Product classification
HS code for Medical isotopes: 2844.43
Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds, other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds.
Classification of medical isotopes under HS 2844.43
Medical isotopes are classified under HS code 2844.43 because they consist of radioactive elements, isotopes, or compounds specifically prepared for medical applications, such as diagnostic imaging or therapeutic radiation. This classification falls under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and radioactive materials. The primary reason for this classification is the radioactive nature of the substance, which takes precedence over its medical utility in the Harmonized System's hierarchy. These isotopes are typically produced in nuclear reactors or cyclotrons and are then processed into radiopharmaceuticals. Even when these substances are intended for human injection or ingestion, they remain in Chapter 28 unless they are put up in measured doses for retail sale as medicaments, though most bulk and semi-processed medical isotopes are strictly tracked under 2844.43.
- Covers
- Technetium-99m used in diagnostic scans
- Iodine-131 for thyroid treatment
- Cobalt-60 for external beam radiotherapy
- Lutetium-177 for targeted radionuclide therapy
- Fluorine-18 used in PET scans
- Radioactive compounds for brachytherapy seeds
- Also under 2844.43
- Eckert & Ziegler (Cobalt-60)
- QSA Global (Iridium-192)
- various radiopharmaceutical companies.
Codes often confused with 2844.43
Common mistake. Medical isotopes are frequently misclassified under HS code 3006.30, which covers opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations and diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient. While both are used for imaging, 3006.30 is for non-radioactive contrast media. Another common error is using 2844.10 or 2844.20, which are reserved for natural uranium and enriched uranium respectively. Medical isotopes must specifically fall under 2844.43 as they are 'other' radioactive isotopes not used as nuclear fuel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284443 (the code used for medical isotopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284443 (the code used for medical isotopes) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 284443, not only medical isotopes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $490M 20% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $374M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $368M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $715M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $276M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $213M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 medical isotopes
Brazil splits HS 2844.43 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2844.43.10Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99
- 2844.43.20Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.30Iodine-131 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.90Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medical isotopes
What is the HS code for Medical isotopes?
The HS code for Medical isotopes is 284443 (Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds). The primary HS code for medical isotopes is 2844.43, which covers radioactive elements and isotopes for medical and industrial use.
How do I classify Medical isotopes for customs?
Medical isotopes is classified under HS code 284443 — Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are radiopharmaceuticals classified differently?
If the isotope is prepared as a finished medicament in measured doses for therapeutic use, it may occasionally be classified in Chapter 30, but most radioactive precursors and diagnostic isotopes remain under 2844.43.
Which countries are the top exporters of medical isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284443 (the code used for medical isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($490M, 20% of world exports), the Netherlands ($374M) and Germany ($368M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 medical isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284443 (the code used for medical isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($715M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($276M) and France ($213M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 isotopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284443 for Medical isotopes 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 isotopes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284443 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for medical isotopes depends on the product's details: 2844.43.10 (Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99), 2844.43.20 (Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.30 (Iodine-131 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.90 (Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds).