Product classification
HS code for Placebo kits: 3006.93
Pharmaceutical goods, placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits for a recognised clinical trial, put up in measured doses.
Classification of placebo kits under HS 3006.93
Placebo kits and blinded clinical trial kits are classified under HS code 3006.93. This classification was specifically introduced to the Harmonized System to provide a clear category for pharmaceutical goods used in recognized clinical trials. Under the Section VI notes for pharmaceutical products, heading 3006 covers specific pharmaceutical goods. Subheading 3006.93 is reserved for placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits that are put up in measured doses. These kits often contain non-active substances (placebos) and active medicaments, packaged together in a way that neither the administrator nor the recipient knows which is which. The classification is based on the intended use in a clinical trial and the specific packaging format. This ensures that these essential research materials are tracked accurately through international trade without being confused with standard commercial medicaments.
- Covers
- Blinded clinical trial kits
- Double-blinded trial kits
- Placebo tablets in measured doses
- Placebo capsules for medical research
- Kits containing both active drugs and placebos for trials
- Measured dose placebo injections
- Also under 3006.93
- AstraZeneca Phase III trial kit
- Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial placebo
- GSK oncology study kit
- Merck diabetes study kit
Codes often confused with 3006.93
Common mistake. Placebo kits are often misclassified under HS code 3004, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. Since placebos, by definition, lack an active therapeutic ingredient, they do not meet the criteria for 3004. Another common error is classifying sugar-based placebo pills under HS code 1704.90 (sugar confectionery). However, because these items are prepared in measured doses and intended for clinical trials, the pharmaceutical note for 3006.93 takes precedence. Finally, some kits are incorrectly split into individual components, but GRI 3(b) usually dictates they be classified as a set under 3006.93.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300693 (the code used for placebo kits), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300693 (the code used for placebo kits) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 38% 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 300693, not only placebo kits.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $533M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $146M 10% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $140M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $773M 38% of world imports
- 2 United States $219M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $177M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 placebo kits
Brazil classifies placebo kits under NCM 3006.93.00: HS 3006.93 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about placebo kits
What is the HS code for Placebo kits?
The HS code for Placebo kits is 300693 (Pharmaceutical goods; placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits for a recognised clinical trial, put up in measured doses). The HS code for placebo kits and blinded clinical trial kits put up in measured doses is 3006.93.
How do I classify Placebo kits for customs?
Placebo kits is classified under HS code 300693 — Pharmaceutical goods; placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits for a recognised clinical trial, put up in measured doses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do clinical trial kits need to contain active medicine to be in 3006.93?
No, the code specifically includes placebos alone or kits containing both placebos and active medicaments, provided they are for recognized clinical trials.
Which countries are the top exporters of placebo kits (HS 300693)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300693 (the code used for placebo kits) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($533M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($146M) and Malaysia ($140M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 placebo kits (HS 300693)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300693 (the code used for placebo kits) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($773M, 38% of world imports), the United States ($219M) and Germany ($177M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Placebo kits the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300693 for Placebo kits 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 placebo kits in Brazil?
In Brazil, placebo kits (HS 300693) is classified under NCM 3006.93.00.