HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2937.12 – Polypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues; insulin and its salts
HS code 2937.12 is the 6-digit subheading for polypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues, insulin and its salts. It is used for insulin glargine, insulin lispro, insulin aspart, human insulin isophane and insulin detemir.
What HS 2937.12 covers
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.
- Covers
- Insulin glargine
- Insulin lispro
- Insulin aspart
- Human insulin isophane
- Insulin detemir
- Insulin degludec
- Insulin regular
- Examples
- Lantus (Sanofi)
- Humalog (Eli Lilly)
- Novolog (Novo Nordisk)
- Levemir (Novo Nordisk)
- Tresiba (Novo Nordisk)
Codes often confused with 2937.12
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293712, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293712 in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 20% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $192M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $99M 17% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $67M 12% of world exports
World total: $566M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $109M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $92M 17% of world imports
- 3 China $70M 13% of world imports
World total: $536M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2937.12
Brazil does not split HS 2937.12: its NCM code is 2937.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.37 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2937.12
What is HS code 293712?
HS code 293712 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293712?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293712 in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($192M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($99M) and Portugal ($67M). World exports came to about $566M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 293712?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293712 in UN Comtrade data were France ($109M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($92M) and China ($70M). World imports came to about $536M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293712?
In Brazil, HS code 293712 is NCM 2937.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.