Product classification
HS code for Retail antimalarial medicine: 3004.60
Medicaments, containing antimalarial active principles described in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of retail antimalarial medicine under HS 3004.60
Retail antimalarial medicines are classified under HS code 300460. This classification follows the structure of Chapter 30, which deals with pharmaceutical products. Heading 3004 is reserved for medicaments that are prepared for retail sale or in measured doses. Subheading 300460 was specifically introduced to track and facilitate the trade of antimalarial treatments, particularly those containing active principles defined in Subheading Note 2 to Chapter 30. This note identifies specific substances such as artemisinin and its derivatives, which are critical in the global fight against malaria. The classification requires that the medicine be packaged for retail sale, meaning it is ready for use by the end consumer, often featuring labeling and dosage instructions required for pharmacy distribution. This code ensures that essential life-saving medications are monitored accurately in international trade statistics.
- Covers
- Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
- Chloroquine phosphate tablets for retail
- Quinine sulfate capsules in retail packs
- Mefloquine hydrochloride tablets
- Artesunate injections in retail packaging
- Also under 3004.60
- Coartem (artemether/lumefantrine)
- Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil)
- Lariam (mefloquine)
- Aralen (chloroquine)
- Doxy-PEP (doxycycline)
Codes often confused with 3004.60
Common mistake. Antimalarial medicines are often misclassified under HS code 300490, which is a general "other" category for medicaments. While 300490 is a catch-all, 300460 is the specific and preferred code for antimalarials. Additionally, pure alkaloids not yet formulated into dosage forms should be classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., 2939) rather than Chapter 30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300460 (the code used for retail antimalarial medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300460 (the code used for retail antimalarial medicine) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 18% 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 300460, not only retail antimalarial medicine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $185M 43% of world exports
- 2 China $141M 33% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $18M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $427M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $98M 18% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $79M 15% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $43M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $535M 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 retail antimalarial medicine
Brazil classifies retail antimalarial medicine under NCM 3004.60.00: HS 3004.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about retail antimalarial medicine
What is the HS code for Retail antimalarial medicine?
The HS code for Retail antimalarial medicine is 300460 (Medicaments; containing antimalarial active principles described in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The specific HS code for antimalarial medicaments put up for retail sale is 300460.
How do I classify Retail antimalarial medicine for customs?
Retail antimalarial medicine is classified under HS code 300460 — Medicaments; containing antimalarial active principles described in Subheading Note 2 to this Chapter, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include bulk antimalarial ingredients?
No, bulk antimalarial medicaments not in retail packaging or measured doses are classified under HS code 300360.
Which countries are the top exporters of retail antimalarial medicine (HS 300460)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300460 (the code used for retail antimalarial medicine) in UN Comtrade data were India ($185M, 43% of world exports), China ($141M) and Switzerland ($18M). World exports came to about $427M, 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 retail antimalarial medicine (HS 300460)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300460 (the code used for retail antimalarial medicine) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($98M, 18% of world imports), Egypt ($79M) and Nigeria ($43M). World imports came to about $535M, 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 Retail antimalarial medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300460 for Retail antimalarial medicine 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 retail antimalarial medicine in Brazil?
In Brazil, retail antimalarial medicine (HS 300460) is classified under NCM 3004.60.00.