Product classification
HS code for Ultrasound gel: 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 ultrasound gel under HS 3006.70
Ultrasound gel is classified under HS code 3006.70 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This specific subheading is reserved for gel preparations designed for use in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for body parts during surgical operations or physical examinations, or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments. Unlike standard lubricants, ultrasound gel is formulated to have specific acoustic impedance to facilitate the transmission of ultrasonic waves. Because it is a pharmaceutical preparation intended for medical diagnostic use, it is placed in Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) rather than Chapter 33 (Cosmetics) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemicals). The classification is determined by its function as a sterile or non-sterile coupling medium that ensures a continuous path for the signal between the transducer and the patient's skin, which is a critical component of the medical procedure.
- Covers
- Acoustic transmission gel
- Conductive gel for ECG and EKG procedures
- Sterile surgical lubricant gels
- Medical coupling agents for Doppler ultrasound
- Clear ultrasound scanning gel
- Also under 3006.70
- Aquasonic 100
- Parker Laboratories SCAN
- Surgilube
- KY Jelly (medical grade)
- OptiLube
Codes often confused with 3006.70
Common mistake. Ultrasound gel is frequently misclassified under HS code 3304.99, which covers beauty or make-up preparations and skin-care products. However, because the gel is a functional medical coupling agent rather than a cosmetic, Chapter 30 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 3824.99 for miscellaneous chemical products; this is incorrect because 3006.70 provides a much more specific description of the product's medical application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 300670 (the code used for ultrasound gel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300670 (the code used for ultrasound gel) 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 ultrasound gel.
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 ultrasound gel
Brazil classifies ultrasound gel 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 ultrasound gel
What is the HS code for Ultrasound gel?
The HS code for Ultrasound gel 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 ultrasound gel is 3006.70, which covers gel preparations used as coupling agents for medical instruments.
How do I classify Ultrasound gel for customs?
Ultrasound gel 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 as a cosmetic?
No, it is classified as a pharmaceutical product under Chapter 30 because its primary purpose is to facilitate medical examinations and procedures rather than to provide skin-care benefits.
Which countries are the top exporters of ultrasound gel (HS 300670)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300670 (the code used for ultrasound gel) 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 ultrasound gel (HS 300670)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 300670 (the code used for ultrasound gel) 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 Ultrasound gel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 300670 for Ultrasound gel 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 ultrasound gel in Brazil?
In Brazil, ultrasound gel (HS 300670) is classified under NCM 3006.70.00.