HS Code for Corticosteroid medicine

Corticosteroid medicines are classified under HS code 3004.32 because they are medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, which have been put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to pharmaceutical products. Specifically, heading 3004 applies to medicines that are ready for patient use, as opposed to bulk chemicals. The subheading 3004.32 is reserved for those medicaments containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives, or structural analogues. A critical requirement for this classification is that the medicine must not contain antibiotics; if antibiotics were present in the formulation, the product would likely be reclassified under heading 3004.20. This classification ensures that finished medical products, such as tablets, creams, or injectable solutions intended for end-users, are distinguished from raw hormonal substances found in Chapter 29. The classification is based on the active ingredient's hormonal nature and the packaging format.

Products Included

• Prednisone tablets in retail packaging
• Hydrocortisone creams for topical use (without antibiotics)
• Dexamethasone injections in measured doses
• Betamethasone ointments put up for retail sale

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 3004.31, which is reserved for medicaments containing insulin. It is also frequently confused with 2937.21, which covers the pure hormone (like cortisone) in bulk form rather than a finished medicament. If the corticosteroid is mixed with an antibiotic, it must be classified under 3004.20 instead of 3004.32.

FAQ

What is the HS code for corticosteroid medicine?

The HS code for corticosteroid medicine put up for retail sale or in measured doses is 3004.32.

Does 3004.32 include bulk powders?

No, bulk powders not in measured doses or retail packaging are generally classified in Chapter 29 under heading 2937.