Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technology content and precision, and are widely used in medical, industrial, scientific research and other fields. When classifying for customs purposes, focus should be on the function, principle, use and technical parameters of the goods, rather than mere material or appearance. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, such as 9021 which is specifically for orthopedic, prosthetic, hearing aid and other medical rehabilitation devices. Heading 9021 includes orthopedic or fracture appliances (such as crutches, surgical belts, hernia belts); artificial parts of the body such as artificial limbs, teeth, eyes and hair; hearing aids and other appliances worn or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability; and parts and accessories of the foregoing. The core of this heading is that the goods are used for compensation or replacement of human body functions, rather than ordinary electronic consumer products. Car-mounted hearing aids, as a special application form of hearing aids, are classified under this heading if they have the function of hearing compensation. First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, belonging to the broad category of optical, medical and other precision instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 21: indicates heading 9021, specifically orthopedic, prosthetic, hearing aid and other medical rehabilitation devices. Digits 5-6, 40: indicates subheading 902140, which under 9021 specifically refers to hearing aids (including car-mounted hearing aids), distinguishing them from other orthopedic or implantable appliances. This subheading covers all types of hearing aids, regardless of wearing method or additional functions (such as Bluetooth, car integration), as long as the main function is hearing compensation. The main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is to compensate for hearing, which falls within the scope of hearing aids, so it is classified under 902140. It is not classified under 8518 (loudspeakers) or 8519 (sound recording equipment), because its core is not audio playback but hearing assistance. It is also not classified under 8708 (automotive parts), because automotive parts must be dedicated for vehicles, whereas a hearing aid is an independent medical device and car mounting is only a use scenario. If a product has both hearing aid and car communication functions, classification should be determined by the main function.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technology content and precision, and are widely used in medical, industrial, scientific research and other fields. When classifying for customs purposes, focus should be on the function, principle, use and technical parameters of the goods, rather than mere material or appearance. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, such as 9021 which is specifically for orthopedic, prosthetic, hearing aid and other medical rehabilitation devices.
Heading
Heading 9021 includes orthopedic or fracture appliances (such as crutches, surgical belts, hernia belts); artificial parts of the body such as artificial limbs, teeth, eyes and hair; hearing aids and other appliances worn or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability; and parts and accessories of the foregoing. The core of this heading is that the goods are used for compensation or replacement of human body functions, rather than ordinary electronic consumer products. Car-mounted hearing aids, as a special application form of hearing aids, are classified under this heading if they have the function of hearing compensation.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, belonging to the broad category of optical, medical and other precision instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 21: indicates heading 9021, specifically orthopedic, prosthetic, hearing aid and other medical rehabilitation devices. Digits 5-6, 40: indicates subheading 902140, which under 9021 specifically refers to hearing aids (including car-mounted hearing aids), distinguishing them from other orthopedic or implantable appliances. This subheading covers all types of hearing aids, regardless of wearing method or additional functions (such as Bluetooth, car integration), as long as the main function is hearing compensation.
Classification Basis
The main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is to compensate for hearing, which falls within the scope of hearing aids, so it is classified under 902140. It is not classified under 8518 (loudspeakers) or 8519 (sound recording equipment), because its core is not audio playback but hearing assistance. It is also not classified under 8708 (automotive parts), because automotive parts must be dedicated for vehicles, whereas a hearing aid is an independent medical device and car mounting is only a use scenario. If a product has both hearing aid and car communication functions, classification should be determined by the main function.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the attributes of the goods, such as "car-mounted hearing aid" or "Car-mounted hearing aid". Use: Explain the use scenario and purpose of the goods, such as "used for hearing-impaired persons to compensate for hearing in a car environment". Function: Describe the technical function of the goods, such as "amplifying sound, noise reduction, Bluetooth connection to car system". Brand: Declare the brand of the goods (such as Philips, Siemens); if no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Declare the specific model, such as "PH-100", to facilitate customs identification. Working principle: Briefly describe the technical principle, such as "digital signal processing, microphone receives sound, chip amplifies and outputs to speaker". Wearing method: Indicate whether it is behind-the-ear, in-the-ear or car-integrated. Whether wireless connection: Indicate whether it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless functions, such as "equipped with Bluetooth 5.0". Product name: Car-mounted hearing aid; Brand: SoundCar; Model: SC-2024; Use: used for hearing-impaired persons to compensate for hearing in a car environment; Function: digital noise reduction, Bluetooth connection to car audio; Working principle: microphone collects sound, digital chip processes and amplifies, outputs to the speaker worn by the user; Wearing method: behind-the-ear, can be connected to car charging; Whether wireless connection: yes, Bluetooth 5.0. Mistakenly classifying car-mounted hearing aids under 8518 (loudspeakers), ignoring their core function of hearing compensation. Failure to declare Bluetooth function, which may involve regulatory conditions for wireless equipment, causing customs clearance delays. False declaration of brand and model, customs may question the attributes of the goods, triggering inspection or penalties.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods shall accurately reflect the attributes of the goods, such as "car-mounted hearing aid" or "Car-mounted hearing aid".
⚠️ Writing only "hearing aid" without indicating car-mounted, or mistakenly writing it as "car audio".
Use
Explain the use scenario and purpose of the goods, such as "used for hearing-impaired persons to compensate for hearing in a car environment".
⚠️ Writing generally "hearing assistance" without specifying the car environment.
Function
Describe the technical function of the goods, such as "amplifying sound, noise reduction, Bluetooth connection to car system".
⚠️ Listing Bluetooth communication function as the main function, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods (such as Philips, Siemens); if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to declare the brand.
Model
Declare the specific model, such as "PH-100", to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Working principle
Briefly describe the technical principle, such as "digital signal processing, microphone receives sound, chip amplifies and outputs to speaker".
⚠️ Too simple, such as "electronic amplification", without reflecting the characteristics of a hearing aid.
Wearing method
Indicate whether it is behind-the-ear, in-the-ear or car-integrated.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the wearing method, affecting subheading determination.
Whether wireless connection
Indicate whether it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless functions, such as "equipped with Bluetooth 5.0".
⚠️ Concealing wireless functions, resulting in false declaration.
Example： Product name: Car-mounted hearing aid; Brand: SoundCar; Model: SC-2024; Use: used for hearing-impaired persons to compensate for hearing in a car environment; Function: digital noise reduction, Bluetooth connection to car audio; Working principle: microphone collects sound, digital chip processes and amplifies, outputs to the speaker worn by the user; Wearing method: behind-the-ear, can be connected to car charging; Whether wireless connection: yes, Bluetooth 5.0.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying car-mounted hearing aids under 8518 (loudspeakers), ignoring their core function of hearing compensation.
Failure to declare Bluetooth function, which may involve regulatory conditions for wireless equipment, causing customs clearance delays.
False declaration of brand and model, customs may question the attributes of the goods, triggering inspection or penalties.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the main function of the goods. The main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is to compensate for hearing, which conforms to the description of heading 9021 "hearing aids". Even if it has additional functions such as Bluetooth and noise reduction, as long as the main function is hearing assistance, it is classified under 902140. If the main function of the product is car communication or entertainment, it may be classified under 8517 or 8527. Customs will make a comprehensive determination by referring to product manuals, technical parameters and use scenarios. 851830 Headphones, earphones: 851830 covers ordinary headphones used for audio playback, without hearing compensation function; 902140 hearing aids must have medical hearing assistance function, usually with a medical device registration certificate. 851762 Bluetooth devices: 851762 covers Bluetooth communication devices, such as Bluetooth headsets; if the Bluetooth of a car-mounted hearing aid is only an auxiliary function, it is still classified under 902140; if Bluetooth communication is the main function, it is classified under 851762. 870899 Automotive parts: 870899 covers other automotive parts and must be dedicated for vehicles; a car-mounted hearing aid is an independent medical device and is not dedicated to vehicle structure, so it is not classified under this code. 902190 Other orthopedic or implantable appliances: 902190 includes other orthopedic, prosthetic and other appliances not elsewhere specified; 902140 specifically refers to hearing aids. The two are parallel subheadings under heading 9021 and must not be confused. Is the main function of the goods hearing compensation? Does it have a medical device registration certificate or relevant qualifications? Are functions such as Bluetooth only auxiliary? Is it dedicated to vehicle structure or only used in cars? Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the main function of the goods. The main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is to compensate for hearing, which conforms to the description of heading 9021 "hearing aids". Even if it has additional functions such as Bluetooth and noise reduction, as long as the main function is hearing assistance, it is classified under 902140. If the main function of the product is car communication or entertainment, it may be classified under 8517 or 8527. Customs will make a comprehensive determination by referring to product manuals, technical parameters and use scenarios.
Confused Codes：
851830 - Headphones, earphones
851830 covers ordinary headphones used for audio playback, without hearing compensation function; 902140 hearing aids must have medical hearing assistance function, usually with a medical device registration certificate.
851762 - Bluetooth devices
851762 covers Bluetooth communication devices, such as Bluetooth headsets; if the Bluetooth of a car-mounted hearing aid is only an auxiliary function, it is still classified under 902140; if Bluetooth communication is the main function, it is classified under 851762.
870899 - Automotive parts
870899 covers other automotive parts and must be dedicated for vehicles; a car-mounted hearing aid is an independent medical device and is not dedicated to vehicle structure, so it is not classified under this code.
902190 - Other orthopedic or implantable appliances
902190 includes other orthopedic, prosthetic and other appliances not elsewhere specified; 902140 specifically refers to hearing aids. The two are parallel subheadings under heading 9021 and must not be confused.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the main function of the goods hearing compensation?
✓ Does it have a medical device registration certificate or relevant qualifications?
✓ Are functions such as Bluetooth only auxiliary?
✓ Is it dedicated to vehicle structure or only used in cars?
✓ Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
❓ FAQ
Is there a difference in HS code between car-mounted hearing aids and ordinary hearing aids? No difference. Both are classified under 902140, because HS codes are divided by main function, and car mounting is only a use scenario that does not affect classification. However, when declaring, the "car-mounted" use should be indicated so that customs understands the characteristics of the goods. How can I check the import tax rate for 902140? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms, enter HS code 902140 and the country of origin, and obtain the MFN rate, interim rate or agreement rate. Tax rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest official data. Do car-mounted hearing aids require a medical device registration certificate for export? It depends on the regulations of the destination country. China exports usually do not require a registration certificate, but the importing country may require one. It is recommended to understand the target market access requirements in advance, such as EU CE certification and US FDA registration. If a car-mounted hearing aid has Bluetooth function, what should be noted when declaring? The Bluetooth function must be declared truthfully, which may involve regulatory conditions for wireless equipment. Some countries require Bluetooth devices to comply with radio regulations, and relevant certifications such as FCC ID or CE-RED must be provided during customs declaration. Does classification of car-mounted hearing aids under 902140 mean they can enjoy tax preferences for medical devices? Not necessarily. Tax preferences depend on specific national policies. For example, China has tax exemptions or low tax rates for some medical devices, but conditions must be met. It is recommended to consult the local customs or tax authorities. What are common errors in the declaration elements for car-mounted hearing aids during customs declaration? Common errors include: writing only "hearing aid" as the product name without indicating car-mounted; listing Bluetooth as the main function in the function description; failing to declare brand and model; and overly simple working principle. These may lead to classification disputes or inspection. How are car-mounted hearing aids and car audio systems distinguished for classification? The main function of a car audio system is audio playback, classified under 8518 or 8527; the main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is hearing compensation, classified under 902140. The key to distinction lies in the product design purpose and user group. If a car-mounted hearing aid is custom implantable, is the code different? Implantable hearing aids (such as bone-anchored) are still classified under 902140, because the HS code does not subdivide by wearing method. However, when declaring, "implantable" should be indicated so that customs can identify it.
Q: Is there a difference in HS code between car-mounted hearing aids and ordinary hearing aids?
A: No difference. Both are classified under 902140, because HS codes are divided by main function, and car mounting is only a use scenario that does not affect classification. However, when declaring, the "car-mounted" use should be indicated so that customs understands the characteristics of the goods.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for 902140?
A: You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms, enter HS code 902140 and the country of origin, and obtain the MFN rate, interim rate or agreement rate. Tax rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest official data.
Q: Do car-mounted hearing aids require a medical device registration certificate for export?
A: It depends on the regulations of the destination country. China exports usually do not require a registration certificate, but the importing country may require one. It is recommended to understand the target market access requirements in advance, such as EU CE certification and US FDA registration.
Q: If a car-mounted hearing aid has Bluetooth function, what should be noted when declaring?
A: The Bluetooth function must be declared truthfully, which may involve regulatory conditions for wireless equipment. Some countries require Bluetooth devices to comply with radio regulations, and relevant certifications such as FCC ID or CE-RED must be provided during customs declaration.
Q: Does classification of car-mounted hearing aids under 902140 mean they can enjoy tax preferences for medical devices?
A: Not necessarily. Tax preferences depend on specific national policies. For example, China has tax exemptions or low tax rates for some medical devices, but conditions must be met. It is recommended to consult the local customs or tax authorities.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for car-mounted hearing aids during customs declaration?
A: Common errors include: writing only "hearing aid" as the product name without indicating car-mounted; listing Bluetooth as the main function in the function description; failing to declare brand and model; and overly simple working principle. These may lead to classification disputes or inspection.
Q: How are car-mounted hearing aids and car audio systems distinguished for classification?
A: The main function of a car audio system is audio playback, classified under 8518 or 8527; the main function of a car-mounted hearing aid is hearing compensation, classified under 902140. The key to distinction lies in the product design purpose and user group.
Q: If a car-mounted hearing aid is custom implantable, is the code different?
A: Implantable hearing aids (such as bone-anchored) are still classified under 902140, because the HS code does not subdivide by wearing method. However, when declaring, "implantable" should be indicated so that customs can identify it.
⚠️ 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.