HS 901831 Syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae and the like
Quick Answer: Syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae and the like imported under HS 901831 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at 60% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification covers medical instruments designed for the introduction or withdrawal of fluids, including hypodermic syringes, their needles, and various types of tubing like catheters and cannulae. Importers should note the significant duty differential for the US market, which may necessitate careful consideration of sourcing and pricing strategies. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific national tariff schedules for precise application.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018310000 | — | — | — |
| 9018311000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9018319000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9018311000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9018319000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90183100 | Free | — | — |
| 9018310080 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9018310040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9018310090 | — | — | ["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 901831 cover?
This subheading covers syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae, and similar medical instruments designed for introduction into the body, typically for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary purposes. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC, this category includes items like hypodermic syringes, intravenous catheters, and surgical cannulae, often made of plastic or metal, intended for single or multiple uses in fluid administration or withdrawal.
What falls outside HS 901831?
The following products are excluded from HS 901831: general-purpose tubing not specifically designed for medical introduction into the body, such as laboratory tubing or industrial hoses, which would be classified elsewhere based on material and use. Also excluded are surgical instruments for cutting or manipulating tissue (classified under 9018.41 or other specific surgical instrument subheadings), and diagnostic equipment or apparatus not directly used for fluid introduction or withdrawal, such as stethoscopes or thermometers.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 901831?
A common error is misclassifying specialized medical tubing or catheters that have specific functions beyond simple fluid introduction, potentially leading to classification under more specific subheadings within 9018 or even other Chapters if their primary function is not covered by 901831. For instance, certain implantable catheters or those with integrated drug delivery mechanisms might require a more detailed analysis under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 3, to determine the essential character.
How should importers classify products under HS 901831?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 901831 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use, design, and materials. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official nomenclature, including the WCO HS Explanatory Notes, and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). Comparing the product's features against the descriptions and exclusions within heading 9018 and subheading 901831 is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 901831?
A shipment of 10,000 sterile hypodermic syringes, each individually packaged and declared at a customs value of $0.50 per syringe, totaling $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0% ad valorem for this specific item under the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the calculated duty would be $0.00 (0% × $5,000). This calculation demonstrates the application of an ad valorem rate based on the declared customs value.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 901831?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 901831, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and agreement, is typically required by customs authorities.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for syringes, needles, and catheters (HS 901831) into the United States?
Under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae and the like, of headings 9018 to 9020, are generally classified under HS code 9018.31. For imports into the U.S., the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 9018.31.00 is 0.00% ad valorem. Many other countries also have preferential rates, often free, under various trade agreements. It is crucial to consult the latest HTSUS for the most current duty information specific to the country of origin.
How is the duty for HS 901831 calculated if there were a non-zero duty rate?
While the U.S. MFN rate for HS 901831 is 0.00%, let's illustrate a hypothetical calculation if a duty rate applied. Suppose a country had a 6.00% ad valorem duty rate. If an importer brought in a shipment of syringes valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. In this example: Duty = $10,000 × 6.00% = $600. If there were also a specific duty component (e.g., $0.10 per unit), that would be calculated separately and the higher of the two (or a combination, depending on the tariff provision) would apply.
What documentation is typically required for importing syringes and needles under HS 901831?
For HS code 901831, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the specific product, additional documentation may be required, such as a certificate of origin, and potentially a declaration from the manufacturer confirming compliance with relevant health and safety standards. For medical devices, regulatory agency approval or registration might be necessary in some jurisdictions. Always verify specific requirements with the customs authority of the importing country.
Are there specific classification criteria that distinguish items under HS 901831 from other similar medical instruments?
HS code 9018.31 specifically covers syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae, and similar instruments. The key classification criteria are the function and construction of the item. Syringes are designed for injecting or withdrawing fluids. Needles are sharp, hollow instruments for puncture. Catheters and cannulae are tubes inserted into cavities, ducts, or vessels. Items must be designed for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary use to fall under heading 9018. Instruments with different primary functions, even if used in a medical context, would be classified elsewhere. For example, simple plastic tubing not designed for insertion into the body would likely not be classified here.
How do trade agreements, such as the USMCA, affect the duty rates for HS 901831?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on goods. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico that meet the agreement's rules of origin would generally enter the United States duty-free. This means that for HS 901831, if the syringes or needles are certified as originating from a USMCA partner country, the 0.00% MFN rate would still apply, but the preferential treatment confirms eligibility for duty-free entry under the agreement. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin to claim preferential treatment under such agreements.