WCO HARMONIZED SYSTEM SECTION XVIII
Section XVIII: Optical, Medical Instruments, Clocks & Music
Covers optical, photographic, precision, medical/surgical instruments, clocks, watches, musical instruments, and accessories. Section XVIII comprises 3 WCO Chapters (Chapter 90, Chapter 91, Chapter 92).
WCO Classification
Section XVIII
Nomenclature Layer
Chapters Covered
3 Chapters
Ch 90, 91, 92
National Registries
10 Live Countries
US, UK, EU, DE, CA, MX, CN, JP, IN, AU
Tariff Index
5,755 HS6 Backbone
Universal WCO 6-Digit
1. Chapters Included in Section XVIII (Optical, Medical Instruments, Clocks & Music)
Click any chapter to access its full 4-digit heading breakdown and 6-digit tariff subheadings:
Chapter 90
Official WCO Hub
Browse Chapter 90 Tariff Lines →
Search subheadings, duty rates, and regulatory controls for Chapter 90.
Chapter 91
Official WCO Hub
Browse Chapter 91 Tariff Lines →
Search subheadings, duty rates, and regulatory controls for Chapter 91.
Chapter 92
Official WCO Hub
Browse Chapter 92 Tariff Lines →
Search subheadings, duty rates, and regulatory controls for Chapter 92.
2. Frequently Asked Questions: Section XVIII Customs Classification
What commodities are classified under WCO Section XVIII?
WCO Section XVIII (Optical, Medical Instruments, Clocks & Music) covers Chapters 90, 91, 92. Scope description: Covers optical, photographic, precision, medical/surgical instruments, clocks, watches, musical instruments, and accessories.
Which chapters belong to Section XVIII?
Section XVIII contains 3 Harmonized System chapters: Chapter 90, Chapter 91, Chapter 92.
How are 6-digit HS codes structured within Section XVIII?
All 6-digit WCO Harmonized System codes in Section XVIII follow the 2022/2026 international nomenclature backbone. Digits 1–2 represent the Chapter, digits 3–4 represent the Heading, and digits 5–6 represent the Subheading.
What general MFN import duty rates apply to products in Section XVIII?
Customs duty rates in Section XVIII vary by country and specific 6-digit subheading. Multi-country tariffs (US, UK, EU, Germany, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, India, Australia) can be queried per code on hscodedb.com.
What trade agreements provide duty preferences for Section XVIII goods?
Preferential tariff entry for Section XVIII goods is available under major trade agreements including USMCA/T-MEC, CPTPP, RCEP, EU-UK TCA, and CETA with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What partner government agency (PGA) controls apply to Section XVIII?
Imports in Section XVIII may require PGA clearances such as USDA/FDA/DAFF biosecurity (agricultural/food items), EPA/REACH (chemicals), or CITES (endangered flora/fauna).
How can an importer obtain a binding tariff ruling for Section XVIII items?
Importers can request binding classification decisions through official national portals: CBP CROSS (US), HMRC ATaR (UK), EU EBTI / Zoll (EU/Germany), CBSA NCR (Canada), SAT (Mexico), GACC (China), Japan Customs (Japan), CAAR (India), or ABF (Australia).
What valuation method is used to calculate duties on Section XVIII imports?
Most customs authorities assess ad valorem duties on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) or FOB transaction value under the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.
What de minimis thresholds apply to express imports in Section XVIII?
Duty-free de minimis thresholds vary by destination: US $800 (Sec 321), Australia AUD $1,000 (LVT), EU/Germany €150, Canada C$150 duty-free / C$40 tax-free (CUSMA courier rules), UK £135, Japan ¥10,000 JPY, and India ₹10,000 INR.
Where can I search official 10-digit tariff extensions for Section XVIII?
Full 10-digit/8-digit national tariff lines for Section XVIII are indexed across all 10 live national registries on hscodedb.com.
3. Official Customs & WCO Primary Sources
World Customs Organization (WCO) HS Nomenclature ↗
Official 6-digit Harmonized System 2022/2026 structure.
USITC HTS Tariff Schedule 2026 ↗
Official 10-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
HMRC Trade Tariff Service 2026 ↗
Official UKGT 10-digit tariff schedule.
EU Commission TARIC Database 2026 ↗
Official 10-digit EU Integrated Tariff database.
Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll / ATLAS) ↗
German Federal Customs Administration tariff database.
CBSA Customs Tariff 2026 ↗
Official Canadian 10-digit CBSA tariff schedule.
SNICE TIGIE Tariff Portal Mexico 2026 ↗
Official Mexican 10-digit Fracción Arancelaria portal.
GACC China Customs Tariff 2026 ↗
Official Chinese 8-digit CN tariff schedule.
Japan Customs Tariff Schedule (実行関税率表) ↗
Official Japanese 9-digit tariff schedule.
CBIC India ITC-HS Tariff Schedule 2026 ↗
Official Indian 8-digit ITC-HS tariff schedule.
ABF Australian Working Tariff 2026 ↗
Official Australian 8-digit Working Tariff schedule.