HS Code for Steroid medicine

Steroid medicine, specifically those containing corticosteroid hormones, is classified under HS code 3004.32. Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to pharmaceutical products. Heading 3004 covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, provided they are put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. Subheading 3004.32 is specific to medicaments containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives, or structural analogues. A critical requirement for this classification is that the medicine must not contain antibiotics; if antibiotics were present, it would likely move to a different subheading under 3004. This classification ensures that hormonal treatments are distinguished from other types of medicaments like those containing insulin or alkaloids, allowing for precise regulatory and duty application. The classification depends on the active ingredient being a corticosteroid and the product being ready for patient use in retail packaging.

Products Included

• Hydrocortisone creams and ointments
• Prednisone tablets in retail blister packs
• Dexamethasone injections in measured doses
• Betamethasone topical solutions
• Triamcinolone dental pastes

Common Misclassification

Steroid medicines are often misclassified under 3004.31, which is specifically for medicaments containing insulin. Another common error is using 3004.20, which applies to medicaments containing antibiotics; many topical steroids are sold as combination products with antibiotics, which changes their classification. Furthermore, pure corticosteroid hormones not yet formulated into a medicine or packaged for retail sale are classified in Chapter 29 under heading 2937, rather than Chapter 30.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Steroid medicine?

The HS code for steroid medicines containing corticosteroids and packaged for retail sale is 3004.32.

Does this code include anabolic steroids?

No, 3004.32 is specifically for corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids, which are different chemically and therapeutically, may fall under 3004.39 or other subheadings depending on their specific composition.