HS Code Subheading

Polypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; insulin and its salts

2937.12 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 293712

This HS code is dedicated to insulin and its salts, a life-saving polypeptide hormone essential for managing diabetes. Insulin is a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling millions of people with type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes to regulate their blood glucose levels. The global trade in insulin is massive, driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide. Major pharmaceutical companies are the primary producers and exporters, while healthcare systems and pharmacies globally are the main importers. Key aspects of this trade include maintaining a robust cold chain to preserve product integrity, ensuring consistent supply, and navigating complex pricing and accessibility challenges. The development of biosimilar insulins also plays a significant role in market dynamics, influencing trade flows and competition.

Products Under This Code

Insulin glargine, Insulin lispro, Insulin aspart, Human insulin isophane, Insulin detemir, Insulin degludec, Insulin regular

Real World Examples

Lantus (Sanofi), Humalog (Eli Lilly), Novolog (Novo Nordisk), Levemir (Novo Nordisk), Tresiba (Novo Nordisk)

Common Misclassification

This code is highly specific to insulin and its salts; it should not be confused with 293719, which covers other polypeptide hormones, or 300431, which is for medicaments containing insulin put up for retail sale.

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

Denmark, France, and the USA are leading exporters, while countries with large diabetic populations like the USA, China, and India are major importers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 293712?

HS code 293712 covers: Polypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; insulin and its salts. This HS code is dedicated to insulin and its salts, a life-saving polypeptide hormone essential for managing diabetes. Insulin is a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling millions of people with type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes to regulate their blood glucose levels. The global trade in insulin is massive, driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide. Major pharmaceutical companies are the primary producers and exporters, while healthcare systems and pharmacies globally are the main importers. Key aspects of this trade include maintaining a robust cold chain to preserve product integrity, ensuring consistent supply, and navigating complex pricing and accessibility challenges. The development of biosimilar insulins also plays a significant role in market dynamics, influencing trade flows and competition.

What products fall under HS code 293712?

Insulin glargine, Insulin lispro, Insulin aspart, Human insulin isophane, Insulin detemir, Insulin degludec, Insulin regular

What are common misclassifications for HS code 293712?

This code is highly specific to insulin and its salts; it should not be confused with 293719, which covers other polypeptide hormones, or 300431, which is for medicaments containing insulin put up for retail sale.

How is HS code 293712 structured?

HS code 293712 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (37) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.