Product classification
HS code for Surgical lubricant: 3006.70
Pharmaceutical goods, Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments.
Classification of surgical lubricant under HS 3006.70
Surgical lubricants are classified under HS code 3006.70, which falls within the chapter for pharmaceutical products. This specific subheading is reserved for gel preparations designed for use in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts of the body during surgical operations or physical examinations, or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments. Unlike general-purpose lubricants, these products must meet stringent medical standards for biocompatibility and, in many cases, sterility. The classification is determined by the product's intended use in a clinical setting and its formulation as a non-medicated pharmaceutical aid. Because these gels do not contain active therapeutic ingredients that would classify them as medicaments under headings 3003 or 3004, they are categorized as 'pharmaceutical goods' under the residual heading 3006.
- Covers
- Sterile surgical lubricant jelly
- Ultrasound coupling gels
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) conductive gels
- Lubricating gels for catheter insertion
- Endoscopic examination lubricants
- Also under 3006.70
- Aquasonic 100
- Parker Laboratories SCAN
- Surgilube
- KY Jelly (medical grade)
- OptiLube
Codes often confused with 3006.70
Common mistake. Surgical lubricants are frequently misclassified under HS code 3304.99, which covers beauty or make-up preparations and skin-care products. However, because surgical lubricants are intended for medical procedures rather than cosmetic enhancement, Chapter 33 is inappropriate. Another common error is using HS code 3403, which applies to industrial lubricating preparations. Industrial lubricants are typically petroleum-based or synthetic oils for machinery, whereas medical lubricants are water-soluble gels. Additionally, if a lubricant contains an anesthetic like lidocaine, it may be argued to fall under 3004, but 3006.70 remains the primary code for the gel vehicle itself in many jurisdictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300670 (the code used for surgical lubricant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300670 (the code used for surgical lubricant) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 82% 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 300670, not only surgical lubricant.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $118M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $107M 18% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $60M 10% of world exports
World total: $583M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $2.2B 82% of world imports
- 2 United States $116M 4.4% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $25M 0.9% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 surgical lubricant
Brazil classifies surgical lubricant under NCM 3006.70.00: HS 3006.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surgical lubricant
What is the HS code for Surgical lubricant?
The HS code for Surgical lubricant is 300670 (Pharmaceutical goods; Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments). The primary HS code for surgical lubricant and medical coupling gels is 3006.70.
How do I classify Surgical lubricant for customs?
Surgical lubricant is classified under HS code 300670 — Pharmaceutical goods; Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ultrasound gel classified differently than surgical jelly?
No, both ultrasound gel and surgical lubricating jelly are classified under 3006.70 as they both serve as coupling agents or lubricants for medical examinations.
Which countries are the top exporters of surgical lubricant (HS 300670)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300670 (the code used for surgical lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($118M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($107M) and Thailand ($60M). World exports came to about $583M, 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 surgical lubricant (HS 300670)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300670 (the code used for surgical lubricant) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.2B, 82% of world imports), the United States ($116M) and Mexico ($25M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Surgical lubricant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300670 for Surgical lubricant 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 surgical lubricant in Brazil?
In Brazil, surgical lubricant (HS 300670) is classified under NCM 3006.70.00.