Product classification
HS code for Cell culture media: 3821.00
Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells.
Classification of cell culture media under HS 3821.00
Cell culture media are classified under HS code 3821.00 because they are specifically prepared formulations designed for the development, maintenance, or growth of micro-organisms, viruses, or cells. This classification is determined by the product's function as a nutrient-rich environment. To fall under this heading, the media must be "prepared," meaning it is a mixture of ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, salts, and carbohydrates, rather than a single chemical compound. These products can be imported in various forms, including dehydrated powders, concentrated liquids, or ready-to-use gels. The Harmonized System recognizes these as essential tools in biotechnology and medical research, distinguishing them from basic chemicals or finished pharmaceutical products. The inclusion of growth factors or antibiotics does not change this classification, provided the primary purpose remains the cultivation of biological entities.
- Covers
- Dehydrated culture media (powder form)
- Liquid basal media (e.g., DMEM, RPMI)
- Agar-based prepared media
- Synthetic cell culture formulations
- Specialized media for stem cell maintenance
- Viral transport media (VTM)
- Also under 3821.00
- Thermo Fisher Scientific culture media
- Merck Millipore cell culture media
- BD BBL media
- Corning cell culture products
- Lonza BioWhittaker media
Codes often confused with 3821.00
Common mistake. Cell culture media are frequently confused with HS code 3002, which covers human blood, animal blood, and vaccines. While both are used in biological contexts, 3002 is reserved for products with therapeutic or prophylactic uses, whereas 3821.00 is for growth support. Another common error is using 3503.00 for gelatin-based products; however, if the gelatin is part of a prepared nutrient mixture for microbes, 3821.00 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382100 (the code used for cell culture media), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382100 (the code used for cell culture media) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.5% 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 382100, not only cell culture media.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $991M 25% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $490M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $471M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $340M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $309M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 China $301M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 cell culture media
Brazil classifies cell culture media under NCM 3821.00.00: HS 3821.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cell culture media
What is the HS code for Cell culture media?
The HS code for Cell culture media is 382100 (Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells). The primary HS code for prepared cell culture media is 3821.00.
How do I classify Cell culture media for customs?
Cell culture media is classified under HS code 382100 — Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include media for plant cells?
Yes, HS code 3821.00 specifically includes prepared media for the development of plant, human, or animal cells, as well as micro-organisms.
Which countries are the top exporters of cell culture media (HS 382100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382100 (the code used for cell culture media) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($991M, 25% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($490M) and France ($471M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 cell culture media (HS 382100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382100 (the code used for cell culture media) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($340M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($309M) and China ($301M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 Cell culture media the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382100 for Cell culture media 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 cell culture media in Brazil?
In Brazil, cell culture media (HS 382100) is classified under NCM 3821.00.00.