Product classification
HS code for Cell cultures: 3002.59
Cell cultures, whether or not modified, other cell cultures not including cell therapy products.
Classification of cell cultures under HS 3002.59
Cell cultures, excluding cell therapy products, are classified under HS code 3002.59. This code was introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to provide more granular tracking of biotechnological products. Chapter 30 covers pharmaceutical products, and heading 3002 specifically includes blood, antisera, vaccines, and similar products. Subheading 3002.59 is intended for cell cultures that are used in research, diagnostic, or industrial applications but do not meet the definition of "cell therapy products" (which are classified under 3002.51). These cultures consist of cells that have been grown in vitro under controlled conditions. The classification applies whether the cells are modified (e.g., genetically engineered) or unmodified. This code is essential for distinguishing between raw biological materials used in labs and finished therapeutic products used in clinical settings.
- Covers
- Immortalized cell lines (e.g., HeLa, CHO cells) for research
- Primary cell cultures for laboratory testing
- Genetically modified cells for protein production
- Hybridomas used in monoclonal antibody production
- Stem cell lines for non-therapeutic research purposes
- Also under 3002.59
- ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) cell lines
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Gibco cell cultures
- Lonza primary cells
- Corning cell culture products
- MilliporeSigma cell lines
Codes often confused with 3002.59
Common mistake. The most frequent confusion occurs with HS code 3002.51, which is reserved for cell therapy products intended for human medicinal use. Another common error is classifying the growth media as the cell culture itself; prepared culture media for the development of micro-organisms or plant/human/animal cells is classified under 3821.00. Additionally, if the cells are part of a diagnostic kit, they might be misclassified under 3822.19, though 3002.59 remains the primary code for the cultures themselves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300259 (the code used for cell cultures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300259 (the code used for cell cultures) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 32% 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 300259, not only cell cultures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $195M 43% of world exports
- 2 United States $94M 21% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $33M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $452M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $309M 32% of world imports
- 2 Italy $178M 19% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $164M 17% of world imports
World total: $956M 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 cultures
Brazil classifies cell cultures under NCM 3002.59.00: HS 3002.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cell cultures
What is the HS code for Cell cultures?
The HS code for Cell cultures is 300259 (Cell cultures, whether or not modified; other cell cultures not including cell therapy products). The HS code for cell cultures (other than cell therapy products) is 3002.59.
How do I classify Cell cultures for customs?
Cell cultures is classified under HS code 300259 — Cell cultures, whether or not modified; other cell cultures not including cell therapy products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3002.59 and 3821.00?
HS code 3002.59 refers to the actual living cell cultures, while 3821.00 refers to the nutrient-rich media used to grow and maintain those cells.
Which countries are the top exporters of cell cultures (HS 300259)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300259 (the code used for cell cultures) in UN Comtrade data were France ($195M, 43% of world exports), the United States ($94M) and the United Kingdom ($33M). World exports came to about $452M, 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 cultures (HS 300259)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300259 (the code used for cell cultures) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($309M, 32% of world imports), Italy ($178M) and the United Kingdom ($164M). World imports came to about $956M, 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 cultures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300259 for Cell cultures 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 cultures in Brazil?
In Brazil, cell cultures (HS 300259) is classified under NCM 3002.59.00.