Product classification

HS code for Bulk hormone medicaments: 3003.39

Medicaments, containing hormones (excluding insulin), (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not packaged for retail sale.

Classification of bulk hormone medicaments under HS 3003.39

Bulk hormone medicaments, specifically those containing hormones (excluding insulin), not containing antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, and not packaged for retail sale, are classified under HS code 300339. This classification is precise due to several factors: the active ingredient type (hormones other than insulin), the absence of antibiotics, the intended medical purpose (therapeutic or prophylactic), and the bulk packaging status. The exclusion of insulin is significant, as insulin-containing medicaments have their own specific subheadings. The "not packaged for retail sale" clause indicates that these products are intended for further processing or professional use rather than direct consumer purchase.

Covers
  • Bulk estrogen preparations for pharmaceutical manufacturing or compounding.
  • Progesterone solutions in multi-dose containers for veterinary or hospital use.
  • Thyroid hormone preparations in bulk powder or liquid form.
  • Corticosteroid formulations in industrial quantities for pharmaceutical production.
Also under 3003.39
  • Merck KGaA bulk hormones
  • Pfizer API
  • Bayer AG bulk estradiol
  • Organon (formerly Merck & Co.) bulk progestins
  • Aspen Pharmacare bulk corticosteroids

Codes often confused with 3003.39

Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bulk hormone medicaments often involve confusion with retail-packaged versions, insulin-containing products, or pure hormone substances. HS code 300439 covers medicaments containing hormones (excluding insulin) that are put up for retail sale, directly contrasting with 300339 based on packaging. Medicaments containing insulin, even in bulk, fall under 300331. Furthermore, pure hormones as chemical substances, not formulated as medicaments, are classified under Chapter 29, specifically heading 2937. The distinction lies in the formulation as a medicament versus a raw chemical, and the specific hormone type.

3004.39Medicaments; containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale3003.31Medicaments; containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not packaged for retail sale29.37Hormones, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, natural or reproduced by synthesis; derivatives and structural analogues thereof, including chain modified polypeptides, used primarily as hormones.

Top exporters and importers of HS 300339 (the code used for bulk hormone medicaments), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300339 (the code used for bulk hormone medicaments) in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 88% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 78% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 300339, not only bulk hormone medicaments.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Ireland $7.0B
  2. 2 United States $247M
  3. 3 Denmark $239M

World total: $7.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Belgium $4.1B
  2. 2 Denmark $395M
  3. 3 United States $155M

World total: $5.3B 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 codes for bulk hormone medicaments

Brazil splits HS 3003.39 into 32 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about bulk hormone medicaments

What is the HS code for Bulk hormone medicaments?

The HS code for Bulk hormone medicaments is 300339 (Medicaments; containing hormones (excluding insulin), (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not packaged for retail sale). The HS code for bulk hormone medicaments, containing hormones (excluding insulin), not containing antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, and not packaged for retail sale, is 300339.

How do I classify Bulk hormone medicaments for customs?

Bulk hormone medicaments is classified under HS code 300339 — Medicaments; containing hormones (excluding insulin), (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why are insulin-containing medicaments classified separately in the HS?

Insulin-containing medicaments are classified separately (e.g., 300331 for bulk, 300431 for retail) due to insulin's unique and critical therapeutic importance in managing diabetes. Its distinct classification reflects its specific medical application and widespread use, warranting a dedicated subheading within the HS nomenclature.

Which countries are the top exporters of bulk hormone medicaments (HS 300339)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300339 (the code used for bulk hormone medicaments) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($7.0B, 88% of world exports), the United States ($247M) and Denmark ($239M). World exports came to about $7.9B, 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 bulk hormone medicaments (HS 300339)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300339 (the code used for bulk hormone medicaments) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($4.1B, 78% of world imports), Denmark ($395M) and the United States ($155M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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.

Is the HS code for Bulk hormone medicaments the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300339 for Bulk hormone medicaments is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for bulk hormone medicaments in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 300339 into 32 NCM codes, so the right one for bulk hormone medicaments depends on the product's details: 3003.39.11 (Somatotropin medicaments, bulk), 3003.39.12 (Chorionic gonadotropin medicaments, bulk), 3003.39.13 (Menotropin medicaments, bulk), 3003.39.14 (Corticotropin (ACTH) medicaments, bulk), 3003.39.15 (Serum gonadotropin medicaments, bulk), 3003.39.16 (Somatostatin medicaments, bulk), and more.