Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is divided into multiple headings, including optical elements, spectacles, medical instruments, measuring instruments, etc. Among them, 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electromedical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Heading 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including electromedical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Specifically includes: electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, scintigraphic apparatus, dental drills, ophthalmic instruments (such as ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, tonometers, slit lamps, etc.), sight-testing instruments, etc. Equipment under this heading is generally used for diagnosis, treatment, surgery or examination. First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, covering optical, medical and other precision instruments. Digits 3-4, 18: indicates heading 9018, i.e., instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 901850, i.e., other ophthalmic instruments and appliances. Therefore, 901850 specifically refers to ophthalmic instruments and appliances not named or included elsewhere in other subheadings (such as 901810, 901820, etc.). Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an ophthalmic instrument and is generally other equipment not elsewhere specified, so it is classified under this subheading. Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an instrument used for ophthalmic examination or treatment, belongs to medical equipment, and is therefore classified under Chapter 90. As it is specifically for ophthalmic use, it is classified under 9018 (medical instruments). Under 9018, 901850 is 'other ophthalmic instruments and appliances' because vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is generally not specifically named equipment such as ophthalmoscopes or retinoscopes, so it is classified under this subheading.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is divided into multiple headings, including optical elements, spectacles, medical instruments, measuring instruments, etc. Among them, 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electromedical apparatus and sight-testing instruments.
Heading
Heading 9018 covers instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including electromedical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Specifically includes: electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, scintigraphic apparatus, dental drills, ophthalmic instruments (such as ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, tonometers, slit lamps, etc.), sight-testing instruments, etc. Equipment under this heading is generally used for diagnosis, treatment, surgery or examination.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, covering optical, medical and other precision instruments. Digits 3-4, 18: indicates heading 9018, i.e., instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 901850, i.e., other ophthalmic instruments and appliances. Therefore, 901850 specifically refers to ophthalmic instruments and appliances not named or included elsewhere in other subheadings (such as 901810, 901820, etc.). Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an ophthalmic instrument and is generally other equipment not elsewhere specified, so it is classified under this subheading.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an instrument used for ophthalmic examination or treatment, belongs to medical equipment, and is therefore classified under Chapter 90. As it is specifically for ophthalmic use, it is classified under 9018 (medical instruments). Under 9018, 901850 is 'other ophthalmic instruments and appliances' because vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is generally not specifically named equipment such as ophthalmoscopes or retinoscopes, so it is classified under this subheading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the use of the equipment, such as 'vehicle-mounted ophthalmic examination equipment'. Use: Describe the use of the equipment, such as for diagnosis, screening or treatment of ophthalmic diseases, and vehicle-mounted mobile medical scenarios. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the equipment, such as optical imaging, ultrasound, laser, etc., to determine whether it belongs to 9018. Brand: Declare the brand of the equipment, such as Zeiss, Topcon, etc. The brand helps confirm the type of equipment. Model: Declare the specific model. The model can reflect the equipment's functions and technical parameters. Components: List the main components, such as main unit, lens, monitor, bracket, etc., to determine whether it is a complete set of equipment. Electrical: Indicate whether the equipment is electrically driven. Electromedical equipment is generally classified under 9018. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic examination equipment; Use: For ophthalmic disease screening in mobile medical vehicles; Working Principle: Optical coherence tomography (OCT); Brand: Topcon; Model: 3D OCT-1; Components: Main unit, scanning probe, monitor, vehicle-mounted bracket; Electrical: Yes. Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment under 901819 (other electromedical apparatus), ignoring its ophthalmic-specific nature. Failure to provide proof of vehicle-mounted use, leading to customs questioning the classification. Declaring the equipment as separate components, which may be deemed as classification of a complete set of equipment.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the use of the equipment, such as 'vehicle-mounted ophthalmic examination equipment'.
⚠️ Writing only 'ophthalmic equipment' is too general and does not reflect the vehicle-mounted characteristics.
Use
Describe the use of the equipment, such as for diagnosis, screening or treatment of ophthalmic diseases, and vehicle-mounted mobile medical scenarios.
⚠️ Failure to indicate vehicle-mounted use, leading to classification disputes.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the equipment, such as optical imaging, ultrasound, laser, etc., to determine whether it belongs to 9018.
⚠️ Incorrectly describing it as ordinary optical instruments, leading to classification under 9001, etc.
Brand
Declare the brand of the equipment, such as Zeiss, Topcon, etc. The brand helps confirm the type of equipment.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to provide the brand.
Model
Declare the specific model. The model can reflect the equipment's functions and technical parameters.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Components
List the main components, such as main unit, lens, monitor, bracket, etc., to determine whether it is a complete set of equipment.
⚠️ Omitting key components, leading to classification errors.
Electrical
Indicate whether the equipment is electrically driven. Electromedical equipment is generally classified under 9018.
⚠️ Failure to indicate electrical properties, which may result in incorrect classification as non-electrical equipment.
Example: Product Name: Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic examination equipment; Use: For ophthalmic disease screening in mobile medical vehicles; Working Principle: Optical coherence tomography (OCT); Brand: Topcon; Model: 3D OCT-1; Components: Main unit, scanning probe, monitor, vehicle-mounted bracket; Electrical: Yes.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment under 901819 (other electromedical apparatus), ignoring its ophthalmic-specific nature.
Failure to provide proof of vehicle-mounted use, leading to customs questioning the classification.
Declaring the equipment as separate components, which may be deemed as classification of a complete set of equipment.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the equipment belongs to instruments used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (9018); 2. Whether it is specifically for ophthalmic use; 3. Whether it is an ophthalmic instrument not named or included elsewhere under 9018. Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment generally has ophthalmic diagnostic or therapeutic functions and is electrical equipment, so it is classified under 901850. If the equipment is an optical element or ordinary optical instrument, it may be classified under 9001 or 9002. 901819 Other electromedical apparatus: 901819 covers electromedical apparatus not elsewhere specified, but ophthalmic-specific equipment should be classified under 901850 with priority. 901820 Ultraviolet or infrared ray apparatus: 901820 applies to ultraviolet or infrared medical apparatus. If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment uses such rays, specific judgment is required. 900130 Contact lenses: 900130 is contact lenses, unrelated to ophthalmic equipment. 900490 Other spectacles: 900490 is spectacles, not medical equipment. 902750 Other optical instruments: 902750 is other optical instruments. If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is used only for examination rather than medical purposes, it may be classified here. Is the equipment specifically for ophthalmic use? Does it belong to medical diagnostic or therapeutic equipment? Is it electrically driven? Is it not named or included elsewhere in other subheadings of 9018? Is it a complete set of equipment rather than parts?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the equipment belongs to instruments used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (9018); 2. Whether it is specifically for ophthalmic use; 3. Whether it is an ophthalmic instrument not named or included elsewhere under 9018. Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment generally has ophthalmic diagnostic or therapeutic functions and is electrical equipment, so it is classified under 901850. If the equipment is an optical element or ordinary optical instrument, it may be classified under 9001 or 9002.
Confused Codes:
901819 - Other electromedical apparatus
901819 covers electromedical apparatus not elsewhere specified, but ophthalmic-specific equipment should be classified under 901850 with priority.
901820 - Ultraviolet or infrared ray apparatus
901820 applies to ultraviolet or infrared medical apparatus. If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment uses such rays, specific judgment is required.
900130 - Contact lenses
900130 is contact lenses, unrelated to ophthalmic equipment.
900490 - Other spectacles
900490 is spectacles, not medical equipment.
902750 - Other optical instruments
902750 is other optical instruments. If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is used only for examination rather than medical purposes, it may be classified here.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the equipment specifically for ophthalmic use?
✓ Does it belong to medical diagnostic or therapeutic equipment?
✓ Is it electrically driven?
✓ Is it not named or included elsewhere in other subheadings of 9018?
✓ Is it a complete set of equipment rather than parts?
❓ FAQ
Is there a difference in HS code between vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and ordinary ophthalmic equipment? No difference. HS codes classify according to the function and use of the equipment, not the usage scenario. Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is still an ophthalmic instrument and is classified under 901850. If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an optical instrument, is it classified under 9001? Not necessarily. If the equipment is used for medical diagnosis or treatment, even if it uses optical principles, it is still classified under 9018. 9001 applies to ordinary optical elements such as lenses, prisms, etc. How to determine whether vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment belongs to 901850? First confirm the equipment is for medical use, then confirm it is specifically for ophthalmic use, and finally confirm it is not named or included in other subheadings of 9018 (such as 901810, 901820). If all are satisfied, it is classified under 901850. Is a medical device registration certificate required for declaration? Yes. According to customs regulations, imported medical equipment requires a medical device registration certificate to prove the equipment complies with medical use. How are parts of vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment classified? If the parts are specifically for vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and not elsewhere specified, they are generally classified as parts of 901850, but attention should be paid to whether they belong to parts of 9018. If the parts are general-purpose, they are classified according to material. What is the export tax rebate rate for 901850? The export tax rebate rate is subject to policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the local customs. Is the code the same for vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and ophthalmic therapeutic equipment? Not necessarily. If the therapeutic equipment is named or included elsewhere (such as laser therapeutic apparatus), it may be classified under 901820 or 901890. Judgment should be made based on specific functions. How to check the regulatory conditions for 901850? Regulatory conditions can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'. Generally, a medical device registration certificate and an inbound goods customs clearance form are required.
Q: Is there a difference in HS code between vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and ordinary ophthalmic equipment?
A: No difference. HS codes classify according to the function and use of the equipment, not the usage scenario. Vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is still an ophthalmic instrument and is classified under 901850.
Q: If vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment is an optical instrument, is it classified under 9001?
A: Not necessarily. If the equipment is used for medical diagnosis or treatment, even if it uses optical principles, it is still classified under 9018. 9001 applies to ordinary optical elements such as lenses, prisms, etc.
Q: How to determine whether vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment belongs to 901850?
A: First confirm the equipment is for medical use, then confirm it is specifically for ophthalmic use, and finally confirm it is not named or included in other subheadings of 9018 (such as 901810, 901820). If all are satisfied, it is classified under 901850.
Q: Is a medical device registration certificate required for declaration?
A: Yes. According to customs regulations, imported medical equipment requires a medical device registration certificate to prove the equipment complies with medical use.
Q: How are parts of vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment classified?
A: If the parts are specifically for vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and not elsewhere specified, they are generally classified as parts of 901850, but attention should be paid to whether they belong to parts of 9018. If the parts are general-purpose, they are classified according to material.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 901850?
A: The export tax rebate rate is subject to policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the local customs.
Q: Is the code the same for vehicle-mounted ophthalmic equipment and ophthalmic therapeutic equipment?
A: Not necessarily. If the therapeutic equipment is named or included elsewhere (such as laser therapeutic apparatus), it may be classified under 901820 or 901890. Judgment should be made based on specific functions.
Q: How to check the regulatory conditions for 901850?
A: Regulatory conditions can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'. Generally, a medical device registration certificate and an inbound goods customs clearance form are required.
⚠️ 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.