Product classification
HS code for Sunscreen: 3304.99
Cosmetic and toilet preparations, n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations).
Classification of sunscreen under HS 3304.99
Sunscreen is classified under HS code 3304.99. This heading covers beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin, other than medicaments. The Harmonized System specifically includes sunscreen or sun tan preparations within the scope of heading 3304. Even though sunscreens provide a protective health function by blocking UV radiation, they are generally regarded as cosmetic or toilet preparations rather than therapeutic medicines. Classification under 3304.99 is appropriate because it is the residual category for skin care products that are not specifically mentioned elsewhere, such as powders or lip make-up. The product may come in various forms, including lotions, sprays, gels, or oils, but as long as the primary purpose is skin protection or tanning and it does not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients for treating a specific disease, it remains in Chapter 33.
- Covers
- Sunscreen lotions and creams
- Sunblock sprays
- Sun tan oils
- After-sun moisturizing preparations
- SPF-rated daily moisturizers
- Also under 3304.99
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- La Mer Crème de la Mer
Codes often confused with 3304.99
Common mistake. Sunscreen is often misclassified under HS code 3004.90, which covers medicaments. While some countries regulate sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, the HS nomenclature prioritizes the cosmetic nature of skin protection over the medicinal nature unless the product is formulated to treat a specific skin condition like severe eczema or dermatitis. Another error is using 3304.91, which is reserved for powders; sunscreens are usually liquid or semi-solid and thus fall under 3304.99. Additionally, insect repellents that contain SPF are sometimes confused with 3808.91, but if the primary function is skin care, 3304 remains the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 330499 (the code used for sunscreen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 330499 (the code used for sunscreen) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 330499, not only sunscreen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $10.1B 17% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $8.5B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $4.4B 7.2% of world exports
World total: $60.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $11.7B 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $5.1B 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $3.6B 5.7% of world imports
World total: $63.0B 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 sunscreen
Brazil splits HS 3304.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3304.99.10Beauty and nourishing creams; tonic lotions
- 3304.99.90Other beauty and skin-care preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sunscreen
What is the HS code for Sunscreen?
The HS code for Sunscreen is 330499 (Cosmetic and toilet preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)). The standard HS code for sunscreen and sun tan preparations is 3304.99, as part of skin care preparations.
How do I classify Sunscreen for customs?
Sunscreen is classified under HS code 330499 — Cosmetic and toilet preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sunscreen classified as a medicine in international trade?
No, for customs purposes under the Harmonized System, sunscreen is classified as a cosmetic/toilet preparation under heading 3304, not as a medicament under heading 3004.
Which countries are the top exporters of sunscreen (HS 330499)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 330499 (the code used for sunscreen) in UN Comtrade data were France ($10.1B, 17% of world exports), South Korea ($8.5B) and the United States ($4.4B). World exports came to about $60.7B, 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 sunscreen (HS 330499)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 330499 (the code used for sunscreen) in UN Comtrade data were China ($11.7B, 19% of world imports), the United States ($5.1B) and Hong Kong ($3.6B). World imports came to about $63.0B, 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 Sunscreen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 330499 for Sunscreen 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 sunscreen in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 330499 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sunscreen depends on the product's details: 3304.99.10 (Beauty and nourishing creams; tonic lotions), 3304.99.90 (Other beauty and skin-care preparations).