HS Code:
Radiation beam delivery units, classified under HS Code 9022.14 (apparatus based on the use of X-rays or of alpha, beta, or gamma radiations for medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary uses), are specialized medical devices used primarily in oncology for delivering targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer. These units include linear accelerators (linacs), cobalt-60 units, and other advanced systems that deliver precise doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This category is critical to the healthcare sector, with demand driven by rising cancer prevalence, technological advancements, and increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure globally.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
Average Rate
4.5%
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising adoption of advanced radiation therapy technologies
Increased demand for next-generation linear accelerators with features like image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), driving trade growth.
2022
Growing cancer incidence in developing regions
Higher imports of radiation beam delivery units in Asia-Pacific and Africa as governments and private sectors invest in oncology infrastructure.
2021-2023
Shift toward proton therapy systems
Emerging preference for proton therapy over traditional photon-based systems due to precision, influencing trade patterns with higher-value exports.
2023
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on medical equipment, including radiation beam delivery units, to facilitate access to advanced cancer treatment technologies in China.
March 2023
Increased US exports to China by approximately 15%, strengthening market access for American manufacturers.
The European Union introduced stricter radiation safety and performance standards for imported medical devices under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
May 2022
Temporary delays in imports for non-compliant units, but long-term improvement in product quality and patient safety.
A leading manufacturer in Sweden developed a compact, cost-effective linear accelerator aimed at smaller hospitals and clinics in emerging markets.
September 2023
Expected to boost exports to middle-income countries, democratizing access to radiation therapy.