Product classification
HS code for Surgical sutures: 3006.10
Pharmaceutical goods, sterile surgical catgut, suture materials, tissue adhesives, laminaria, laminaria tents, absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, and surgical or dental adhesion barriers.
Classification of surgical sutures under HS 3006.10
Surgical sutures are classified under HS code 3006.10, which is a specialized category within the pharmaceutical products chapter. This code specifically covers sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable surgical or dental yarns), and sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure. The primary criterion for this classification is the sterility of the product and its intended use in medical or veterinary surgery. Unlike general textile yarns or adhesives, these materials must meet rigorous medical standards for biocompatibility and safety. The heading also includes related items such as sterile laminaria, sterile laminaria tents, and sterile absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics. The classification applies to both natural and synthetic materials, provided they are prepared and sterilized for surgical use. This includes non-absorbable materials like silk, polyester, or nylon and absorbable materials like polyglycolic acid or chromic catgut. The inclusion of tissue adhesives under this code highlights the evolution of wound closure technology, moving beyond traditional threads to chemical bonding agents that perform the same clinical function. For customs purposes, the packaging is a key indicator; these items are almost always presented in sterile, individual peel-packs or sealed containers ready for use in an operating theater.
- Covers
- Sterile absorbable surgical sutures
- Non-absorbable surgical silk or nylon
- Sterile tissue adhesives (cyanoacrylates)
- Sterile surgical catgut
- Absorbable haemostatic gauze or sponges
- Also under 3006.10
- Ethicon Vicryl Suture
- Covidien Surgipro Suture
- Dermabond Topical Skin Adhesive
- Gelfoam Absorbable Gelatin Sponge
- Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier
Codes often confused with 3006.10
Common mistake. Surgical sutures are sometimes misclassified under 9018, which covers general medical and surgical instruments. However, 3006.10 is a more specific heading for the materials themselves. They may also be confused with 3006.40, which is for dental cements and other dental fillings, or 3005 for medicated wadding and bandages.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300610 (the code used for surgical sutures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300610 (the code used for surgical sutures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, 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 300610, not only surgical sutures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.4B 25% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $1.2B 21% of world exports
- 3 Germany $791M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $981M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $703M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $646M 12% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 surgical sutures
Brazil splits HS 3006.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3006.10.10Polydioxanone surgical suture materials
- 3006.10.20Stainless steel surgical suture materials
- 3006.10.90Other sterile sutures, haemostatics and similar
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surgical sutures
What is the HS code for Surgical sutures?
The HS code for Surgical sutures is 300610 (Pharmaceutical goods; sterile surgical catgut, suture materials, tissue adhesives, laminaria, laminaria tents, absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, and surgical or dental adhesion barriers). The HS code for sterile surgical sutures and related sterile wound closure materials is 3006.10.
How do I classify Surgical sutures for customs?
Surgical sutures is classified under HS code 300610 — Pharmaceutical goods; sterile surgical catgut, suture materials, tissue adhesives, laminaria, laminaria tents, absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, and surgical or dental adhesion barriers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are non-absorbable sutures included in this code?
Yes, as long as they are sterile and intended for surgical use, both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures fall under 3006.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of surgical sutures (HS 300610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300610 (the code used for surgical sutures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 25% of world exports), Belgium ($1.2B) and Germany ($791M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of surgical sutures (HS 300610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300610 (the code used for surgical sutures) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($981M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($703M) and Germany ($646M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 sutures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300610 for Surgical sutures 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 sutures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 300610 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for surgical sutures depends on the product's details: 3006.10.10 (Polydioxanone surgical suture materials), 3006.10.20 (Stainless steel surgical suture materials), 3006.10.90 (Other sterile sutures, haemostatics and similar).