Product classification

HS code for Colostomy bags: 3006.91

Pharmaceutical goods, appliances identifiable for ostomy use.

Classification of colostomy bags under HS 3006.91

Colostomy bags are classified under HS code 3006.91, which is a specific provision within the pharmaceutical goods chapter. According to Note 4 to Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System, this heading is restricted to certain specified products, including appliances identifiable for ostomy use. These products are designed to collect waste from a surgically created opening, known as a stoma, in the body. The classification is determined by the specific medical function and design of the appliance, rather than the material, which is typically plastic, from which it is constructed. Because these items are essential medical supplies for patients who have undergone ostomy surgery, they are grouped with other pharmaceutical-grade appliances and sterile products. The "identifiable" aspect is crucial; the bags must have features such as skin-friendly adhesive wafers, specialized filters, or specific drainage mechanisms that distinguish them from general-purpose plastic bags or containers. This classification ensures that medical-grade ostomy supplies are tracked separately from general plastic articles or standard medical instruments, reflecting their specialized role in post-surgical care and chronic condition management.

Covers
  • Colostomy bags
  • Ileostomy bags
  • Urostomy bags
  • Ostomy pouches with integrated skin barriers
  • Two-piece ostomy systems
  • Drainable ostomy pouches
Also under 3006.91
  • Coloplast SenSura Mio
  • Hollister CeraPlus
  • Convatec Esteem+
  • B. Braun Flexima
  • Salts Healthcare Confidence

Codes often confused with 3006.91

Common mistake. Colostomy bags are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which covers other articles of plastics. While the bags are made of plastic, the specific provision in Chapter 30 for ostomy appliances takes precedence over general material-based codes. They are also sometimes confused with HS code 9018.90, which covers general medical, surgical, or veterinary instruments. However, 3006.91 is the more specific and correct code for ostomy-specific appliances.

3926.90Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 399018.90Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances; n.e.c. in heading no. 9018

Top exporters and importers of HS 300691 (the code used for colostomy bags), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300691 (the code used for colostomy bags) in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% 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 300691, not only colostomy bags.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Hungary $579M
  2. 2 Netherlands $473M
  3. 3 Dominican Republic $247M

World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $485M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $277M
  3. 3 United States $193M

World total: $2.5B 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 colostomy bags

Brazil splits HS 3006.91 into 2 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 colostomy bags

What is the HS code for Colostomy bags?

The HS code for Colostomy bags is 300691 (Pharmaceutical goods; appliances identifiable for ostomy use). The HS code for colostomy bags is 3006.91, which covers appliances identifiable for ostomy use.

How do I classify Colostomy bags for customs?

Colostomy bags is classified under HS code 300691 — Pharmaceutical goods; appliances identifiable for ostomy use. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are ostomy wafers and barriers classified under the same code?

Yes, skin barriers and wafers specifically designed for use with ostomy bags are also classified under HS code 3006.91 as they are identifiable parts of the ostomy appliance system.

Which countries are the top exporters of colostomy bags (HS 300691)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300691 (the code used for colostomy bags) in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($579M, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($473M) and the Dominican Republic ($247M). 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 colostomy bags (HS 300691)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300691 (the code used for colostomy bags) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($485M, 20% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($277M) and the United States ($193M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Colostomy bags the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300691 for Colostomy bags 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 colostomy bags in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 300691 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for colostomy bags depends on the product's details: 3006.91.10 (Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy bags), 3006.91.90 (Other ostomy appliances).