90229000
9›Apparatus based on the use of X-rays or of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiation, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, X-ray tubes and other X-ray generators, high tension generators, control panels and desks, screens, examination or treatment tables, chairs and the like
Other, including parts and accessories
Subcodes (2)
Scope of CN subheading 9022 90 - parts of X-ray apparatus
CN subheading 9022 90 covers parts and accessories for X-ray apparatus and apparatus using alpha, beta or gamma radiation, as classified under heading 9022. The subheading encompasses X-ray tubes - both fixed-anode and rotating-anode designs - high-voltage generators supplying X-ray tubes, collimators and beam-shaping apertures, intensifying screens and film cassettes used in analogue radiography, flat-panel detectors (FPD) for digital radiography (DR), and patient tables and stands designed solely for X-ray equipment. The decisive classification criterion is exclusive suitability for use with apparatus of heading 9022. Parts of general use, capable of being used in a variety of machines, are classified according to their principal function - for example, electric motors under Chapter 85, or bearings under Chapter 84. A particularly important boundary exists between X-ray tubes (subheading 9022 90) and electron tubes classified under heading 8540. Classification is performed under General Interpretative Rules 1 and 6, read with the Notes to Section XVIII and Chapter 90, and in particular Note 2(b) to Section XVI, which excludes from Chapters 84 and 85 parts exclusively used in apparatus of Chapter 90. The HS and CN Explanatory Notes for heading 9022 should always be consulted when classifying parts of X-ray apparatus.
Regulatory framework and import requirements for X-ray parts under 9022 90
Parts of X-ray apparatus classified under CN 9022 90 are subject in the EU to a comprehensive regulatory framework governing ionising radiation. The primary instrument is Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013, establishing basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, transposed into national law by Member States by 6 February 2018. X-ray equipment intended for medical use is additionally governed by Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) as a medical device requiring CE marking and conformity assessment. Medical diagnostic X-ray generators and tubes are typically classified as class IIb or III devices, necessitating involvement of a Notified Body. X-ray apparatus for industrial applications - non-destructive testing (NDT) and security screening - is subject to national radiation protection legislation and requires permits from the competent nuclear regulatory authority. Import to the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct TARIC code, a commercial invoice, and, for medical devices, a CE Declaration of Conformity. REACH obligations apply to articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHC) above the 0.1% weight-by-weight threshold. Applicable duty rates, anti-dumping measures, and tariff suspensions must be verified in the European Commission's TARIC system, taking into account the country of origin.
Classification boundaries and practical guidance for CN 9022 90
Correct classification under CN 9022 90 requires resolving several common tariff boundaries. X-ray tubes - whether for medical diagnostics or industrial inspection - are classified exclusively under 9022 90 and not under heading 8540 (electron tubes), as confirmed by the HS Explanatory Notes. Intensifying screens and film cassettes designed solely for X-ray apparatus fall under 9022 90. Flat-panel detectors (FPD) dedicated to X-ray equipment are classified here provided they are not suitable for independent use in other apparatus; detectors of general use may be classified under heading 9027 or Chapter 85. Collimators and lead shielding forming an integral part of an X-ray system fall within 9022 90; personal protective equipment (aprons, gloves) is classified separately. When sets or complete apparatus are imported together with parts, GIR 3(b) on essential character applies. Where the classification of a specific article is uncertain, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is recommended; a BTI is legally binding throughout the EU for three years. Issued BTI decisions are searchable in the European Commission's EBTI database. Current duty rates and trade measures must be verified in TARIC.
Parts of X-ray apparatus CN 9022 90 - tubes and detectors
Subheading CN 9022 90 covers parts for X-ray apparatus: X-ray tubes, digital detectors (flat panel detectors), collimators, high-voltage generators, patient tables, and suspension systems. X-ray tubes are the most frequently replaced spare part, valued at EUR 5,000–50,000. Parts are subject to the same EURATOM regulations as complete apparatus. Duty rate: 0%.
Frequently asked questions
What goods are covered by CN subheading 9022 90?
CN subheading 9022 90 covers parts and accessories exclusively used with X-ray and isotope apparatus of heading 9022: X-ray tubes with fixed or rotating anodes, high-voltage generators supplying the tubes, collimators and beam-shaping apertures, intensifying screens and film cassettes used in analogue radiography, and digital flat-panel detectors (FPD) for digital radiography. Patient tables and stands designed solely for X-ray systems are also included. The key criterion is exclusive suitability for apparatus of heading 9022. Parts of general use capable of being used in various machines are classified by their principal function under Chapter 84 or 85.
What regulations apply to the import of X-ray tubes and generators classified under 9022 90?
Import of X-ray parts under CN 9022 90 is governed by Directive 2013/59/Euratom on protection from ionising radiation and, for medical devices, by Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR). Medical diagnostic X-ray generators and tubes are class IIb or III devices requiring involvement of a Notified Body and CE marking before being placed on the EU market. Industrial NDT X-ray equipment requires a permit from the national nuclear regulatory authority. Import requires the correct TARIC code on the customs declaration, a CE Declaration of Conformity, a commercial invoice, and REACH documentation for articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHC) above the 0.1 weight percent threshold.
How to distinguish an X-ray tube (9022 90) from an electron tube (8540) for customs classification?
X-ray tubes, whether for medical diagnostics or industrial inspection, are classified exclusively under subheading 9022 90 and not under heading 8540 (electron tubes). The determining criterion is the primary function of producing X-radiation as the useful output: an X-ray tube generates ionising X-radiation as its principal purpose, whereas electron tubes of heading 8540 generate, amplify or convert electrical signals. This distinction is expressly confirmed by the HS Explanatory Notes to heading 9022. Where any doubt remains, obtaining Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is advisable; a BTI is legally binding throughout the EU for three years and provides legal certainty for future imports.
How are X-ray tubes classified under CN 9022 90?
X-ray tubes (tube assemblies) are classified under CN 9022 90 as parts of X-ray apparatus. This includes rotating anode, stationary anode, and microfocus tubes. Tubes are subject to EURATOM regulations. Duty rate: 0%.
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