Product classification

HS code for X-ray contrast media: 3006.30

Pharmaceutical goods, opacifying preparations for x-ray examinations, diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient.

Classification of X-ray contrast media under HS 3006.30

X-ray contrast media are classified under HS code 3006.30. This classification is governed by Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to pharmaceutical products. Heading 3006 is a specialized heading for "Pharmaceutical goods specified in Note 4 to this Chapter." Subheading 3006.30 specifically identifies "Opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations; diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient." The classification criteria are twofold: the intended use must be for diagnostic imaging, and the substance must be designed for administration to a human or animal patient. These substances work by altering the absorption of X-rays in the body, thereby enhancing the contrast of internal organs or blood vessels on the resulting image. Because these are medical preparations intended for internal use, they are classified as pharmaceutical goods rather than general chemical products.

Covers
  • Iodinated contrast media (ionic and non-ionic)
  • Barium sulfate suspensions for oral or rectal use
  • Gadolinium-based contrast agents (when used for X-ray/CT)
  • Microbubble contrast agents for diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnostic reagents for patient administration
Also under 3006.30
  • Omnipaque (iohexol)
  • Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine)
  • E-Z-HD (barium sulfate)
  • Cardiolite (technetium sestamibi)
  • Visipaque (iodixanol)

Codes often confused with 3006.30

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3822.00, which covers diagnostic or laboratory reagents. However, 3822.00 is reserved for reagents used in vitro (outside the body), whereas 3006.30 is strictly for reagents administered to the patient. Another error involves classifying barium sulfate as a simple chemical under 2833.27; while chemically correct, once it is prepared as a contrast medium, the pharmaceutical heading 3006.30 takes precedence.

2833.27Sulphates; of barium

Top exporters and importers of HS 300630 (the code used for X-ray contrast media), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 300630 (the code used for X-ray contrast media) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 300630, not only X-ray contrast media.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $908M
  2. 2 Ireland $564M
  3. 3 Italy $454M

World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.2B
  2. 2 China $422M
  3. 3 Germany $215M

World total: $4.3B 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 X-ray contrast media

Brazil splits HS 3006.30 into 10 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 X-ray contrast media

What is the HS code for X-ray contrast media?

The HS code for X-ray contrast media is 300630 (Pharmaceutical goods; opacifying preparations for x-ray examinations, diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient). The HS code for X-ray contrast media and diagnostic reagents for patient administration is 3006.30.

How do I classify X-ray contrast media for customs?

X-ray contrast media is classified under HS code 300630 — Pharmaceutical goods; opacifying preparations for x-ray examinations, diagnostic reagents designed to be administered to the patient. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are MRI contrast agents classified under the same code?

Yes, most diagnostic contrast agents designed to be administered to the patient, including those for MRI and ultrasound, are classified under HS code 3006.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of X-ray contrast media (HS 300630)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 300630 (the code used for X-ray contrast media) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($908M, 25% of world exports), Ireland ($564M) and Italy ($454M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 X-ray contrast media (HS 300630)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 300630 (the code used for X-ray contrast media) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 28% of world imports), China ($422M) and Germany ($215M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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 X-ray contrast media the same in all countries?

The base HS code 300630 for X-ray contrast media 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 X-ray contrast media in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 300630 into 10 NCM codes, so the right one for X-ray contrast media depends on the product's details: 3006.30.11 (Iohexol X-ray contrast preparations), 3006.30.12 (Iocarmate or iodixanol X-ray contrast media), 3006.30.13 (Iopamidol X-ray contrast preparations), 3006.30.15 (Zirconium dioxide/gentamicin contrast preparations), 3006.30.16 (Diatrizoate X-ray contrast preparations), 3006.30.17 (Iomeprol, iopromide or ioversol contrast media), and more.