Product classification
HS code for Medical glassware: 7017.90
Glassware, laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 7017.
Classification of medical glassware under HS 7017.90
Medical glassware is classified under HS code 7017.90. This heading covers laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. The 7017.90 subheading is a residual category for glassware made of glass types other than fused quartz or other fused silica (7017.10) or glass having a linear coefficient of expansion not exceeding 5x10^-6 per Kelvin (7017.20). This includes items like glass tubes, beakers, flasks, and specialized pharmaceutical containers that are designed for laboratory or medical environments. The classification is determined by the intended use (laboratory/hygienic) and the chemical composition of the glass. It excludes general-purpose glass containers used for the conveyance or packing of goods, which are found in heading 70.10. To qualify for 7017.90, the glassware must exhibit characteristics suitable for scientific or medical work, such as resistance to chemical corrosion or the ability to withstand thermal shock, even if it does not meet the strict expansion limits of 7017.20.
- Covers
- Glass beakers and flasks for laboratory use
- Graduated glass cylinders
- Glass petri dishes
- Pharmaceutical glass vials (laboratory grade)
- Glass pipettes and burettes
- Also under 7017.90
- Fisherbrand general purpose glassware
- Corning culture tubes
- VWR basic lab bottles
- MBL stirring rods
Codes often confused with 7017.90
Common mistake. Medical glassware is often misclassified under 7010.90, which covers glass bottles and jars used for the commercial conveyance or packing of goods. The distinction lies in whether the glass is for laboratory/hygienic use (7017) or for general transport (7010). It is also confused with 7017.10, which is strictly for glassware made of fused quartz or silica.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701790 (the code used for medical glassware), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701790 (the code used for medical glassware) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 701790, not only medical glassware.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $146M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $119M 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $90M 13% of world exports
World total: $684M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $101M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $55M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $53M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $788M 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 medical glassware
Brazil classifies medical glassware under NCM 7017.90.00: HS 7017.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medical glassware
What is the HS code for Medical glassware?
The HS code for Medical glassware is 701790 (Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 7017). The HS code for laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware not made of fused quartz or low-expansion glass is 7017.90.
How do I classify Medical glassware for customs?
Medical glassware is classified under HS code 701790 — Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 7017. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are glass syringes classified under this code?
No, glass syringes are specifically classified under HS code 9018.31 as medical instruments, rather than general laboratory glassware.
Which countries are the top exporters of medical glassware (HS 701790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701790 (the code used for medical glassware) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($146M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($119M) and the Netherlands ($90M). World exports came to about $684M, 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 medical glassware (HS 701790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701790 (the code used for medical glassware) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($101M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($55M) and the Netherlands ($53M). World imports came to about $788M, 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 Medical glassware the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701790 for Medical glassware 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 medical glassware in Brazil?
In Brazil, medical glassware (HS 701790) is classified under NCM 7017.90.00.