Product classification
HS code for Corticosteroid medicine: 3004.32
Medicaments, containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of corticosteroid medicine under HS 3004.32
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.
- Covers
- Prednisone tablets in retail packaging
- Hydrocortisone creams for topical use (without antibiotics)
- Dexamethasone injections in measured doses
- Betamethasone ointments put up for retail sale
- Also under 3004.32
- Deltasone
- Decadron
- Cortef
- Flovent
- Medrol
- Celestone
Codes often confused with 3004.32
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300432 (the code used for corticosteroid medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300432 (the code used for corticosteroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 300432, not only corticosteroid medicine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.1B 21% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $1.3B 13% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 China $1.2B 10% of world imports
- 3 France $836M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $11.3B 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 corticosteroid medicine
Brazil splits HS 3004.32 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3004.32.10Corticosteroid hormone medicaments, dosed/retail
- 3004.32.20Spironolactone medicaments, dosed/retail
- 3004.32.90Other corticosteroid medicaments, dosed/retail
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about corticosteroid medicine
What is the HS code for Corticosteroid medicine?
The HS code for Corticosteroid medicine is 300432 (Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for corticosteroid medicine put up for retail sale or in measured doses is 3004.32.
How do I classify Corticosteroid medicine for customs?
Corticosteroid medicine is classified under HS code 300432 — Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of corticosteroid medicine (HS 300432)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300432 (the code used for corticosteroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.1B, 21% of world exports), Sweden ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of corticosteroid medicine (HS 300432)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300432 (the code used for corticosteroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), China ($1.2B) and France ($836M). World imports came to about $11.3B, 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 Corticosteroid medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300432 for Corticosteroid medicine 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 corticosteroid medicine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 300432 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for corticosteroid medicine depends on the product's details: 3004.32.10 (Corticosteroid hormone medicaments, dosed/retail), 3004.32.20 (Spironolactone medicaments, dosed/retail), 3004.32.90 (Other corticosteroid medicaments, dosed/retail).