Product classification

HS code for Chemical contraceptives: 3006.60

Pharmaceutical goods, chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones, on other products of heading 2937 or on spermicides.

Classification of chemical contraceptives under HS 3006.60

Chemical contraceptives are classified under HS code 3006.60 based on the General Rules for the Interpretation (GIR) of the Harmonized System, specifically GIR 1 and 6. Heading 3006 is designated for specific pharmaceutical goods, and subheading 3006.60 is explicitly reserved for chemical contraceptive preparations. These preparations must be based on hormones, other products of heading 29.37, or spermicides. The classification is determined by the intended use and the chemical composition of the product. Unlike standard medicaments found in heading 30.04, which are used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes to treat or prevent diseases, these products are specifically formulated for the prevention of conception. The legal notes to Chapter 30, specifically Note 4(h), clarify that chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones or spermicides are to be classified here regardless of their packaging. This ensures that whether the product is in a retail pack or bulk, it remains within this specific classification. The technical nature of these products requires them to contain active chemical agents that interfere with the reproductive process, distinguishing them from mechanical barriers.

Covers
  • Oral contraceptive pills (hormonal)
  • Spermicidal creams, gels, and foams
  • Hormonal contraceptive patches
  • Vaginal rings containing hormones
  • Injectable hormonal contraceptives
Also under 3006.60
  • Yaz
  • Depo-Provera
  • NuvaRing
  • Ortho Evra
  • Gynol II

Codes often confused with 3006.60

Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 3004, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. While contraceptives are pharmaceutical in nature, the specific provision in 3006.60 takes precedence over the general medicament heading 3004 because of the specific functional description. Another common error is attempting to classify chemical contraceptives under Chapter 29 (e.g., 2937 for pure hormones). However, Chapter 29 generally excludes preparations and mixtures, which are instead directed to Chapter 30. Furthermore, mechanical contraceptives like condoms are excluded from this code; rubber condoms are classified under 4014.10, and plastic condoms fall under 3926.90.

Top exporters and importers of HS 300660 (the code used for chemical contraceptives), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300660 (the code used for chemical contraceptives) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% 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 300660, not only chemical contraceptives.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $1.3B
  2. 2 Germany $696M
  3. 3 Hungary $373M

World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $2.2B
  2. 2 China $247M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$159M

World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 chemical contraceptives

Brazil classifies chemical contraceptives under NCM 3006.60.00: HS 3006.60 with 00 added.

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

Questions about chemical contraceptives

What is the HS code for Chemical contraceptives?

The HS code for Chemical contraceptives is 300660 (Pharmaceutical goods; chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones, on other products of heading 2937 or on spermicides). The HS code for chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones or spermicides is 3006.60.

How do I classify Chemical contraceptives for customs?

Chemical contraceptives is classified under HS code 300660 โ€” Pharmaceutical goods; chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones, on other products of heading 2937 or on spermicides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) classified here?

Yes, intrauterine devices that release hormones for contraceptive purposes are generally classified under 3006.60, whereas non-hormonal copper IUDs are typically classified under 9018.90 as medical instruments.

Which countries are the top exporters of chemical contraceptives (HS 300660)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300660 (the code used for chemical contraceptives) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.3B, 35% of world exports), Germany ($696M) and Hungary ($373M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 chemical contraceptives (HS 300660)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300660 (the code used for chemical contraceptives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 53% of world imports), China ($247M) and Russia (about $159M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Chemical contraceptives the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300660 for Chemical contraceptives 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 chemical contraceptives in Brazil?

In Brazil, chemical contraceptives (HS 300660) is classified under NCM 3006.60.00.