HS 300693 Placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits for a recognised clinical trial, put up in measured doses
Quick Answer: Placebos and blinded or double-blinded clinical trial kits, put up in measured doses, imported under HS 300693 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US with a complex tariff structure including rates like 40¢/kg + 10.4% and free entry under specific trade agreements. This classification specifically covers materials used in clinical trials where participants and researchers are unaware of treatment assignments to prevent bias. Importers should verify specific US tariff provisions, such as those under Chapter 98, for precise duty calculations. According to CustomTariffs data, while many developed nations offer duty-free entry for these essential trial components, the US system requires careful attention to detail for accurate declaration and duty payment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006930000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006930000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006932000 | 40¢/kg + 10.4% | Free (BH,CL,JO,KR,OM,SG) See 9822.05.20 (P+) See 9822.06.10 (PE) See 9822.08.01 (CO) See 9822.09.17 (PA) See 9823.10.01-9823.10.45 (S+) See 9822.03.01 (1 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 300693 | — | — | — |
| 3006935000 | 6.4% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3006938000 | 5% | Free (19 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3006931000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3006.93?
Imports of Placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits for a recognised clinical trial, put up in measured doses may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 17 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 300693 cover?
This subheading covers placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits, specifically prepared and packaged in measured doses for use in recognized clinical trials. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these kits are designed to ensure the integrity of clinical studies by providing identical-looking treatments to participants, where some receive the active drug and others receive an inert substance. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this definition, emphasizing the "put up in measured doses" aspect for direct administration.
What falls outside HS 300693?
The following products are excluded from HS 300693: bulk quantities of inert substances intended for compounding into placebos, unmeasured doses of placebos, or clinical trial kits that are not specifically prepared in measured doses for recognized trials. For instance, a large drum of lactose powder, even if intended for placebo formulation, would not fall under this code. Similarly, active pharmaceutical ingredients or finished drugs for general sale, even if used in a clinical trial without being blinded, are classified under other headings within Chapter 30, such as 3004.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 300693?
A common error is misclassifying bulk pharmaceutical ingredients or finished drugs that are not specifically prepared as blinded or placebo kits in measured doses. For example, classifying a standard over-the-counter pain reliever as a placebo kit simply because it might be used in a trial without blinding is incorrect. General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System are crucial here; the specific presentation and intended use as a measured-dose placebo kit for a recognized trial are determinative factors for classification under 300693.
How should importers classify products under HS 300693?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 300693 involves verifying that the goods are indeed placebos or blinded clinical trial kits, specifically presented in measured doses, and intended for a recognized clinical trial. Importers and customs brokers must examine product documentation, including manufacturing specifications and trial protocols, to confirm these criteria. A review of the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is essential to ensure accurate application of the subheading's scope.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 300693?
A shipment of 1,000 blister packs, each containing 2 inert tablets for a blinded clinical trial, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of Free (0%) for HS code 3006.93. The calculation is therefore 0% × $5,000 USD = $0.00 USD in duty, assuming no other specific taxes or fees apply.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 300693?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 300693, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's preferential trade agreements with countries like Switzerland also offer Free entry. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate, respectively, is typically required, along with proof of origin from the exporting country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 300693, covering placebos and clinical trial kits?
The duty rates for HS code 300693 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and applicable trade agreements. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. However, specific preferential programs may apply. For instance, goods from certain countries might have different rates or be subject to specific tariff provisions like those noted in the USITC (e.g., See 9822.05.20 (P+)). Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for definitive rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 300693 when specific rates apply, such as a combination of specific and ad valorem duties?
When a duty calculation involves both a specific rate (e.g., per kilogram or unit) and an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value), the total duty is the sum of both components. For instance, if a hypothetical country applies a rate of 40¢/kg + 10.4% ad valorem, and you import 10 kg of product valued at $1,000, the duty calculation would be: (10 kg * $0.40/kg) + (10.4% * $1,000) = $4.00 + $104.00 = $108.00. It is crucial to verify the exact calculation method and rates from the official tariff database of the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 300693?
To be classified under HS code 300693, the goods must meet specific criteria: they must be placebos or kits for blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trials, and they must be put up in measured doses. This means the product is intended for use in a recognized clinical trial, where neither the patient nor the researchers know which treatment is being administered. The 'measured doses' aspect implies that the product is packaged in a way that facilitates precise administration, such as individual capsules, vials, or pre-filled syringes. Documentation supporting the intended use in a clinical trial is essential for customs clearance.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 300693?
Importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide specific documentation to support the classification of goods under HS code 300693. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the product and its value, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, documentation confirming that the products are indeed placebos or clinical trial kits for a recognized clinical trial is often required. This might include a letter from the trial sponsor, a protocol summary, or a statement from the manufacturer attesting to the intended use. Compliance with any specific national regulations regarding the import of pharmaceutical products or research materials is also mandatory.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 300693, and how can importers verify these benefits?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 300693. For instance, the USHTS lists preferential rates for goods originating from countries like Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Oman (OM), and Singapore (SG), often indicating 'Free' entry or specific tariff provisions (e.g., See 9822.05.20 (P+)). Other agreements, such as those involving the EU (TARIC) or the UK (UK Trade Tariff), may also offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods from partner countries. Importers must verify the Rules of Origin for the specific trade agreement and ensure their goods meet the criteria to claim preferential treatment. This usually involves obtaining a Certificate of Origin or ensuring the exporter provides the necessary declaration.