Chapter 90 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus. This chapter covers an extremely broad scope, from eyeglasses and microscopes to medical diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment, measuring instruments, etc. The core characteristic is that these goods are usually precision-oriented, technologically complex, and mostly used in professional fields. Chapter 90 is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS, and classification requires close attention to the functional principles and uses of the goods. Heading 9021 covers implants and prostheses for the human or animal body for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary use, including cardiac pacemakers, artificial joints, intraocular lenses, hearing aids, heart valves, etc. Goods under this heading usually come into direct contact with the human or animal body and are used to replace, support, or regulate bodily functions. Headings adjacent to 9021 include 9018 (medical instruments) and 9022 (ray equipment), with the difference being that goods under 9021 are implanted or worn long-term. First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, namely optical, medical, and other precision instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 21: indicates heading 9021, namely implants and prostheses. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 902150, specifically cardiac pacemakers (including implantable cardiac pacemakers). Note: subheading 902150 covers only cardiac pacemakers and does not include other implants such as artificial joints (902131), intraocular lenses (902139), etc. This subheading is not further subdivided, but the type of pacemaker (such as single-chamber, dual-chamber, rate-responsive) may affect regulatory conditions. Vehicle-mounted cardiac pacemakers (implantable cardiac pacemakers) are classified under 902150 because their core function is to be implanted in the human body and regulate the heartbeat through electrical pulses, making them medical implants. They differ from the medical instruments of 9018 (such as electrocardiographs) because pacemakers are implanted in the body; they also differ from the ray equipment of 9022 because they do not involve rays. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm that they are implantable rather than external temporary pacemakers (the latter may be classified under 9018).
Chapter
Chapter 90 is the chapter in the HS classification system covering optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, and precision instruments and apparatus. This chapter covers an extremely broad scope, from eyeglasses and microscopes to medical diagnostic equipment, therapeutic equipment, measuring instruments, etc. The core characteristic is that these goods are usually precision-oriented, technologically complex, and mostly used in professional fields. Chapter 90 is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS, and classification requires close attention to the functional principles and uses of the goods.
Heading
Heading 9021 covers implants and prostheses for the human or animal body for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary use, including cardiac pacemakers, artificial joints, intraocular lenses, hearing aids, heart valves, etc. Goods under this heading usually come into direct contact with the human or animal body and are used to replace, support, or regulate bodily functions. Headings adjacent to 9021 include 9018 (medical instruments) and 9022 (ray equipment), with the difference being that goods under 9021 are implanted or worn long-term.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 90: indicates Chapter 90, namely optical, medical, and other precision instruments and equipment. Digits 3-4, 21: indicates heading 9021, namely implants and prostheses. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 902150, specifically cardiac pacemakers (including implantable cardiac pacemakers). Note: subheading 902150 covers only cardiac pacemakers and does not include other implants such as artificial joints (902131), intraocular lenses (902139), etc. This subheading is not further subdivided, but the type of pacemaker (such as single-chamber, dual-chamber, rate-responsive) may affect regulatory conditions.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted cardiac pacemakers (implantable cardiac pacemakers) are classified under 902150 because their core function is to be implanted in the human body and regulate the heartbeat through electrical pulses, making them medical implants. They differ from the medical instruments of 9018 (such as electrocardiographs) because pacemakers are implanted in the body; they also differ from the ray equipment of 9022 because they do not involve rays. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm that they are implantable rather than external temporary pacemakers (the latter may be classified under 9018).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "implantable cardiac pacemaker". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as Medtronic, Abbott, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Model: Fill in the specific model, such as "DDD-1234", which should be consistent with the medical device registration certificate. Use: Explain the clinical use, such as "used to treat bradycardia, heart block, etc.". Working principle: Briefly describe how the pacemaker works, such as "sends electrical pulses through electrodes to stimulate the heart". Whether implantable: Clearly state whether it is implanted in the human body; fill in "yes" or "no". Medical device registration certificate number: Fill in the registration certificate number issued by the National Medical Products Administration, such as "Guo Xie Zhu Jin 20203123456". Packaging specifications: Fill in the packaging form and quantity, such as "1 unit/box". Product name: implantable cardiac pacemaker; Brand: Medtronic; Model: DDD-1234; Use: used to treat bradycardia; Working principle: sends electrical pulses through electrodes to stimulate the heart; Whether implantable: yes; Medical device registration certificate number: Guo Xie Zhu Jin 20203123456; Packaging specifications: 1 unit/box. Failure to indicate "implantable" may result in mistaken classification under 9018 for external pacemakers. Inconsistency between brand and model entries leads customs to question the authenticity of documents. Failure to fill in the medical device registration certificate number affects customs clearance timeliness and regulatory certificate verification.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "implantable cardiac pacemaker".
⚠️ Mistakenly writing "cardiac pacemaker" without indicating implantable, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as Medtronic, Abbott, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the distributor as the brand, or omitting the brand so that it cannot be confirmed.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as "DDD-1234", which should be consistent with the medical device registration certificate.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the registration certificate, affecting customs document review.
Use
Explain the clinical use, such as "used to treat bradycardia, heart block, etc.".
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "medical use" without specifying the treated condition.
Working principle
Briefly describe how the pacemaker works, such as "sends electrical pulses through electrodes to stimulate the heart".
⚠️ Too simple, such as "regulates heartbeat", without explaining the electrical pulse mechanism.
Whether implantable
Clearly state whether it is implanted in the human body; fill in "yes" or "no".
⚠️ Omission or incorrect entry, leading to classification under other codes.
Medical device registration certificate number
Fill in the registration certificate number issued by the National Medical Products Administration, such as "Guo Xie Zhu Jin 20203123456".
⚠️ Not filling it in or filling it in incorrectly, resulting in failure to enjoy relevant trade facilitation.
Packaging specifications
Fill in the packaging form and quantity, such as "1 unit/box".
⚠️ Ignoring packaging specifications, affecting statistics and inspection.
Example: Product name: implantable cardiac pacemaker; Brand: Medtronic; Model: DDD-1234; Use: used to treat bradycardia; Working principle: sends electrical pulses through electrodes to stimulate the heart; Whether implantable: yes; Medical device registration certificate number: Guo Xie Zhu Jin 20203123456; Packaging specifications: 1 unit/box.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to indicate "implantable" may result in mistaken classification under 9018 for external pacemakers.
Inconsistency between brand and model entries leads customs to question the authenticity of documents.
Failure to fill in the medical device registration certificate number affects customs clearance timeliness and regulatory certificate verification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are implantable cardiac pacemakers. According to the Import and Export Tariff, subheading 902150 is explicitly "cardiac pacemakers", including implantable ones. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm: 1) whether the goods are implanted in the human body or used externally; 2) whether they regulate cardiac function through electrical pulses; 3) whether they have a medical device registration certificate. If they are external temporary pacemakers, they may be classified under 9018 (medical instruments); if they are cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRT), they are also classified under 902150. 901890 Other medical instruments: 901890 covers non-implantable medical equipment, such as external pacemakers, electrocardiographs, etc. The core difference is whether it is implanted in the human body. 902139 Other artificial parts of the body: 902139 covers artificial joints, artificial bones, etc., and does not include cardiac pacemakers. Pacemakers have electronic functions, while artificial parts are mostly mechanical replacements. 902190 Other implants: 902190 covers other implants such as artificial blood vessels and stents, but cardiac pacemakers are separately listed under 902150, so they are not classified under 902190. 902212 CT equipment: 902212 is ray diagnostic equipment, completely different in function from pacemakers, but may be confused because of the "cardiac" association. 902680 Other respiratory or cardiovascular testing equipment: 902680 covers cardiovascular monitoring equipment, which is non-implantable and differs from the implantable nature of pacemakers. Is the product implanted in the human body? Does it regulate the heart through electrical pulses? Does it have a medical device registration certificate? Does it include electrode leads? Are the brand and model consistent with the registration certificate?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are implantable cardiac pacemakers. According to the Import and Export Tariff, subheading 902150 is explicitly "cardiac pacemakers", including implantable ones. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm: 1) whether the goods are implanted in the human body or used externally; 2) whether they regulate cardiac function through electrical pulses; 3) whether they have a medical device registration certificate. If they are external temporary pacemakers, they may be classified under 9018 (medical instruments); if they are cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRT), they are also classified under 902150.
Confused Codes:
901890 - Other medical instruments
901890 covers non-implantable medical equipment, such as external pacemakers, electrocardiographs, etc. The core difference is whether it is implanted in the human body.
902139 - Other artificial parts of the body
902139 covers artificial joints, artificial bones, etc., and does not include cardiac pacemakers. Pacemakers have electronic functions, while artificial parts are mostly mechanical replacements.
902190 - Other implants
902190 covers other implants such as artificial blood vessels and stents, but cardiac pacemakers are separately listed under 902150, so they are not classified under 902190.
902212 - CT equipment
902212 is ray diagnostic equipment, completely different in function from pacemakers, but may be confused because of the "cardiac" association.
902680 - Other respiratory or cardiovascular testing equipment
902680 covers cardiovascular monitoring equipment, which is non-implantable and differs from the implantable nature of pacemakers.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the product implanted in the human body?
✓ Does it regulate the heart through electrical pulses?
✓ Does it have a medical device registration certificate?
✓ Does it include electrode leads?
✓ Are the brand and model consistent with the registration certificate?
❓ FAQ
How can I look up the HS code for cardiac pacemakers? You can use the General Administration of Customs tariff inquiry system, enter the keywords "cardiac pacemaker" or "implantable", and confirm the code as 902150. You may also refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff for heading 9021. What regulatory documents are required for importing cardiac pacemakers? Usually a medical device registration certificate (issued by the National Medical Products Administration), an inbound goods clearance form, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions need to be checked according to the current year's Customs Regulatory Conditions, and an import license may be involved. Are the codes for external pacemakers and implantable pacemakers the same? No. External temporary pacemakers are usually classified under 901890 (other medical instruments), while implantable ones are classified under 902150. The difference lies in whether they are implanted in the human body. How are cardiac pacemaker accessories such as electrode leads classified? If electrode leads are imported together with the pacemaker, they are usually classified as the pacemaker; if imported separately, they may be classified under 901890 or 902190, depending on the specific function. What are the requirements for filling in the brand and model during customs declaration? The brand and model must be consistent with the medical device registration certificate and must be accurately filled in on the customs declaration form. If there is no brand, fill in "none". Incorrect entry may lead to return of documents or inspection. What is the import tax rate for cardiac pacemakers? Tax rates change, so it is necessary to check the current year's Import and Export Tariff. Usually the import tariff on medical devices is relatively low, but value-added tax must be paid according to national regulations. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or check the customs official website. Can cross-border e-commerce sell cardiac pacemakers? Cardiac pacemakers are high-risk medical devices and may not be included in the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Generally, they need to be imported through general trade. For specifics, refer to the List of Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Import Commodities. What are the consequences of incorrect classification? Incorrect classification may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, credit downgrading, etc. If regulatory documents are involved, it may also constitute smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification when necessary.
Q: How can I look up the HS code for cardiac pacemakers?
A: You can use the General Administration of Customs tariff inquiry system, enter the keywords "cardiac pacemaker" or "implantable", and confirm the code as 902150. You may also refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff for heading 9021.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing cardiac pacemakers?
A: Usually a medical device registration certificate (issued by the National Medical Products Administration), an inbound goods clearance form, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions need to be checked according to the current year's Customs Regulatory Conditions, and an import license may be involved.
Q: Are the codes for external pacemakers and implantable pacemakers the same?
A: No. External temporary pacemakers are usually classified under 901890 (other medical instruments), while implantable ones are classified under 902150. The difference lies in whether they are implanted in the human body.
Q: How are cardiac pacemaker accessories such as electrode leads classified?
A: If electrode leads are imported together with the pacemaker, they are usually classified as the pacemaker; if imported separately, they may be classified under 901890 or 902190, depending on the specific function.
Q: What are the requirements for filling in the brand and model during customs declaration?
A: The brand and model must be consistent with the medical device registration certificate and must be accurately filled in on the customs declaration form. If there is no brand, fill in "none". Incorrect entry may lead to return of documents or inspection.
Q: What is the import tax rate for cardiac pacemakers?
A: Tax rates change, so it is necessary to check the current year's Import and Export Tariff. Usually the import tariff on medical devices is relatively low, but value-added tax must be paid according to national regulations. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or check the customs official website.
Q: Can cross-border e-commerce sell cardiac pacemakers?
A: Cardiac pacemakers are high-risk medical devices and may not be included in the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Generally, they need to be imported through general trade. For specifics, refer to the List of Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Import Commodities.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect classification?
A: Incorrect classification may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, credit downgrading, etc. If regulatory documents are involved, it may also constitute smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification when necessary.
⚠️ 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.