Product classification
HS code for Insulin medicine: 3004.31
Medicaments, containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of insulin medicine under HS 3004.31
Insulin-based medicaments are classified under HS code 3004.31, a designation that applies when the insulin is prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic use and is packaged for retail sale. This classification is situated within Chapter 30, which encompasses pharmaceutical products. The specific subheading 3004.31 is dedicated to insulin, a critical hormone used globally for the management of diabetes mellitus. To qualify for this code, the insulin must be \"put up in measured doses\" or in \"packings for retail sale.\" This includes a variety of delivery formats such as glass vials, cartridges designed for use in insulin pens, and pre-filled disposable insulin pens. The requirement for retail packaging is what distinguishes 3004.31 from bulk insulin, which is classified in Chapter 29 as a pure hormone (specifically 2937.12). Furthermore, if the insulin is prepared as a medicament but not packaged for retail sale (e.g., in large bulk containers for hospital use), it might fall under heading 3003. The classification 3004.31 covers all types of insulin, including those derived from animal pancreases and those produced via recombinant DNA technology, often referred to as human insulin or insulin analogs.
- Covers
- Insulin glargine pre-filled pens
- Rapid-acting insulin cartridges for pumps
- Isophane insulin vials for retail sale
- Biphasic insulin preparations in measured doses
- Insulin aspart injection sets
- Also under 3004.31
- Lantus
- Novolog
- Levemir
- Humulin N
- Humalog
- Apidra
Codes often confused with 3004.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 2937.12, which covers insulin as a pure hormone in bulk form. Once the insulin is formulated into a medicine and packaged for the end-user, it must move to 3004.31. Another error involves 3003.31, which is for insulin medicaments not put up in measured doses or retail packaging. Additionally, insulin pumps (the mechanical devices) are classified under 9018.90 as medical instruments, not as medicaments, though the insulin cartridges they contain are 3004.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300431 (the code used for insulin medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300431 (the code used for insulin medicine) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 300431, not only insulin medicine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $1.7B 45% of world exports
- 2 Germany $814M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $251M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $772M 14% of world imports
- 2 France $616M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $323M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $5.6B 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 insulin medicine
Brazil classifies insulin medicine under NCM 3004.31.00: HS 3004.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about insulin medicine
What is the HS code for Insulin medicine?
The HS code for Insulin medicine is 300431 (Medicaments; containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for insulin medicaments packaged for retail sale is 3004.31.
How do I classify Insulin medicine for customs?
Insulin medicine is classified under HS code 300431 — Medicaments; containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include insulin in bulk form?
No, bulk insulin that is not yet in retail packaging or measured doses is typically classified under HS code 2937.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of insulin medicine (HS 300431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300431 (the code used for insulin medicine) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.7B, 45% of world exports), Germany ($814M) and the United States ($251M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 insulin medicine (HS 300431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300431 (the code used for insulin medicine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($772M, 14% of world imports), France ($616M) and Canada ($323M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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 Insulin medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300431 for Insulin 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 insulin medicine in Brazil?
In Brazil, insulin medicine (HS 300431) is classified under NCM 3004.31.00.