Growing public health awareness has spurred the emergence of diverse health monitoring products, and this article aims to clarify the Customs commodity classification of such health monitoring devices.
I. Diagnostic Instruments
(I) Electronic Thermometers
Common types of electronic thermometers include underarm, oral, ear, and forehead thermometers. Composed of a temperature-sensing probe, power switch, LCD display, etc., these devices use a resistor as the temperature-sensitive element. Changes in temperature cause corresponding changes in resistance, which are converted via an electronic circuit into pulse signals. Then, the chip of such thermometers translates the pulse frequency into a temperature reading.According to Rule 1 and Rule 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 9025.1990.
(II) Electronic Blood Pressure Monitors
Used to measure the user’s systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate, with main components including an air pump, electronic exhaust valve, air pressure sensor, and display unit, thesedevices operate by controlling the pump to inflate the cuff. The pressure sensor detects changes in cuff pressure caused by vascular pulsations, converts them into electrical signals, and the device's processor uses these signals to measure the pulse and calculate values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure.According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 9018.9020.
II. Smart Health Monitoring Devices
(I) Smart Watches/Wristbands
Multi-functional wearable devices, combining timekeeping, GPS, and health monitoring features, could be connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to provide alerts and allow for the browsing of information from alarms, calls, messages, etc. They monitor heart rate, step count, sleep quality (duration, deep/light/REM cycles), and calorie expenditure. High-end models also support blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) monitoring, electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality, and emotional stress tracking.
According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 8517.6299.
(II) Body Fat Scales/Smart Scales
These devices measure not only weight but also body composition metrics such as body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, and water content. Data can be recorded and tracked via an app. They operate on the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) principle, whereby a weak electrical current passes through the body to estimate resistance and thereby determine the proportions of fat and other tissues.
Pursuant to the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Tariff), this kind of product falls under heading 90.31 and its subheadings. According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it is classified under HS code 9031.8090.
III. Specialized Equipment
(I) Portable ECG Monitors
More advanced than the ECG function in smartwatches, these devices typically feature multiple electrodes and allow extended, detailed recording of heart activity. Reports can be generated for medical analysis. They are suitable for individuals with symptoms such as masked hypertension, arrhythmia, palpitations, or chest tightness that may not be captured by conventional ECGs.
According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 9018.1100.
(II) Home-Use Oxygen Concentrators
Comprising a main oxygen generation unit, flow indicator, humidifier bottle, and other components, these devices connect directly to oxygen tubes or masks to improve the user’s oxygen intake. Designed for home use, they are suitable for elderly individuals or others experiencing varying degrees of physiological hypoxia who require health support and wellness care.According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 8421.3910.
(III) Medical Oxygen Concentrators
Consisting of a main unit (with oxygen filling interface), oxygen filler, oxygen cylinders, and nasal cannulas, these systems use molecular sieve technology to filter and concentrate oxygen for direct delivery to the patient. They treat non-critical conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and are intended for clinical or hospital use.
According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 9019.2090.
IV. Home Care Products
(I) Smart Fall Detection Alarms
Smart fall detection alarms are emergency devices designed to protect elderly users by providing one-touch emergency calls, automatic fall detection and alerts, and automatic voice prompts. When worn, they enable immediate contact with pre-set responders in emergencies.
Classified as a non-handheld cellular telephone with additional detection and remote communication functions, this kind of product meets the description of heading 85.17 and its subheadings in the Tariff. According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it is classified under HS code 8517.1490.
(II) Home Care Beds
Typically,with electrically adjustable function, these beds include a headboard, footboard, bed frame, adjustable backrest, fixed and thigh-section surfaces, and other components. Designed around the user's bedridden lifestyle and specific needs, they support functions such as position adjustment, built-in toileting, adjustable guardrails, elevatable life activity trays, and separate IV stands. Many models also incorporate sleep monitoring pads or bedside units using bio-radar technology to track heart rate, respiration, turning frequency, sleep phases, and other metrics, generating detailed sleep reports.
According to Rule 1 and 6 of the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, this kind of product is classified under HS code 9402.9000.
(Contributed by: Huangpu Customs)
