As the Double Ninth Festival approaches, wellness products such as foot bath basins and blood pressure monitors have become go-to gifts to show care and concern. To facilitate efficient Customs clearance during import and export, it is essential to determine the correct commodity classification for these health-supporting products in advance. Let’s take a closer look at the Customs classifications of several common health and wellness items.
I. Foot Bath Basins
They refer to foot bath basins equipped with heat retention and massage functions, which are designed to relieve fatigue through hydromassage and constant-temperature heating. As such, they are categorized as massage apparatus due totheir primary purpose of providing relaxation through massage.
Classification Recommendation
Pursuant to the 2025 Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Tariff), foot bath basins fall under heading 9019.1010 (massage apparatus).Importantly, if the product offers only basic heating or heat preservation functions and does not include any form of massage, it may alternatively be classified under 8516.7990 (other electro-thermal appliances).
II. Electronic Blood Pressure Monitors
Electronic blood pressure monitors detect vascular pulsations using an air pump and pressure sensor to accurately measure systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate. As essential devices for daily health management among the elderly, these instruments fall under the category of medical detection equipment by virtue of their explicit function of measuring physiological parameters.
Classification Recommendation
Under the Tariff, these products are classified under HS code9018.9020 (Instruments and appliances for measuring blood pressure), which covers various blood pressure measurement devices for medical use, like upper-arm and wrist monitors.
III. Home-use Blood Glucose Meters
A home-use blood glucose meter typically consists of a lancing pen, main unit, and glucose test strips. It operates based on enzyme-based biochemical reactions, converting current or optical signals produced during testing to calculate blood glucose values.
Classification Recommendation
Under the Tariff, blood glucose meters should be classified under HS code 9027.8990 (other instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis).Since these products incorporate precision sensing components, it is essential to accurately declare their functions and detection principle during Customs declaration.
IV. Home-Use Oxygen Concentrators
A home-use oxygen concentrator is typically composed of a main oxygen generation unit, flow indicator, humidifier bottle, and other components, and is used with an oxygen tube or mask. Its core function lies in gas separation and purification, providing a stable and convenient oxygen source for individuals requiring long-term, continuous oxygen therapy, and thereby helping to maintain blood oxygen saturation within an optimal range.
Classification Recommendation
Pursuant to the Tariff, such products should be classified under HS code 8421.3910 (household-type gas filters or purifiers).It is important to note that this classification applies specifically to oxygen concentrators intended for wellness purposes. Units designed as medical-grade therapeutic devices should be classified under other medical equipment headings.
5. Classification Tips
1. Substance over form: Classification of health and wellness items is determined primarily by the products’ core functions, rather than appearance or secondary features. For example, the presence of a heating function in a foot bath basin is considered ancillary; accordingly, the product is classified under massage apparatus, as its essential character is defined by the therapeutic massage function.
Determine the intended purpose -wellness vs. medical:It is essential to determine whether a product is intended for general wellness maintenance or for the treatment of medical conditions. For instance, home-use oxygen concentrators used for wellness support are classified under heading 8421.3910, whereas medical ventilators designed for therapeutic applications fall under a different medical equipment category.
Health is a priority that demands our utmost attention. Wishing all senior citizens wellness and longevity on this Double Ninth Festival!
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Alayongguan. The Alayongguan version shall prevail.
