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-tech content and precision manufacturing characteristics, and are used in fields such as measurement, analysis, medical treatment, and industrial control. Classification within the chapter is based on function, use, and technical principles, such as optical equipment, medical equipment, measuring instruments, etc. Heading 9021 includes artificial joints, orthopedic appliances, prosthetics, hearing aids, and other implantable or wearable medical devices. These goods are used to replace or assist human organ functions and must meet medical standards. Subheadings are divided by specific device type, such as artificial joints, fracture fixation devices, etc. The first 2 digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 21, represent heading 9021 (artificial joints, orthopedic appliances, etc.). Digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 902131, specifically "vehicle-mounted artificial joints." Here "vehicle-mounted" may refer to artificial joints used in vehicle accident rescue or mobile medical units, or to auxiliary devices installed on vehicles. This subheading further subdivides artificial joint types, and 902131 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted use. This product is an artificial joint and has a vehicle-mounted use, which conforms to the description of heading 9021, "artificial joints." It differs from other subheadings under 9021 (such as fracture fixation devices) because its main function is joint replacement. It is also not classified under Chapter 87 vehicle parts because it is essentially a medical implant, not a vehicle component.
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-tech content and precision manufacturing characteristics, and are used in fields such as measurement, analysis, medical treatment, and industrial control. Classification within the chapter is based on function, use, and technical principles, such as optical equipment, medical equipment, measuring instruments, etc.
Heading
Heading 9021 includes artificial joints, orthopedic appliances, prosthetics, hearing aids, and other implantable or wearable medical devices. These goods are used to replace or assist human organ functions and must meet medical standards. Subheadings are divided by specific device type, such as artificial joints, fracture fixation devices, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 90 represent Chapter 90 (optical, medical, etc. instruments). Digits 3-4, 21, represent heading 9021 (artificial joints, orthopedic appliances, etc.). Digits 5-6, 31, represent subheading 902131, specifically "vehicle-mounted artificial joints." Here "vehicle-mounted" may refer to artificial joints used in vehicle accident rescue or mobile medical units, or to auxiliary devices installed on vehicles. This subheading further subdivides artificial joint types, and 902131 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted use.
Classification Basis
This product is an artificial joint and has a vehicle-mounted use, which conforms to the description of heading 9021, "artificial joints." It differs from other subheadings under 9021 (such as fracture fixation devices) because its main function is joint replacement. It is also not classified under Chapter 87 vehicle parts because it is essentially a medical implant, not a vehicle component.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declared product name should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted artificial joint." Use: Describe the specific use, such as "for artificial joint replacement surgery in vehicle-mounted mobile medical units." Material: Main materials, such as titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, polyethylene, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as "Smith & Nephew." Model: Product model, such as "VKS-123." Implantable: State whether it is an implantable artificial joint, usually yes. Vehicle-mounted dedicated: State whether it is specifically designed for the vehicle-mounted environment, such as shock-resistant or portable. Example of customs declaration elements:
Product name: Vehicle-mounted artificial joint
Use: For artificial joint replacement surgery in vehicle-mounted mobile medical units
Material: Titanium alloy/polyethylene
Brand: Smith & Nephew
Model: VKS-123
Implantable: Yes
Vehicle-mounted dedicated: Yes
HS code: 9021310000 Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted artificial joints as vehicle parts (Chapter 87), ignoring their medical nature. Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting material or brand, leading to classification disputes. Understanding "vehicle-mounted" as a vehicle component rather than a medical use, resulting in incorrect classification.
Product name
Declared product name should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted artificial joint."
⚠️ Misdeclared as "vehicle joint" or "mechanical joint."
Use
Describe the specific use, such as "for artificial joint replacement surgery in vehicle-mounted mobile medical units."
⚠️ Only writing "medical use," which is too general.
Material
Main materials, such as titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, polyethylene, etc.
⚠️ Omitting the material or incorrectly declaring it as stainless steel.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name, such as "Smith & Nephew."
⚠️ Failure to declare the brand or spelling errors.
Model
Product model, such as "VKS-123."
⚠️ Model does not match the actual product.
Implantable
State whether it is an implantable artificial joint, usually yes.
⚠️ Misdeclared as non-implantable.
Vehicle-mounted dedicated
State whether it is specifically designed for the vehicle-mounted environment, such as shock-resistant or portable.
⚠️ Failure to highlight vehicle-mounted characteristics.
Example: Example of customs declaration elements:
Product name: Vehicle-mounted artificial joint
Use: For artificial joint replacement surgery in vehicle-mounted mobile medical units
Material: Titanium alloy/polyethylene
Brand: Smith & Nephew
Model: VKS-123
Implantable: Yes
Vehicle-mounted dedicated: Yes
HS code: 9021310000
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying vehicle-mounted artificial joints as vehicle parts (Chapter 87), ignoring their medical nature.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting material or brand, leading to classification disputes.
Understanding "vehicle-mounted" as a vehicle component rather than a medical use, resulting in incorrect classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. Artificial joints belong to heading 9021 because they are used to replace human joints. The vehicle-mounted characteristic indicates that they are suitable for mobile medical environments, but they are still essentially artificial joints. According to HS notes, artificial joints include hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints, whether or not for vehicle-mounted use. Therefore, 902131 is the correct classification. 902139 Other artificial joints: 902139 covers artificial joints for non-vehicle-mounted use, while 902131 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted use; the difference lies in the use scenario. 902110 Orthopedic or fracture appliances: 902110 includes fracture fixation plates, orthopedic braces, etc., and does not involve joint replacement; the function is different. 870899 Other parts for vehicles: 870899 is for vehicle parts, while vehicle-mounted artificial joints are medical devices and remain classified under Chapter 90 even if installed on vehicles. 902131 Vehicle-mounted artificial joints: This code is the correct code; care should be taken to distinguish it from other artificial joints. Is the product an artificial joint? Is it specifically designed for the vehicle-mounted environment? Does the material meet medical standards? Is it implanted in the human body? Does it have a medical use?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function and use of the goods. Artificial joints belong to heading 9021 because they are used to replace human joints. The vehicle-mounted characteristic indicates that they are suitable for mobile medical environments, but they are still essentially artificial joints. According to HS notes, artificial joints include hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints, whether or not for vehicle-mounted use. Therefore, 902131 is the correct classification.
Confused Codes:
902139 - Other artificial joints
902139 covers artificial joints for non-vehicle-mounted use, while 902131 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted use; the difference lies in the use scenario.
902110 - Orthopedic or fracture appliances
902110 includes fracture fixation plates, orthopedic braces, etc., and does not involve joint replacement; the function is different.
870899 - Other parts for vehicles
870899 is for vehicle parts, while vehicle-mounted artificial joints are medical devices and remain classified under Chapter 90 even if installed on vehicles.
902131 - Vehicle-mounted artificial joints
This code is the correct code; care should be taken to distinguish it from other artificial joints.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the product an artificial joint?
✓ Is it specifically designed for the vehicle-mounted environment?
✓ Does the material meet medical standards?
✓ Is it implanted in the human body?
✓ Does it have a medical use?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted artificial joints and ordinary artificial joints? Vehicle-mounted artificial joints are classified under 902131, and ordinary artificial joints under 902139. The difference lies in the use scenario: vehicle-mounted artificial joints are specifically designed for mobile medical units and may have shock-resistant and portable characteristics, while ordinary artificial joints do not have this specific use. How can one determine whether the classification of a vehicle-mounted artificial joint is correct? First confirm that the product is an artificial joint, and then confirm its vehicle-mounted dedicated nature. If both are satisfied, classify it under 902131. Otherwise, consider 902139 or other relevant subheadings. Refer to HS notes and classification decisions. What special documents are required when declaring vehicle-mounted artificial joints? In addition to regular customs declaration documents, medical device registration certificates, vehicle-mounted applicability certificates, material safety certificates, etc., may be required. The specifics depend on customs requirements. How can the import tariff rate for vehicle-mounted artificial joints be checked? Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. You can check the customs tariff of the destination country or use the HS code to search official databases. Note that rates may change, so the latest version should prevail. If a vehicle-mounted artificial joint is used for vehicle rescue, is it classified as a vehicle part? No. Even if used for vehicle rescue, it is still essentially a medical device and should be classified under Chapter 90. Vehicle parts are classified under Chapter 87, but artificial joints are medical devices implanted in the human body and have a different function. What restrictions apply to the export of vehicle-mounted artificial joints? Exports may be subject to medical device export controls and must comply with the medical device regulations of the destination country. Some countries may require export licenses. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker. How can classification errors for vehicle-mounted artificial joints be avoided? Carefully read the HS notes and confirm the product function. Apply for advance classification if necessary. Keep product technical materials for customs inspection. In the declaration elements for vehicle-mounted artificial joints, how should "vehicle-mounted dedicated" be filled in? If the product is designed for a vehicle-mounted environment (such as a mobile surgery vehicle), fill in "Yes"; otherwise fill in "No." Relevant proof, such as design drawings or use descriptions, must be provided.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted artificial joints and ordinary artificial joints?
A: Vehicle-mounted artificial joints are classified under 902131, and ordinary artificial joints under 902139. The difference lies in the use scenario: vehicle-mounted artificial joints are specifically designed for mobile medical units and may have shock-resistant and portable characteristics, while ordinary artificial joints do not have this specific use.
Q: How can one determine whether the classification of a vehicle-mounted artificial joint is correct?
A: First confirm that the product is an artificial joint, and then confirm its vehicle-mounted dedicated nature. If both are satisfied, classify it under 902131. Otherwise, consider 902139 or other relevant subheadings. Refer to HS notes and classification decisions.
Q: What special documents are required when declaring vehicle-mounted artificial joints?
A: In addition to regular customs declaration documents, medical device registration certificates, vehicle-mounted applicability certificates, material safety certificates, etc., may be required. The specifics depend on customs requirements.
Q: How can the import tariff rate for vehicle-mounted artificial joints be checked?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. You can check the customs tariff of the destination country or use the HS code to search official databases. Note that rates may change, so the latest version should prevail.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted artificial joint is used for vehicle rescue, is it classified as a vehicle part?
A: No. Even if used for vehicle rescue, it is still essentially a medical device and should be classified under Chapter 90. Vehicle parts are classified under Chapter 87, but artificial joints are medical devices implanted in the human body and have a different function.
Q: What restrictions apply to the export of vehicle-mounted artificial joints?
A: Exports may be subject to medical device export controls and must comply with the medical device regulations of the destination country. Some countries may require export licenses. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: How can classification errors for vehicle-mounted artificial joints be avoided?
A: Carefully read the HS notes and confirm the product function. Apply for advance classification if necessary. Keep product technical materials for customs inspection.
Q: In the declaration elements for vehicle-mounted artificial joints, how should "vehicle-mounted dedicated" be filled in?
A: If the product is designed for a vehicle-mounted environment (such as a mobile surgery vehicle), fill in "Yes"; otherwise fill in "No." Relevant proof, such as design drawings or use descriptions, must be provided.
⚠️ 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.