HS 901820 Ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus
Quick Answer: Ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus imported under HS 901820 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a range of rates including Free and 35% ad valorem. This classification covers medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary apparatus that utilize ultraviolet or infra-red rays for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Examples include sunlamps for medical use and certain therapeutic devices. Importers should verify specific subheadings and applicable rates within each jurisdiction, as the US, in particular, has varied tariff treatment. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the need for precise classification and awareness of potential duty liabilities.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018200040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 90182000 | Free | — | — |
| 9018200080 | — | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 901820 cover?
This subheading covers ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus specifically designed for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary uses, as per the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes devices that emit UV or IR radiation for therapeutic purposes, such as phototherapy units for treating skin conditions or infra-red lamps used for pain relief. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are instruments and appliances used in a professional medical context.
What falls outside HS 901820?
The following products are excluded from HS 901820: general-purpose infra-red lamps used for heating, tanning beds not specifically for medical treatment, and laboratory equipment that utilizes UV or IR rays for analytical purposes rather than therapeutic application. For instance, a simple infra-red heat lamp for industrial drying would be classified elsewhere, and UV lamps for sterilization of non-medical equipment would also fall under different headings, typically within Chapter 85 for electrical apparatus.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 901820?
A common error is misclassifying general-purpose heating devices or consumer electronics that emit UV or IR light. For example, a portable infra-red massager for personal use, while emitting IR rays, is not a medical apparatus and would likely be classified under a different heading, such as 8516. Adherence to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System, particularly Section XVI, Note 1, which defines medical appliances, is crucial to avoid such misclassifications.
How should importers classify products under HS 901820?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 901820 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use and its specific technical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff) and review the product's specifications to confirm it is an ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary use. Cross-referencing with the WCO Explanatory Notes provides further clarity.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 901820?
A therapeutic infra-red lamp for physiotherapy, weighing 2.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 9018.20.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 901820?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 901820, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific certificate of origin for CPTPP is typically required, depending on the importing country's regulations.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 901820 (Ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus)?
Import duty rates for HS code 901820 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. However, preferential rates under trade agreements like the USMCA may also apply. In the EU, the TARIC system indicates a duty rate of 0.00% for many origins. The UK Trade Tariff also shows a 0.00% duty rate from many countries. It is crucial to verify the specific rate applicable to your origin country and destination market through official tariff databases like the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
How is the duty for HS code 901820 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 901820 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 3.5% and you import an apparatus valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 3.5% (Duty Rate) = $350 (Duty Amount). Always confirm the specific duty rate and the basis of valuation (e.g., CIF - Cost, Insurance, and Freight) with the customs authority of the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 901820?
HS code 901820 covers 'Ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus'. The primary classification criterion is that the apparatus must utilize ultraviolet or infra-red rays for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary applications. This includes devices for diagnosis, therapy, or treatment. Apparatus that use these rays for purely industrial or scientific purposes would generally be classified under different headings. For example, a UV lamp used for curing resins would not fall under 901820.
What documentation is typically required when importing ultraviolet or infra-red ray apparatus under HS code 901820?
When importing goods classified under HS code 901820, standard import documentation is required, which typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates. For medical devices, specific import licenses, product registrations, or conformity assessments from relevant health authorities (e.g., FDA in the US, EMA in the EU) might be mandatory. Always consult the customs authority and the relevant health regulatory body of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
Do trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 901820?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 901820. For instance, under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, many countries offer duty-free treatment for medical equipment. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between countries often provide for reduced or eliminated tariffs on goods classified under this heading, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, goods originating from countries with an FTA with the EU might benefit from a 0.00% duty rate under TARIC, even if the standard MFN rate is higher. Importers and customs brokers should always investigate applicable FTAs to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.