Product classification

HS code for Vitamin B12: 2936.26

Vitamins, vitamin B12 and its derivatives, unmixed.

Classification of vitamin B12 under HS 2936.26

Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is classified under HS code 2936.26. This code is part of the broader heading 2936, which encompasses provitamins and vitamins, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their derivatives. Vitamin B12 is a complex organometallic compound, and its classification under 2936.26 is specific to the vitamin and its derivatives like hydroxocobalamin and methylcobalamin. The HS nomenclature requires that these substances be unmixed to stay within this heading. The classification is vital for international trade to ensure that pure vitamin substances are distinguished from pharmaceutical preparations. Even though Vitamin B12 is often used in medical treatments for anemia, the bulk chemical substance is classified here rather than in Chapter 30, unless it is prepared in measured doses or for retail sale as a medicament. The high value and low volume of Vitamin B12 trade make precise classification essential for duty assessment and regulatory compliance. Customs officials look for the specific cobalamin structure to verify that the product belongs in this subheading rather than the general category for other vitamins.

Covers
  • Cyanocobalamin
  • Hydroxocobalamin
  • Methylcobalamin
  • Adenosylcobalamin
  • Cobamamide
Also under 2936.26
  • DSM
  • Sanofi
  • Merck KGaA
  • Zhejiang Medicine Co.
  • Ltd.
  • Hebei Yuxing Pharmaceutical

Codes often confused with 2936.26

Common mistake. Vitamin B12 is commonly misclassified under HS code 3004.50, which is for medicaments put up in measured doses. This occurs frequently with B12 injections or high-dose tablets. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 2936.90, which is a residual category for other vitamins, but since B12 has its own specific subheading (2936.26), the latter must be used.

3004.50Medicaments; containing vitamins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic use, packaged for retail sale2936.90Vitamins; n.e.c. in heading no. 2936, including natural concentrates

Top exporters and importers of HS 293626 (the code used for vitamin B12), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293626 (the code used for vitamin B12) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 293626, not only vitamin B12.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $151M
  2. 2 France $55M
  3. 3 Netherlands $30M

World total: $326M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $53M
  2. 2 India $33M
  3. 3 Netherlands $31M

World total: $369M 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 vitamin B12

Brazil splits HS 2936.26 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about vitamin B12

What is the HS code for Vitamin B12?

The HS code for Vitamin B12 is 293626 (Vitamins; vitamin B12 and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin B12 and its derivatives is 2936.26.

How do I classify Vitamin B12 for customs?

Vitamin B12 is classified under HS code 293626 — Vitamins; vitamin B12 and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include Vitamin B12 injections?

No, bulk Vitamin B12 is 2936.26, but if it is prepared in measured doses or packaged for retail sale as a medicine, it is usually classified under 3004.50.

Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin B12 (HS 293626)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293626 (the code used for vitamin B12) in UN Comtrade data were China ($151M, 46% of world exports), France ($55M) and the Netherlands ($30M). World exports came to about $326M, 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 vitamin B12 (HS 293626)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293626 (the code used for vitamin B12) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($53M, 14% of world imports), India ($33M) and the Netherlands ($31M). World imports came to about $369M, 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 Vitamin B12 the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293626 for Vitamin B12 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 vitamin B12 in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293626 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin B12 depends on the product's details: 2936.26.10 (Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)), 2936.26.20 (Cobamamide (vitamin B12 derivative)), 2936.26.30 (Hydroxocobalamin and its salts), 2936.26.90 (Other vitamin B12 derivatives).