HS Code: 901890
Vehicle-mounted medical equipment
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📋 Code Structure

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 has a broad scope, ranging from spectacles and microscopes to medical equipment and industrial measuring instruments. The core characteristic is that these goods are usually high-precision and technology-intensive, used for professional or scientific purposes. Note that this chapter does not include certain goods that, although having measuring functions, are mainly classified under other chapters (such as certain mechanical appliances).
Heading
Heading 9018 covers medical, surgical, dental or veterinary instruments and appliances, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electromedical apparatus and sight-testing instruments. Specifically includes: diagnostic equipment (such as X-ray machines, CT, MRI), therapeutic equipment (such as operating tables, laser therapeutic apparatus), dental equipment, veterinary equipment, etc. But does not include: orthopedic appliances (9019), mechano-therapy appliances (9019), massage apparatus (9019), artificial respiration apparatus (9019), etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, belonging to the chapter on optical, medical and other precision instruments. Digits 3-4, 18: indicates heading 9018, specifically referring to medical, surgical, dental or veterinary instruments and appliances. Digits 5-6, 90: indicates subheading 901890, which is an "other" subheading covering medical instruments not named under other subheadings under 9018 (such as 901810, 901820, 901831, 901832, 901839, 901841, 901849, 901850, 901860, and possibly further subdivisions before 901890). Generally, 901890 is used for medical equipment that does not belong to specific types such as X-ray, electrical diagnostic, dental, ophthalmic, etc. For example, vehicle-mounted medical instruments may be classified under this subheading due to integrated functions or not being specifically named.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted medical instruments are classified under 901890 because they are medical or surgical instruments, but may not possess the specific characteristics of other subheadings under 9018 (such as X-ray, electrical diagnostic, dental, etc.), or their functions are an integration of multiple medical devices and are not named under more specific subheadings. Therefore, they are classified under 901890 as "other" medical instruments.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the characteristics of the commodity, such as "vehicle-mounted medical instrument" or specific model.
⚠️ Using general names such as "medical equipment" without reflecting the vehicle-mounted characteristic.
Use
Explain the specific medical use of the instrument, such as for first aid, diagnosis, monitoring, etc.
⚠️ Only writing "medical use", which is too broad.
Function
Describe the main functions of the instrument, such as vital signs monitoring, electrocardiogram, defibrillation, etc.
⚠️ Function description confused with use, or omitting key functions.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Brand confused with model, or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the product to distinguish different specifications.
⚠️ Model filled in incorrectly or confused with series number.
Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the instrument, such as based on electronic sensing, optics, etc.
⚠️ Principle description too technical or too simple.
Whether Electrical
Indicate whether it is an electromedical apparatus, which affects classification.
⚠️ Not clarifying whether it is electrical, leading to classification disputes.
Example:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted medical instrument; Use: Used for ECG monitoring and defibrillation in ambulances; Function: Real-time monitoring of ECG, blood oxygen, blood pressure, with defibrillation function; Brand: XX Medical; Model: M300; Principle: Collects ECG signals through electrodes, analyzed and displayed by microprocessor; Whether Electrical: Yes.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the medical use and function of the commodity. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, 9018 includes medical, surgical, dental or veterinary instruments and appliances. If vehicle-mounted medical instruments are mainly used for medical diagnosis, monitoring or treatment, and are not specifically named under other subheadings, they should be classified under 901890. Note that if the instrument is a part specifically for motor vehicles and does not have medical functions, it may be classified under Chapter 87.
Confused Codes:
901819 - Other electrical diagnostic apparatus
901819 specifically refers to electrical diagnostic apparatus, such as electrocardiographs, B-ultrasound, etc. If the vehicle-mounted medical instrument is only for diagnostic purposes and is electrical, it may be classified here. But if it also has therapeutic functions or is not purely diagnostic, it is classified under 901890.
901820 - Ultraviolet or infrared ray apparatus
901820 applies to ultraviolet or infrared medical apparatus. If the vehicle-mounted medical instrument uses such rays, it should be classified under 901820, not 901890.
901890 - Other medical instruments
901890 is a residual subheading, applicable to medical instruments not named under other subheadings. If the vehicle-mounted medical instrument is an integration of multiple functions, it is usually classified here.
870899 - Other motor vehicle parts
870899 applies to motor vehicle parts, but the main function of vehicle-mounted medical instruments is medical, not vehicle operation, so they should not be classified under Chapter 87.
940290 - Medical furniture
940290 includes medical furniture, such as operating tables, hospital beds, etc. If the vehicle-mounted medical instrument is equipment rather than furniture, it should be classified under 9018.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Which HS code should vehicle-mounted medical instruments be classified under?
A: Usually classified under 901890, but it depends on the specific functions. If it is an electrical diagnostic apparatus, it may be classified under 901819; if it is an ultraviolet or infrared ray apparatus, under 901820; if it is other medical instruments, under 901890. It is recommended to provide detailed functions, use, and principle for accurate classification.
Q: How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted medical instrument is classified under Chapter 90 or Chapter 87?
A: The key is the main function. If the instrument is mainly used for medical diagnosis, monitoring or treatment, even if installed on a vehicle, it should be classified under Chapter 90. If it is merely a part serving vehicle operation (such as vehicle-mounted air conditioning), it is classified under Chapter 87. Medical instruments usually have independent medical functions and do not depend on vehicle operation.
Q: What elements are required when declaring vehicle-mounted medical instruments?
A: Product name, use, function, brand, model, principle, whether electrical, etc. are required. Use and function should be specific, such as "used for emergency monitoring", and the principle should briefly describe the working method. Whether electrical affects subheading selection and must be accurate.
Q: Is there any difference in classification between vehicle-mounted medical instruments and ordinary medical instruments?
A: The classification principles are the same, both are classified under 9018 as medical instruments. However, "vehicle-mounted" may affect their design, such as shock resistance and portability, but as long as the medical function remains unchanged, they are still classified under 9018. If due to vehicle mounting they have vehicle part characteristics, the main function needs to be carefully judged.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted medical instrument is an integration of multiple functions, how should it be classified?
A: If it integrates multiple medical functions and is not specifically named under other subheadings of 9018, it is usually classified under 901890 (other). For example, a monitor integrating ECG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen is classified under 901890. But if one function is dominant and corresponds to a specific subheading, it may be classified according to the dominant function.
Q: What is the difference between 901890 and 901819?
A: 901819 specifically refers to electrical diagnostic apparatus, such as electrocardiographs, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, etc., used for diagnosis. 901890 is a residual subheading, including other medical instruments, such as therapeutic equipment, comprehensive monitors, etc. If the vehicle-mounted medical instrument is only for diagnosis and is electrical, it is classified under 901819; if it also has therapeutic functions or is not purely diagnostic, it is classified under 901890.
Q: How to check the import tax rate for vehicle-mounted medical instruments?
A: The tax rate needs to be checked according to the specific HS code and country of origin. It is recommended to use the Import and Export Tariff of the General Administration of Customs of China or official databases, enter code 901890 and the country of origin, to obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Tax rates may change, subject to the latest announcement.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect classification?
A: Incorrect classification may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, customs clearance delays, and even affect corporate credit. If deliberately falsely declared, it may constitute smuggling. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or customs to ensure accurate classification.
⚠️ 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.