Product classification
HS code for Glandular extracts: 3001.20
Glands and other organs, extracts of glands or other organs or of their secretions, for organo-therapeutic uses.
Classification of glandular extracts under HS 3001.20
Glandular extracts are classified under HS code 3001.20. This heading is part of Chapter 30, which covers pharmaceutical products. Specifically, heading 3001 applies to glands and other organs for organo-therapeutic uses, dried, whether or not powdered; extracts of glands or other organs or of their secretions for organo-therapeutic uses; and other human or animal substances prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. Subheading 3001.20 is dedicated to the extracts themselves. These products are biological substances derived from animal organs (such as the pancreas, liver, or thyroid) and are used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or in the formulation of supplements. The classification is based on the biological origin and the intended therapeutic application. It is important to note that these extracts must not be put up in measured doses or in forms for retail sale as medicaments, as that would shift the classification to heading 3004.
- Covers
- Biliary extracts (bile salts)
- Liver extracts for therapeutic use
- Thyroid extracts
- Pituitary extracts
- Adrenal cortex extracts
- Secretions of glands for medicinal purposes
- Also under 3001.20
- Pancreatin (e.g., Creon)
- Thyroid USP (e.g., Armour Thyroid)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) preparations
- Heparin (active ingredient, historically from animal organs)
- Insulin (historically from animal pancreas)
Codes often confused with 3001.20
Common mistake. Glandular extracts are often confused with HS code 3002, which covers human blood, animal blood prepared for therapeutic uses, and antisera/vaccines. While both are biological, 3001 is specific to organs and glands. Another common error is classification under HS code 3507 (enzymes). While many glandular extracts contain enzymes (like pancreatin), if the product is a crude extract of the gland intended for organo-therapy, 3001.20 takes precedence over the general enzyme heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300120 (the code used for glandular extracts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300120 (the code used for glandular extracts) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 300120, not only glandular extracts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $84M 30% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $43M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $24M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $278M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $22M 10% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $22M 10% of world imports
- 3 Italy $20M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $219M 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 glandular extracts
Brazil splits HS 3001.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3001.20.10Liver extracts for organo-therapeutic uses
- 3001.20.90Other extracts of glands, organs or secretions
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glandular extracts
What is the HS code for Glandular extracts?
The HS code for Glandular extracts is 300120 (Glands and other organs; extracts of glands or other organs or of their secretions, for organo-therapeutic uses). The specific HS code for extracts of glands or other organs for therapeutic use is 3001.20.
How do I classify Glandular extracts for customs?
Glandular extracts is classified under HS code 300120 — Glands and other organs; extracts of glands or other organs or of their secretions, for organo-therapeutic uses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these extracts classified as finished medicines?
No, extracts under 3001.20 are generally bulk substances. If the extract is processed into tablets or capsules for retail sale, it should be classified under HS code 3004.
Which countries are the top exporters of glandular extracts (HS 300120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300120 (the code used for glandular extracts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 30% of world exports), Denmark ($43M) and Italy ($24M). World exports came to about $278M, 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 glandular extracts (HS 300120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300120 (the code used for glandular extracts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($22M, 10% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($22M) and Italy ($20M). World imports came to about $219M, 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 Glandular extracts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300120 for Glandular extracts 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 glandular extracts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 300120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for glandular extracts depends on the product's details: 3001.20.10 (Liver extracts for organo-therapeutic uses), 3001.20.90 (Other extracts of glands, organs or secretions).