HS 300490 Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products, in measured doses
Quick Answer: Medicaments of mixed or unmixed products, in measured doses, imported under HS 300490 enter the US duty-free, the UK at 0.00%, and the EU at 0.00%. This classification encompasses pharmaceuticals packaged for direct administration to patients, such as tablets, capsules, injections, and syrups, provided they are in pre-determined quantities. These are distinct from bulk pharmaceutical ingredients or preparations not yet in dosage form. Importers should verify specific product composition and intended use against the detailed Explanatory Notes for Chapter 30 to ensure correct classification. According to CustomTariffs data, these rates reflect a general trend of duty-free or low-tariff treatment for essential medicines across major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3004900010 | Free | — | kg |
| 3004901000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 30049092 | Free | — | [] |
| 3004909217 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3004909218 | — | — | ["kg"] |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3004900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3004900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 300490 cover?
This subheading covers medicaments of mixed or unmixed products, presented in measured doses or for retail sale, that do not fall under more specific provisions within heading 3004. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this includes a broad range of pharmaceutical preparations intended for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged in a manner suitable for direct administration to patients, such as tablets, capsules, ampoules, or vials, where the active ingredients are not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings.
What falls outside HS 300490?
The following products are excluded from HS 300490: medicaments containing antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, or alkaloids specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings of 3004; vaccines, toxins, and similar products; blood fractions; diagnostic reagents; and sterile surgical catgut, sterile bandages, sterile dressings, and similar sterile articles. For instance, a vitamin supplement presented in measured doses would typically be classified under a more specific subheading if it contains a vitamin as the primary active ingredient, rather than under this general "other" category.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 300490?
A common error is misclassifying products that are not truly medicaments or are not presented in measured doses or for retail sale. For example, bulk pharmaceutical ingredients intended for further processing, or diagnostic kits that do not contain active medicinal substances for direct therapeutic use, should not be classified here. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 6 of the Harmonized System is crucial, ensuring classification is based on the most specific heading and subheading, respectively, and considering the Section and Chapter Notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 300490?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 300490 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, intended use, and presentation. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. Key considerations include whether the product is a medicament, if it's presented in measured doses or for retail sale, and if it fits more specifically into another subheading within heading 3004 or elsewhere in Chapter 30.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 300490?
A shipment of 10,000 blister packs of an over-the-counter pain reliever, each containing 10 tablets, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem for this specific medicament under the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the duty would be $175.00 USD ($5,000 × 0.035). This calculation is based on the declared value and the applicable ad valorem rate as published by the USITC.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 300490?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 300490, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free treatment for eligible products from certain developing countries. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 300490, 'Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products, in measured doses'?
Import duty rates for HS code 300490 vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also typically Free for many origins. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also lists Free as the standard rate for many imports. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may apply, potentially reducing or eliminating duties further. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 300490?
To be classified under HS code 300490, medicaments must meet several criteria. Firstly, they must be 'in measured doses,' meaning they are presented in a form suitable for administration in a single dose (e.g., tablets, capsules, ampoules, vials, metered-dose inhalers). Secondly, they must be 'medicaments,' which are substances or combinations of substances intended for treating or preventing disease in humans or animals, or for diagnosing diseases. This distinguishes them from simpler pharmaceutical preparations or raw ingredients. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and national customs authorities provide explanatory notes and rulings that further define these terms.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 300490?
Importing medicaments under HS code 300490 generally requires specific documentation beyond standard commercial invoices and bills of lading. Importers should be prepared to provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch, detailing the composition and purity of the medicament. A Free Sale Certificate or Marketing Authorization from the exporting country's health authority may also be necessary. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a specific import license or permit from the national health authority (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EMA in the EU) might be mandatory. Customs brokers should verify these requirements with the importing country's customs and health authorities.
How is the import duty for HS code 300490 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS code 300490 is typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination of both. If the duty rate is Free, as is common for this code in many major economies, no duty is payable. However, if a duty were applicable, for example, a 5% ad valorem rate and a $0.10 per unit specific duty, the calculation would be as follows: Suppose an importer brings in 10,000 units of a medicament valued at $50,000 USD. The ad valorem duty would be 5% of $50,000 = $2,500 USD. The specific duty would be 10,000 units * $0.10/unit = $1,000 USD. The total duty would be $2,500 + $1,000 = $3,500 USD. Always confirm the exact duty calculation basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) and rates from the official tariff schedule.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 300490?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS code 300490. For instance, goods originating from countries that are part of the European Union's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third countries may benefit from reduced or zero duties when imported into the EU. Similarly, the United States has FTAs with countries like Canada and Mexico (USMCA), Australia, and others, which can provide preferential treatment. The United Kingdom also has numerous trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers and customs brokers must verify the origin of the goods and consult the relevant preferential rules of origin and tariff schedules to determine eligibility for preferential duty rates under these agreements.