Product classification
HS code for Steroid medicine: 3004.32
Medicaments, containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Classification of steroid medicine under HS 3004.32
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.
- Covers
- Hydrocortisone creams and ointments
- Prednisone tablets in retail blister packs
- Dexamethasone injections in measured doses
- Betamethasone topical solutions
- Triamcinolone dental pastes
- Also under 3004.32
- Deltasone
- Decadron
- Cortef
- Flovent
- Medrol
- Celestone
Codes often confused with 3004.32
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300432 (the code used for steroid medicine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300432 (the code used for steroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 300432, not only steroid medicine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.1B 21% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $1.3B 13% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 China $1.2B 10% of world imports
- 3 France $836M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $11.3B 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 codes for steroid medicine
Brazil splits HS 3004.32 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3004.32.10Corticosteroid hormone medicaments, dosed/retail
- 3004.32.20Spironolactone medicaments, dosed/retail
- 3004.32.90Other corticosteroid medicaments, dosed/retail
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steroid medicine
What is the HS code for Steroid medicine?
The HS code for Steroid medicine is 300432 (Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale). The HS code for steroid medicines containing corticosteroids and packaged for retail sale is 3004.32.
How do I classify Steroid medicine for customs?
Steroid medicine is classified under HS code 300432 — Medicaments; containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing antibiotics), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of steroid medicine (HS 300432)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300432 (the code used for steroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.1B, 21% of world exports), Sweden ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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 steroid medicine (HS 300432)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300432 (the code used for steroid medicine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), China ($1.2B) and France ($836M). World imports came to about $11.3B, 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 Steroid medicine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300432 for Steroid 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 steroid medicine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 300432 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for steroid medicine depends on the product's details: 3004.32.10 (Corticosteroid hormone medicaments, dosed/retail), 3004.32.20 (Spironolactone medicaments, dosed/retail), 3004.32.90 (Other corticosteroid medicaments, dosed/retail).