Product classification
HS code for Toxins: 3002.90
Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products.
Classification of toxins under HS 3002.90
Toxins and cultures of micro-organisms are classified under HS code 3002.90. This code is part of Chapter 30, which covers pharmaceutical products. Heading 3002 is broad, encompassing human blood, animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses, antisera, other blood fractions, and immunological products, as well as vaccines, toxins, and cultures of micro-organisms. Subheading 3002.90 serves as the residual category for products within this heading that are not specifically categorized as antisera, blood fractions, or vaccines. Classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living cells or organisms, and for HS purposes, they include both the toxins themselves and their derivatives. Cultures of micro-organisms include bacteria, viruses, and similar organisms used for research, medical, or industrial purposes (excluding yeasts, which are in Chapter 21). These products are essential in the development of medical treatments and diagnostic tools. Because these items are often hazardous or biologically active, their classification is vital for regulatory oversight and safety protocols during international transit.
- Covers
- Bacterial toxins (e.g., botulinum toxin)
- Phytotoxins (plant-derived toxins)
- Zootoxins (animal venoms)
- Cultures of micro-organisms for medical research
- Viruses for laboratory use
- Bacteriophages
- Also under 3002.90
- ATCC bacterial strains
- CDC reference toxins
- Thermo Fisher Scientific microbial cultures
- Merck KGaA toxins for research
- Bio-Rad diagnostic antigens
Codes often confused with 3002.90
Common mistake. Toxins are frequently misclassified under 3002.12 or 3002.15, which cover antisera and other blood fractions. While related, toxins are the causative agents rather than the immune response products. Another common error is 3821.00, which covers prepared culture media for the development of micro-organisms. The distinction is that 3821 is the "food" or environment for the organisms, while 3002.90 is the actual culture of the organisms themselves. Yeasts are also often incorrectly placed here but belong in 2102.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300290 (the code used for toxins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300290 (the code used for toxins) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 300290, not only toxins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1B 45% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $412M 16% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $96M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 40% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $336M 12% of world imports
- 3 Canada $136M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 toxins
Brazil classifies toxins under NCM 3002.90.00: HS 3002.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about toxins
What is the HS code for Toxins?
The HS code for Toxins is 300290 (Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products). Toxins, including bacterial and animal toxins, are classified under HS code 3002.90.
How do I classify Toxins for customs?
Toxins is classified under HS code 300290 — Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are vaccines classified under 3002.90?
No, vaccines for human medicine are classified under 3002.41, and vaccines for veterinary medicine are under 3002.42. 3002.90 is for toxins and cultures.
Which countries are the top exporters of toxins (HS 300290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300290 (the code used for toxins) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 45% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($412M) and Hungary ($96M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of toxins (HS 300290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300290 (the code used for toxins) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 40% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($336M) and Canada ($136M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 Toxins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300290 for Toxins 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 toxins in Brazil?
In Brazil, toxins (HS 300290) is classified under NCM 3002.90.00.