Product classification
HS code for Laboratory reagents: 3822.90
Reagents, diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06, certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822.
Classification of laboratory reagents under HS 3822.90
HS code 3822.90 covers a broad range of diagnostic or laboratory reagents. These are substances used in chemical reactions to detect, measure, or produce other substances. The classification under 3822 is determined by the reagent being "prepared" or "on a backing." This includes reagents used in medical, veterinary, or environmental testing. The subheading 3822.90 is a residual category for reagents that do not fall under specific diagnostic categories mentioned in 3822.11 through 3822.19. It also includes certified reference materials (CRMs) which are used for calibration and quality control. The primary factor for classification here is the functional preparation of the chemical for a specific diagnostic or analytical purpose, rather than its basic chemical identity which might otherwise place it in Chapters 28 or 29. These products are often presented in kits or as prepared solutions that are ready for use in a laboratory setting without further processing. The inclusion of a backing, such as paper or plastics impregnated with chemicals, is a hallmark of this heading.
- Covers
- Diagnostic reagent kits for clinical use
- PH indicator papers and strips
- Certified reference materials (CRMs)
- Prepared laboratory reagents not for medical diagnosis
- Chemical indicators for water testing
- Enzymatic preparations for laboratory analysis
- Standardized buffer solutions
- Also under 3822.90
- Sigma-Aldrich CRM
- Merck Millipore Reference Materials
- Agilent Calibration Standards
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Certified Standards
- NIST Standard Reference Materials
Codes often confused with 3822.90
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these reagents under Chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals) or Chapter 29 (organic chemicals). If a chemical is pure and not prepared as a reagent, it belongs in those chapters. Furthermore, diagnostic reagents for blood-grouping or certain pharmaceutical applications are classified under 3006.30 or 3006.20. Prepared culture media for the development of micro-organisms are specifically excluded and placed under 3821.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382290 (the code used for laboratory reagents), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382290 (the code used for laboratory reagents) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 7.8% 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 382290, not only laboratory reagents.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $596M 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $519M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $441M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $426M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 France $346M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $306M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 laboratory reagents
Brazil classifies laboratory reagents under NCM 3822.90.00: HS 3822.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about laboratory reagents
What is the HS code for Laboratory reagents?
The HS code for Laboratory reagents is 382290 (Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822). The general HS code for laboratory reagents that are not for specific diagnostic use on patients is 3822.90.
How do I classify Laboratory reagents for customs?
Laboratory reagents is classified under HS code 382290 — Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3822.19 and 3822.90?
HS code 3822.19 is typically reserved for diagnostic reagents used for malaria, Zika, or other specific diseases, while 3822.90 is the catch-all for other laboratory and diagnostic reagents.
Which countries are the top exporters of laboratory reagents (HS 382290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382290 (the code used for laboratory reagents) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($596M, 13% of world exports), the United States ($519M) and Germany ($441M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 laboratory reagents (HS 382290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382290 (the code used for laboratory reagents) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($426M, 7.8% of world imports), France ($346M) and Germany ($306M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Laboratory reagents the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382290 for Laboratory reagents 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 laboratory reagents in Brazil?
In Brazil, laboratory reagents (HS 382290) is classified under NCM 3822.90.00.