Product classification
HS code for Cell therapy products: 3002.51
Cell cultures, whether or not modified, cell therapy products.
Classification of cell therapy products under HS 3002.51
Cell therapy products are classified under HS code 3002.51. This classification is part of the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, designed to better categorize advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products), heading 3002 covers biological materials. Subheading 3002.51 specifically targets products consisting of living cells that have been processed, modified, or otherwise prepared for administration to patients to treat, prevent, or cure diseases. These products are distinguished from standard cell cultures by their therapeutic intent and clinical application. The classification includes both autologous (patient-derived) and allogeneic (donor-derived) therapies. Because these products are highly regulated and often have short shelf lives, correct classification is vital for expedited customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- CAR-T cell therapies for oncology
- Mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine
- Tissue-engineered products containing living cells
- Autologous chondrocyte implants
- Dendritic cell vaccines for immunotherapy
- Also under 3002.51
- Kymriah (Novartis CAR-T therapy)
- Yescarta (Gilead CAR-T therapy)
- specific cell lines from Lonza
- Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
- Thermo Fisher Scientific cell culture media
Codes often confused with 3002.51
Common mistake. Cell therapy products are often misclassified under 3002.59, which is the residual category for "other" cell cultures used in research or industry. They may also be confused with 3001.90, which covers human or animal substances prepared for therapeutic use, such as extracts of glands. However, if the product consists of living cells for therapy, 3002.51 is the specific and correct code. Some importers also mistakenly use 3004.90 (medicaments), but biological cell-based products are prioritized under 3002.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300251 (the code used for cell therapy products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300251 (the code used for cell therapy products) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 300251, not only cell therapy products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1B 43% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $804M 31% of world exports
- 3 Germany $244M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $305M 15% of world imports
- 2 Japan $285M 14% of world imports
- 3 France $235M 12% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 therapy products
Brazil classifies cell therapy products under NCM 3002.51.00: HS 3002.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cell therapy products
What is the HS code for Cell therapy products?
The HS code for Cell therapy products is 300251 (Cell cultures, whether or not modified; cell therapy products). The HS code for cell therapy products is 3002.51.
How do I classify Cell therapy products for customs?
Cell therapy products is classified under HS code 300251 — Cell cultures, whether or not modified; cell therapy products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are research-grade stem cells classified under 3002.51?
No, stem cells intended for research rather than direct therapeutic application in humans are generally classified under 3002.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of cell therapy products (HS 300251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300251 (the code used for cell therapy products) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 43% of world exports), the Netherlands ($804M) and Germany ($244M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 therapy products (HS 300251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300251 (the code used for cell therapy products) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($305M, 15% of world imports), Japan ($285M) and France ($235M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 therapy products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300251 for Cell therapy products 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 therapy products in Brazil?
In Brazil, cell therapy products (HS 300251) is classified under NCM 3002.51.00.