Product classification

HS code for Nucleic acids: 2934.99

Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in heading number 2934.

Classification of nucleic acids under HS 2934.99

Nucleic acids and their salts are classified under HS code 2934.99, which falls within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. Chapter 29 is reserved for organic chemicals. Heading 2934 covers "Nucleic acids and their salts, whether or not chemically defined; other heterocyclic compounds." This heading is a catch-all for complex organic structures that contain a heterocyclic ring—a ring containing atoms of at least two different elements. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are complex molecules consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, making them heterocyclic. Subheading 2934.99 is the residual category for these compounds that are not specifically named in other subheadings of 2934. Classification here requires that the product be a separate chemically defined compound, although the heading specifically allows for nucleic acids to be "whether or not chemically defined" due to their biological complexity. This code is essential for the trade of raw biotechnological materials used in research, pharmaceuticals, and genetic engineering.

Covers
  • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
  • Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
  • Synthetic oligonucleotides
  • Nucleoside phosphonates
  • Salts of nucleic acids (e.g., sodium salts)
  • Plasmids and vectors in purified form
Also under 2934.99
  • PCR reagents (DNA/RNA components)
  • CRISPR gene-editing components
  • Coenzyme A (contains sulfur/nitrogen heterocycle)
  • Vitamin H (Biotin)

Codes often confused with 2934.99

Common mistake. Nucleic acids are often misclassified under heading 3002, which covers blood, antisera, vaccines, and similar products. While nucleic acids are biological in origin, 3002 is reserved for products prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic use. If the nucleic acid is part of a diagnostic kit, it may be classified under 3822. Additionally, simple heterocyclic compounds with only nitrogen hetero-atoms might be confused with heading 2933. The presence of the phosphate-sugar backbone in nucleic acids typically points toward 2934.99.

30.02Human blood; animal blood for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera, other blood fractions, immunological products, modified or obtained by biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) etc38.22Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials29.33Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only

Top exporters and importers of HS 293499 (the code used for nucleic acids), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293499 (the code used for nucleic acids) in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 293499, not only nucleic acids.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Ireland $6.3B
  2. 2 China $4.5B
  3. 3 Switzerland $3.5B

World total: $28.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $9.3B
  2. 2 Germany $5.0B
  3. 3 Austria $1.7B

World total: $30.9B 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 nucleic acids

Brazil splits HS 2934.99 into 37 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about nucleic acids

What is the HS code for Nucleic acids?

The HS code for Nucleic acids is 293499 (Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in heading number 2934). The HS code for nucleic acids and their salts is 2934.99, categorized under other heterocyclic compounds.

How do I classify Nucleic acids for customs?

Nucleic acids is classified under HS code 293499 — Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in heading number 2934. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are DNA testing kits classified under this code?

No, complete diagnostic or laboratory kits containing nucleic acids are generally classified under HS code 3822.19, rather than the raw chemical code.

Which countries are the top exporters of nucleic acids (HS 293499)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293499 (the code used for nucleic acids) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($6.3B, 22% of world exports), China ($4.5B) and Switzerland ($3.5B). World exports came to about $28.8B, 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 nucleic acids (HS 293499)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293499 (the code used for nucleic acids) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.3B, 30% of world imports), Germany ($5.0B) and Austria ($1.7B). World imports came to about $30.9B, 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 Nucleic acids the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293499 for Nucleic acids 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 nucleic acids in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293499 into 37 NCM codes, so the right one for nucleic acids depends on the product's details: 2934.99.11 (Morpholine and its salts), 2934.99.12 (Pirenoxine sodium (catalin sodium)), 2934.99.13 (Nimorazole), 2934.99.14 (Isatoic anhydride), 2934.99.15 (4,4'-Dithiodimorpholine), 2934.99.19 (Other oxazine ring compounds without sulphur), and more.