HS Code for Insulin

Insulin is classified under HS code 3004.31. This classification falls within Chapter 30, which covers pharmaceutical products. Heading 3004 is specifically for medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Subheading 3004.31 is the specific designation for medicaments containing insulin. The classification requires that the insulin be prepared for medical use and packaged in a way that is ready for sale to the end-user or hospital, such as in vials, cartridges, or pre-filled pens. This code ensures that life-saving insulin is tracked specifically within international trade statistics. The distinction between Chapter 29 and Chapter 30 is vital; Chapter 30 is reserved for products that have been further processed into specific dosages or retail packaging for medical treatment, whereas Chapter 29 covers the raw chemical hormones.

Products Included

• Insulin glargine in pre-filled pens
• Insulin lispro cartridges for pumps
• Vials of human insulin for injection
• Rapid-acting and long-acting insulin preparations
• Isophane insulin suspensions for retail sale

Common Misclassification

Insulin is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2937.12. Heading 2937 covers hormones in their pure chemical state or as bulk substances not yet prepared as medicaments. If the insulin is in bulk form and not packaged for retail sale, it belongs in Chapter 29. Another misclassification involves HS code 3003.31, which is for medicaments containing insulin that are not put up in measured doses or for retail sale. Finally, insulin pumps themselves are classified under 9018.90 as medical instruments, not as the medicament.

FAQ

What is the HS code for insulin?

The HS code for insulin packaged for retail sale is 3004.31.

Are insulin pens classified under this code?

Yes, pre-filled insulin pens are classified under 3004.31 because they contain the medicament in a measured dose for retail sale.