Product classification

HS code for Pharmaceutical ampoules: 7010.10

Glass, ampoules, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods.

Classification of pharmaceutical ampoules under HS 7010.10

Pharmaceutical ampoules are classified under HS code 7010.10. This code is part of Chapter 70, which encompasses glass and glassware. Heading 7010 is specifically designated for carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules, and other containers of glass, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods. Ampoules are small, hermetically sealed vials used to contain and preserve a sample, usually a solid or liquid pharmaceutical. The classification 7010.10 is precise for these small glass vessels. The primary factor for this classification is the intended use of the glass object: the conveyance or packing of goods. Unlike laboratory glassware, which is used for experimentation or measurement, ampoules are designed for the commercial distribution and storage of medications. They are typically made from USP Type I borosilicate glass to ensure chemical stability and prevent interaction with the contents. The manufacturing process involves forming glass tubing into the desired shape, which is then filled and flame-sealed. Because these are primary packaging components for the pharmaceutical industry, they are strictly categorized under 7010.10 to distinguish them from bulk glass or specialized laboratory equipment.

Covers
  • Glass ampoules for injectable medications
  • Serum ampoules
  • Small glass vials for vaccine storage
  • Hermetically sealed glass containers for pharmaceuticals
Also under 7010.10
  • Schott Pharma ampoules
  • Gerresheimer ampoules
  • SGD Pharma ampoules
  • Nipro PharmaPackaging ampoules

Codes often confused with 7010.10

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 7017.90, which covers laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware. The distinction is that 7017 is for glassware used in a lab setting (like beakers), while 7010 is for packaging and transport. Another error is using 3923.90 for plastic ampoules; HS code 7010.10 is exclusively for glass. Finally, empty glass tubes not yet shaped into ampoules are classified under 7002.

7017.90Glassware; laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical, whether or not graduated or calibrated, of glass n.e.c. in heading no. 701770.17Laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated70.10Carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials, ampoules, containers of glass of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods; preserving jars of glass; stoppers, lids and other closures of glass3923.90Plastics; articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 392370.02Glass in balls (other than microspheres of heading no. 7018), rods or tubes, unworked

Top exporters and importers of HS 701010 (the code used for pharmaceutical ampoules), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701010 (the code used for pharmaceutical ampoules) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 701010, not only pharmaceutical ampoules.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $40M
  2. 2 India $24M
  3. 3 France $24M

World total: $219M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $25M
  2. 2 Spain $23M
  3. 3 India $12M

World total: $246M 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 pharmaceutical ampoules

Brazil classifies pharmaceutical ampoules under NCM 7010.10.00: HS 7010.10 with 00 added.

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

Questions about pharmaceutical ampoules

What is the HS code for Pharmaceutical ampoules?

The HS code for Pharmaceutical ampoules is 701010 (Glass; ampoules, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods). The HS code for glass pharmaceutical ampoules used for the conveyance or packing of goods is 7010.10.

How do I classify Pharmaceutical ampoules for customs?

Pharmaceutical ampoules is classified under HS code 701010 — Glass; ampoules, of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are plastic ampoules classified under the same code?

No, plastic ampoules are classified under Chapter 39 (usually 3923.90), as heading 7010 is strictly for glass articles.

Which countries are the top exporters of pharmaceutical ampoules (HS 701010)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701010 (the code used for pharmaceutical ampoules) in UN Comtrade data were China ($40M, 18% of world exports), India ($24M) and France ($24M). World exports came to about $219M, 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 pharmaceutical ampoules (HS 701010)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 701010 (the code used for pharmaceutical ampoules) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 10% of world imports), Spain ($23M) and India ($12M). World imports came to about $246M, 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 Pharmaceutical ampoules the same in all countries?

The base HS code 701010 for Pharmaceutical ampoules 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 pharmaceutical ampoules in Brazil?

In Brazil, pharmaceutical ampoules (HS 701010) is classified under NCM 7010.10.00.