Hwato - The Heritage Brand for Comprehensive TCM Practice
Hwato, founded in 1862, is the world’s oldest and most respected brand of acupuncture needles and TCM instruments. Produced by Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, Hwato is renowned for its exceptional quality, precision manufacturing, and a wide product range — including various types of acupuncture needles, electro-acupuncture devices, cupping sets, and other clinical tools.
As a premium brand, Hwato users will receive priority access to upcoming value-added services such as clinical training, study trips to China, and case-based medical support. Customers may redeem loyalty points to offset service costs, or receive free access to selected programmes.
Hwato-Tony – Practical, Eco-Friendly, and Designed for Everyday Use
Tony is a sub-brand of Hwato, offering the same manufacturing standards, materials, and quality control processes. It is designed for professionals who prioritise simplicity, practicality, and sustainability, delivering exceptional clinical value with a streamlined identity.
Tony offers more flexible packaging options, including multi-needle packs and tube-free formats, making it ideal for training centres, high-volume clinics, and eco-conscious users. While Hwato-Tony does not cover the full product range of the main Hwato line, its needle quality is clinically equivalent and fully reliable.
Tony users are also welcome to join Sanvita’s upcoming value-added services on a self-funded, optional basis.
Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory: Manufacturer of Hwato and Tony acupuncture needles
Founded in 1862 as Suzhou Hua Er Fang (华二房), Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory is the world’s oldest and largest manufacturer of acupuncture needles. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the company was reorganized as a state-owned enterprise。
Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory: Manufacturer of Hwato and Tony acupuncture needles
As the principal drafting organisation, it has led the development of China’s national standards for acupuncture needles, press needles, intradermal needles, and three-edged needles. Since the publication of the first national acupuncture needle standard in 1973, the factory has continued to update and refine these guidelines — most recently contributing to the 2024 edition of the national standards.
In addition, Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory played a leading role in drafting the international standard ISO 17218: Sterile Acupuncture Needles for Single Use, aligning Chinese manufacturing protocols with global expectations.
Through its continued leadership in standard-setting, quality assurance, and manufacturing excellence, Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory has helped define what safe and effective acupuncture tools should be — for practitioners in China and around the world.