Product classification
HS code for Reference materials: 3822.90
Reagents, diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06, certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822.
Classification of reference materials under HS 3822.90
Reference materials are classified under HS code 3822.90 because they consist of reagents or certified materials used for laboratory analysis, calibration, or the identification of substances. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 38 notes, specifically Note 2, certified reference materials are defined as products accompanied by a certificate that indicates the values of the certified properties, the methods used to determine these values, and the degree of certainty associated with each value. These materials are essential for ensuring the accuracy and traceability of measurements in chemical, physical, or biological testing. HS code 3822.90 serves as a residual category for laboratory reagents that are not put up for retail sale as diagnostic kits for specific diseases like malaria or HIV, which are classified under 3822.11 through 3822.19. The classification depends on the material being prepared for a specific laboratory use rather than being a bulk chemical substance classified in Chapters 28 or 29.
- Covers
- Certified reference materials (CRMs) for chemical analysis
- Laboratory reagents on a backing (e.g., paper or plastics)
- Prepared diagnostic reagents not for medical/surgical use
- Calibration standards for analytical instruments
- Analytical reagents in measured doses or kits
- Also under 3822.90
- Sigma-Aldrich CRM
- Merck Millipore Reference Materials
- Agilent Calibration Standards
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Certified Standards
- NIST Standard Reference Materials
Codes often confused with 3822.90
Common mistake. Reference materials are frequently misclassified under HS code 3824.99, which covers miscellaneous chemical products not elsewhere specified. However, if the product is a reagent or a certified reference material, 3822.90 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 3006.30, which is reserved for opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations or diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient. If the reagent is used in a laboratory setting (in vitro) rather than on a patient (in vivo), 3822.90 is the correct heading. Additionally, pure chemicals used as standards should be classified in Chapter 28 or 29 unless they meet the specific definition of a certified reference material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382290 (the code used for reference materials), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382290 (the code used for reference materials) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 7.8% 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 382290, not only reference materials.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $596M 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $519M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $441M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $426M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 France $346M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $306M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 reference materials
Brazil classifies reference materials under NCM 3822.90.00: HS 3822.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about reference materials
What is the HS code for Reference materials?
The HS code for Reference materials is 382290 (Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822). The primary HS code for certified reference materials and general laboratory reagents is 3822.90.
How do I classify Reference materials for customs?
Reference materials is classified under HS code 382290 — Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, or put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials, n.e.c. in heading 3822. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 3822.90 include diagnostic kits for medical use?
No, diagnostic kits for specific medical conditions like HIV, malaria, or blood-grouping are classified under subheadings 3822.11 through 3822.19. 3822.90 is for other laboratory or diagnostic reagents.
Which countries are the top exporters of reference materials (HS 382290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382290 (the code used for reference materials) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($596M, 13% of world exports), the United States ($519M) and Germany ($441M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 reference materials (HS 382290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382290 (the code used for reference materials) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($426M, 7.8% of world imports), France ($346M) and Germany ($306M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Reference materials the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382290 for Reference materials 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 reference materials in Brazil?
In Brazil, reference materials (HS 382290) is classified under NCM 3822.90.00.