Product classification
HS code for Expired medicine: 3006.92
Pharmaceutical goods, waste pharmaceuticals.
Classification of expired medicine under HS 3006.92
Expired medicine is classified under HS code 3006.92, which is designated for waste pharmaceuticals. This classification is governed by Note 4(k) to Chapter 30, which specifies that the heading 3006 (pharmaceutical goods) includes waste pharmaceuticals. Waste pharmaceuticals are defined as pharmaceutical products which are unfit for their original intended purpose due to, for example, expiry of shelf life. This classification is critical because it distinguishes products intended for therapeutic use from those intended for disposal or recycling. Even if the medicine was originally a sophisticated vaccine or a common analgesic, once it passes its expiration date and is being shipped for destruction or as waste, it loses its classification under headings 3002, 3003, or 3004 and moves to 3006.92. This ensures that customs authorities can track the movement of hazardous or controlled waste materials separately from viable medical supplies.
- Covers
- Expired prescription medications
- Outdated over-the-counter drugs
- Contaminated pharmaceutical products
- Recalled medicines unfit for consumption
- Waste vaccines and sera
- Also under 3006.92
- Hospital pharmaceutical waste
- pharmaceutical manufacturing plant waste
- pharmacy returns
- household drug take-back waste
- veterinary pharmaceutical waste
Codes often confused with 3006.92
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is attempting to use the original HS code of the medication, such as 3004.90 for medicaments. This is incorrect once the product is deemed waste. Another error is using HS code 3825.10 (municipal waste) or 3825.49 (waste organic solvents). While expired medicine is waste, HS code 3006.92 is more specific and takes precedence according to GRI 3(a). Clinical waste, which includes used bandages or syringes, is classified under 3825.30 and should not be confused with pharmaceutical waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300692 (the code used for expired medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300692 (the code used for expired medicine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bulgaria, with 31% 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 300692, not only expired medicine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $7.8M 46% of world exports
- 2 Canada $5.6M 33% of world exports
- 3 Spain $1.4M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bulgaria $7.2M 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $5.3M 23% of world imports
- 3 Georgia $2.9M 12% of world imports
World total: $23M 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 expired medicine
Brazil classifies expired medicine under NCM 3006.92.00: HS 3006.92 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about expired medicine
What is the HS code for Expired medicine?
The HS code for Expired medicine is 300692 (Pharmaceutical goods; waste pharmaceuticals). The correct HS code for expired or waste pharmaceuticals is 3006.92.
How do I classify Expired medicine for customs?
Expired medicine is classified under HS code 300692 — Pharmaceutical goods; waste pharmaceuticals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use the original medicine code if I am returning it to the manufacturer?
If the medicine is being returned because it is expired and unfit for use, it should be classified as waste pharmaceuticals under 3006.92.
Which countries are the top exporters of expired medicine (HS 300692)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300692 (the code used for expired medicine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.8M, 46% of world exports), Canada ($5.6M) and Spain ($1.4M). World exports came to about $17M, 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 expired medicine (HS 300692)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300692 (the code used for expired medicine) in UN Comtrade data were Bulgaria ($7.2M, 31% of world imports), the United States ($5.3M) and Georgia ($2.9M). World imports came to about $23M, 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 Expired medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300692 for Expired 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 expired medicine in Brazil?
In Brazil, expired medicine (HS 300692) is classified under NCM 3006.92.00.