Product classification
HS code for Medical waste: 3825.30
Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included, clinical waste.
Classification of medical waste under HS 3825.30
Medical waste, officially referred to as clinical waste, is classified under HS code 3825.30. This classification is part of Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. The code specifically addresses residual products of the chemical or allied industries that are not elsewhere specified. Clinical waste is defined as waste originating from medical research, diagnosis, treatment, or other medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary procedures. These materials often contain pathogens, pharmaceutical residues, or chemical contaminants that make them hazardous. The classification is determined by the fact that the item is no longer fit for its original purpose and is destined for disposal, requiring specialized handling under international environmental protocols like the Basel Convention.
- Covers
- Used hypodermic needles and scalpels (sharps)
- Contaminated bandages, swabs, and dressings
- Pathological waste including body parts and blood samples
- Expired or discarded medicines and vaccines
- Used surgical gloves and disposable personal protective equipment
- Laboratory cultures and stocks of infectious agents
- Also under 3825.30
- Red bag waste from hospitals
- used syringes from clinics
- laboratory biohazard waste
- expired medications from pharmacies
- surgical waste from operating rooms
Codes often confused with 3825.30
Common mistake. Medical waste is often misclassified under the codes for the original products, such as 3005.90 for bandages or 9018.39 for needles. However, once these items are contaminated and designated for disposal, they must be moved to 3825.30. Another error is using 3926.90 for plastic medical waste; while the material is plastic, the 'clinical waste' designation in 3825.30 takes precedence due to the biohazardous nature of the goods.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382530 (the code used for medical waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382530 (the code used for medical waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 93% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 39% 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 382530, not only medical waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $34M 93% of world exports
- 2 Finland $1.0M 2.7% of world exports
- 3 Canada $672K 1.8% of world exports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $920K 39% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $177K 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $151K 6.4% of world imports
World total: $2.4M 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 waste
Brazil classifies medical waste under NCM 3825.30.00: HS 3825.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medical waste
What is the HS code for Medical waste?
The HS code for Medical waste is 382530 (Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; clinical waste). The specific HS code for clinical or medical waste is 3825.30.
How do I classify Medical waste for customs?
Medical waste is classified under HS code 382530 — Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; clinical waste. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include radioactive medical waste?
No, radioactive waste is generally classified under 2844. Clinical waste under 3825.30 refers primarily to biohazardous, chemical, and surgical waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of medical waste (HS 382530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382530 (the code used for medical waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($34M, 93% of world exports), Finland ($1.0M) and Canada ($672K). World exports came to about $36M, 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 waste (HS 382530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382530 (the code used for medical waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($920K, 39% of world imports), Malaysia ($177K) and Denmark ($151K). World imports came to about $2.4M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382530 for Medical waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, medical waste (HS 382530) is classified under NCM 3825.30.00.