differs in function from hemodialysis machines. Is the product a hemodialysis machine? Is it used for medical purposes? Does its working principle involve semipermeable membrane diffusion? Does it include a dialyzer? Is it confused with a peritoneal dialysis machine?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the function, working principle and use of the goods. A hemodialysis machine must conform to the medical equipment definition of heading 9018, and subheading 9018.34 explicitly names it. If the equipment is a peritoneal dialysis machine, it is classified under 9018.39 or other subheadings; if it is a dialyzer, it is classified under 9018.90 or others. Therefore, confirming that the goods are a hemodialysis machine is key to classification.
Confused Codes：
901839 - Other medical equipment
901839 covers other medical equipment not elsewhere specified or included, including peritoneal dialysis machines. Hemodialysis machines have a dedicated subheading 901834 and cannot be classified under 901839.
901890 - Other instruments and appliances
901890 is another subheading under heading 9018, used for medical equipment not specifically named. Hemodialysis machines are already named, so they are not classified under 901890.
842121 - Filtering or purifying machinery
842121 covers liquid filtering or purifying equipment used for industrial or water treatment purposes. Although hemodialysis machines involve filtration, they are dedicated to medical use and should be classified under 9018.
901920 - Ozone therapy equipment
901920 covers ozone therapy, oxygen therapy and similar equipment, which differs in function from hemodialysis machines.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product a hemodialysis machine?
✓ Is it used for medical purposes?
✓ Does its working principle involve semipermeable membrane diffusion?
✓ Does it include a dialyzer?
✓ Is it confused with a peritoneal dialysis machine?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between hemodialysis machines and peritoneal dialysis machines? Hemodialysis machines are classified under 901834, while peritoneal dialysis machines do not have a dedicated subheading and are usually classified under 901839 (other medical equipment). Their working principles differ: hemodialysis uses a semipermeable membrane and dialysate in extracorporeal circulation, while peritoneal dialysis uses the patient's peritoneum as the semipermeable membrane. In the declaration elements for hemodialysis machines, why is it necessary to state whether a dialyzer is included? Because the dialyzer (also called an artificial kidney) is a disposable consumable and is usually classified separately (such as under 901890). If a hemodialysis machine includes a dialyzer, they must be declared separately; otherwise, it may lead to incorrect classification of the complete machine or failure to declare the consumable. If a hemodialysis machine has a built-in water treatment system, does it affect classification? No. A hemodialysis machine may integrate a water treatment system, but its main function is still hemodialysis, so it is still classified under 901834. The water treatment system, as a component, is not classified separately. How can I check the import tariff rate for hemodialysis machines? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different agreement rates. Are there special regulatory requirements for exporting hemodialysis machines? Yes. The export of medical equipment usually requires compliance with the medical device regulations of the destination country, such as U.S. FDA and EU CE. Chinese exports may also require a medical device registration certificate or export sales certificate. For details, consult customs or the drug regulatory authority. Can second-hand hemodialysis machines be imported? China has strict restrictions on the import of second-hand medical equipment and generally prohibits the import of used medical devices. As medical equipment, hemodialysis machines are generally not allowed to be imported second-hand unless specially approved. It is recommended to consult customs and the drug regulatory authority before importation. Does the classification of hemodialysis machines under 901834 mean that all dialysis equipment is classified under this code? No. 901834 refers only to hemodialysis machines. Other dialysis equipment, such as peritoneal dialysis machines and hemofiltration machines, may be classified under 901839 or other subheadings. Classification must be determined based on specific functions. On the customs declaration form, how should the "working principle" column for hemodialysis machines be filled in? It should be described concisely: using a semipermeable membrane, through diffusion and ultrafiltration, to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood and regulate electrolyte balance. Avoid being overly technical or too simple.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between hemodialysis machines and peritoneal dialysis machines?
A: Hemodialysis machines are classified under 901834, while peritoneal dialysis machines do not have a dedicated subheading and are usually classified under 901839 (other medical equipment). Their working principles differ: hemodialysis uses a semipermeable membrane and dialysate in extracorporeal circulation, while peritoneal dialysis uses the patient's peritoneum as the semipermeable membrane.
Q: In the declaration elements for hemodialysis machines, why is it necessary to state whether a dialyzer is included?
A: Because the dialyzer (also called an artificial kidney) is a disposable consumable and is usually classified separately (such as under 901890). If a hemodialysis machine includes a dialyzer, they must be declared separately; otherwise, it may lead to incorrect classification of the complete machine or failure to declare the consumable.
Q: If a hemodialysis machine has a built-in water treatment system, does it affect classification?
A: No. A hemodialysis machine may integrate a water treatment system, but its main function is still hemodialysis, so it is still classified under 901834. The water treatment system, as a component, is not classified separately.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for hemodialysis machines?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different agreement rates.
Q: Are there special regulatory requirements for exporting hemodialysis machines?
A: Yes. The export of medical equipment usually requires compliance with the medical device regulations of the destination country, such as U.S. FDA and EU CE. Chinese exports may also require a medical device registration certificate or export sales certificate. For details, consult customs or the drug regulatory authority.
Q: Can second-hand hemodialysis machines be imported?
A: China has strict restrictions on the import of second-hand medical equipment and generally prohibits the import of used medical devices. As medical equipment, hemodialysis machines are generally not allowed to be imported second-hand unless specially approved. It is recommended to consult customs and the drug regulatory authority before importation.
Q: Does the classification of hemodialysis machines under 901834 mean that all dialysis equipment is classified under this code?
A: No. 901834 refers only to hemodialysis machines. Other dialysis equipment, such as peritoneal dialysis machines and hemofiltration machines, may be classified under 901839 or other subheadings. Classification must be determined based on specific functions.
Q: On the customs declaration form, how should the "working principle" column for hemodialysis machines be filled in?
A: It should be described concisely: using a semipermeable membrane, through diffusion and ultrafiltration, to remove metabolic waste and excess water from the blood and regulate electrolyte balance. Avoid being overly technical or too simple.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.