HS Code 3821
Prepared Culture Media
HS code 3821 covers prepared culture media for developing or maintaining bacteria, viruses, or cells, excluding purely natural products like agar.
4-digit Section VIAir
HS Code 3821 — Prepared Culture Media
These are nutrient-rich substances used in laboratories to grow and maintain microorganisms, cells, or viruses. They are used in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and food safety testing.
What's included
- Microbiological growth media
- Cell culture media
- Viral transport media
- Agar-based nutrient broths
What's excluded
- Natural agar-agar → use
1302(Natural vegetable jellies and thickeners are in Chapter 13.) - Human or animal blood → use
3002(Blood for therapeutic or diagnostic use is in Chapter 30.)
Common examples
- Petri dish nutrient agar
- LB Broth for E. coli
- Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) substitutes
- Stem cell culture medium
Frequently asked questions
Does this require a health permit?
Often yes, as culture media may consist of animal-derived components like peptones or serum, triggering veterinary inspections.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 5%
- Documentation: Health certificates (SPS) are frequently required for imports to verify the source of animal proteins.
- Typical shipping mode: Air
- Top exporters: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China
- Top importers: China, India, Germany, Brazil
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Primary classification for lab growth prepared fluids; high chance of sanitary/phytosanitary (SPS) controls.
Related HS codes
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