Serum HS Code Analysis (2026)
India exports Serum under 51 distinct HS code classifications, representing a total trade value of $90.8B across 22,416 shipments. The dominant classification is HS 30021290 (Other antisera and blood fractions), accounting for 92.3% of all Serum trade at $83.8B. HS 30029020 (Other blood products, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms) follows at 7.6% ($6.9B). The top 5 HS codes together account for 100.0% of total Serum trade from India. The average transaction value is $4050697. Key importing markets include Philippines, Thailand, Algeria. Leading exporters include Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG and GRIFOLS WORLDWIDE OPERATION LTD. . Data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records.
Top Serum HS Code Classifications
Ranked by trade value from Indian Customs (DGFT) data
All Serum HS Code Classifications
HS 30021290
Other antisera and blood fractions · 92.3% of Serum trade
$83.8B
Trade Value
92.3%
Market Share
3,990
Transactions
$3738.56
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30029020
Other blood products, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms · 7.6% of Serum trade
$6.9B
Trade Value
7.6%
Market Share
1,269
Transactions
$1557.32
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021230
Antisera for rabies · 0.0% of Serum trade
$14.7M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
206
Transactions
$21.82
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30
Pharmaceutical product (Chapter 30) · 0.0% of Serum trade
$7.6M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
244
Transactions
$464.95
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021240
Antisera and other blood fractions · 0.0% of Serum trade
$5.3M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
253
Transactions
$45.70
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30029010
Other blood products, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms · 0.0% of Serum trade
$4.0M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
7,208
Transactions
$13.81
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30029090
Other blood products, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms · 0.0% of Serum trade
$2.2M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
8,480
Transactions
$8.38
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30043990
Medicaments containing other hormones (retail) · 0.0% of Serum trade
$1.0M
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
4
Transactions
$143.68
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021300
Immunological products, unmixed, not put up in measured doses · 0.0% of Serum trade
$450.0K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
18
Transactions
$1309.17
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30067000
Gel preparations for human/veterinary medicine as lubricant · 0.0% of Serum trade
$310.0K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
22
Transactions
$20.59
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30049014
Other medicaments of mixed or unmixed products (retail) · 0.0% of Serum trade
$201.9K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
43
Transactions
$0.98
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021220
Antisera for tetanus · 0.0% of Serum trade
$191.2K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
12
Transactions
$7.01
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30049011
Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathic — of Ayurveda · 0.0% of Serum trade
$127.0K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
168
Transactions
$7.60
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30049099
Other medicaments, put up in measured doses or for retail sale · 0.0% of Serum trade
$118.7K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
159
Transactions
$8.52
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021210
Antisera for diphtheria · 0.0% of Serum trade
$61.7K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
14
Transactions
$54.15
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30021500
Immunological products, put up in measured doses or for retail sale · 0.0% of Serum trade
$42.3K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
74
Transactions
$329.46
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30024990
Other vaccines · 0.0% of Serum trade
$32.6K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
64
Transactions
$429.36
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30039031
Other medicaments of two or more mixed constituents (not retail) · 0.0% of Serum trade
$29.8K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
10
Transactions
$204.90
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30043200
Medicaments containing corticosteroid hormones (retail) · 0.0% of Serum trade
$29.8K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
1
Transactions
$0.50
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
HS 30025900
Blood, antisera, vaccines, toxins, microorganisms and similar products · 0.0% of Serum trade
$22.8K
Trade Value
0.0%
Market Share
22
Transactions
$620.18
Avg Unit Price
Common Product Descriptions:
Top Suppliers
Where Serum is Exported — Geographic HS Code Analysis
Import destinations for Serum from India, by trade value
India exports Serum to 10+ countries under 51 HS code classifications. The largest import destination is Philippines ($5.6M), followed by Thailand ($2.7M) and Algeria ($2.1M). These markets collectively account for the majority of India's Serum pharmaceutical exports.
| Rank | Country | Trade Value | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Philippines | $5.6M | 0.0% |
| #2 | Thailand | $2.7M | 0.0% |
| #3 | Algeria | $2.1M | 0.0% |
| #4 | Hong Kong | $1.9M | 0.0% |
| #5 | Russia | $1.5M | 0.0% |
| #6 | Sri Lanka | $1.4M | 0.0% |
| #7 | Tunisia | $1.2M | 0.0% |
| #8 | Mozambique | $1.0M | 0.0% |
| #9 | Pakistan | $980.4K | 0.0% |
| #10 | Ghana | $809.9K | 0.0% |
Pharmaceutical buyers in these markets import Serum primarily under HS code 30021290 (Other antisera and blood fractions). Import duties, regulatory requirements, and product registration vary by destination country. Contact TransData Nexus for country-specific import intelligence.
Understanding Serum HS Codes
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it is used by over 200 countries for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and regulatory compliance. Each HS code is a 6-digit number (extended to 8 digits in India's Customs Tariff Schedule) that precisely identifies a product category.
How Serum HS Codes Work
Serum falls under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) of the Harmonized System. The 51 codes used for Serum exports span multiple headings:
- Heading 3003 — Medicaments not put up in measured doses or for retail sale (bulk APIs, intermediates)
- Heading 3004 — Medicaments put up in measured doses or for retail sale (finished formulations)
- Heading 3005 — Wadding, gauze, bandages for medical use
- Heading 3006 — Pharmaceutical goods (sutures, reagents, dental cements)
The most significant distinction for Serum is between HS 3003 (bulk/unmeasured) and HS 3004 (retail-ready). HS 3004 codes account for the majority of Serum trade (as finished formulations ready for dispensing). The 8-digit Indian Customs Tariff code further specifies the therapeutic class — for example, HS 30021290 refers to "Other antisera and blood fractions".
Regulatory & Compliance — Serum Export Classification
Correct HS code classification is critical for Serum exports from India. Misclassification can result in customs delays, incorrect duty assessment, and regulatory penalties. Key compliance considerations for pharmaceutical stakeholders:
Import Duty Classification
Serum import duties vary significantly by HS code and destination country. HS 3004 (finished formulations) typically attracts different duty rates than HS 3003 (bulk APIs). Many developing countries offer preferential rates for essential medicines including Serum.
DGFT & Indian Customs Requirements
Indian exporters must declare the correct 8-digit ITC-HS code on shipping bills filed with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Serum exports require Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approval and must comply with Drug & Cosmetics Act regulations.
WHO Prequalification
For international procurement (UNICEF, Global Fund), Serum products must meet WHO Prequalification standards. WHO PQ status affects which HS codes are eligible for preferential procurement pricing and duty exemptions in recipient countries.
Country-Specific Registration
Each destination country requires product registration before import. Key markets like Philippines and Thailand have specific pharmaceutical regulatory bodies that must approve the product before customs clearance.
Tariff Schedule — Top Markets
TransData Nexus Serum HS code trade compliance intelligence
1Tariff Schedule — Top Markets
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates for HS code 30021290, which pertains to human blood and its components, including serum, vary among the top importing countries:
- Philippines: The Bureau of Customs applies an MFN tariff rate of 0% on products under HS 30021290.
- Thailand: The Thai Customs Department imposes an MFN tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Algeria: According to the Algerian Customs Administration, the MFN tariff rate for HS 30021290 is 5%.
- Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department maintains a 0% MFN tariff rate on HS 30021290.
- Russia: The Federal Customs Service of Russia applies an MFN tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Customs Department imposes an MFN tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Tunisia: The Tunisian Customs Authority applies an MFN tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Mozambique: The Mozambique Revenue Authority imposes an MFN tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
Regarding preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India, specific details are as follows:
- Philippines: As a member of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, the Philippines offers a preferential tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Thailand: Also part of the ASEAN-India FTA, Thailand provides a preferential tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
- Sri Lanka: Under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, Sri Lanka offers a preferential tariff rate of 0% on HS 30021290.
For other countries, including Algeria, Hong Kong, Russia, Tunisia, and Mozambique, there are no specific FTAs with India that provide preferential tariff rates for HS 30021290.
Exemptions for essential medicines are often granted to ensure the availability of critical healthcare products. For instance, the World Trade Organization (WTO) allows member countries to apply tariff exemptions or reductions for essential medicines, including serum products classified under HS 30021290. National customs authorities may implement these exemptions based on their respective healthcare policies and commitments to international agreements.
Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks
TransData Nexus Serum HS code trade compliance intelligence
1Classification Disputes & Misclassification Risks
The classification of serum products under the Harmonized System (HS) codes 3003 and 3004 is contingent upon their presentation and intended use:
- HS 3003: This code encompasses medicaments consisting of two or more constituents mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale.
- HS 3004: This code includes medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale.
Common misclassification errors occur when serum products intended for retail sale are incorrectly classified under HS 3003 instead of HS 3004. Such misclassifications can lead to discrepancies in tariff application and regulatory compliance. Customs authorities may impose penalties, including fines and delays in clearance, for incorrect classification.
Recent rulings by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and national customs authorities have emphasized the importance of accurate classification. For example, a WCO ruling dated March 15, 2025, clarified that serum products packaged for retail sale should be classified under HS 3004. This underscores the necessity for exporters and importers to ensure correct classification to avoid compliance issues.
Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards
TransData Nexus Serum HS code trade compliance intelligence
1Pharmacopoeia & Quality Standards
Serum products are subject to stringent quality standards as outlined in various pharmacopoeias:
- United States Pharmacopeia (USP): The USP monograph for serum specifies requirements for identity, potency, sterility, and pyrogenicity.
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP): The BP includes monographs detailing the quality standards for serum, focusing on purity and biological activity.
- European Pharmacopoeia (EP): The EP monograph for serum outlines specifications for composition, potency, and safety.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): The IP provides guidelines on the quality parameters for serum, including tests for sterility and endotoxins.
Purity and assay requirements are critical, with pharmacopoeias mandating specific tests to ensure the absence of contaminants and verification of potency. Dissolution testing is not typically applicable to serum products, as they are not solid dosage forms.
Stability testing for serum products is conducted in accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, considering different climatic zones:
- Zone I and II (Temperate and Subtropical Climates): Stability studies are conducted at 25°C ± 2°C and 60% ± 5% relative humidity.
- Zone III (Hot and Dry Climates): Studies are conducted at 30°C ± 2°C and 35% ± 5% relative humidity.
- Zone IVa (Hot and Humid Climates): Conditions are 30°C ± 2°C and 65% ± 5% relative humidity.
- Zone IVb (Hot and Very Humid Climates): Conditions are 30°C ± 2°C and 75% ± 5% relative humidity.
These stability studies ensure that serum products maintain their efficacy and safety throughout their shelf life under various environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Serum HS Codes
Common questions about Serum trade classification, answered with data from Indian Customs records.
What is the HS code for Serum exports from India?
The most commonly used HS code for Serum exports from India is 30021290 (Other antisera and blood fractions), which accounts for 92.3% of all Serum trade valued at $83.8B. In total, India exports Serum under 51 distinct HS code classifications.
How many HS codes are used for Serum trade?
Serum is exported from India under 51 different HS code classifications, covering a total trade value of $90.8B across 22,416 shipments. The top 5 HS codes account for 100.0% of total trade.
What is HS code 30021290?
HS code 30021290 refers to "Other antisera and blood fractions" under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) of the Harmonized System. For Serum, this code covers $83.8B in trade value with 3,990 transactions, 426 suppliers, and 307 buyers across 147 countries. The average unit price under this code is $3738.56.
What is the difference between HS 30021290 and 30029020 for Serum?
HS 30021290 (Other antisera and blood fractions) accounts for 92.3% of Serum trade ($83.8B) with an average unit price of $3738.56, while HS 30029020 (Other blood products, toxins, cultures of micro-organisms) covers 7.6% ($6.9B) at $1557.32 per unit. HS 30021290 involves 426 suppliers and 307 buyers, compared to 105 suppliers and 115 buyers for HS 30029020.
How much Serum is exported under HS code 30021290?
Under HS code 30021290, India exports $83.8B worth of Serum, representing 92.3% of total Serum trade. This involves 3,990 shipments from 426 Indian exporters to 307 buyers in 147 countries.
Which countries import the most Serum from India?
The top importing countries for Serum from India are Philippines, Thailand, Algeria. The leading importer Philippines accounts for $5.6M in trade value. In total, Serum is exported to buyers across multiple countries under 51 HS code classifications.
Who are the top Serum exporters from India?
The leading Serum exporters from India include Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG ($64.8B), GRIFOLS WORLDWIDE OPERATION LTD. ($11.9B), AUCKLAND BIOSCIENCES LIMITED. ($5.5B). These suppliers export across multiple HS code classifications with a combined trade value of $90.8B.
Official References & Regulatory Resources
HS code classifications follow the WCO Harmonized System. Verify tariff rates with your national customs authority.
Research Methodology & Data Transparency
Suresh Sormare
Verified AuthorPharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert
Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.
linkedin.com/in/sureshsormarePrimary Data Source
All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.
Analysis Methodology
- 1.HS Code Classification: 51 HS code classifications identified for Serum using Indian Customs Tariff (ITC-HS) mapping.
- 2.Product Categorization: Products under each HS code matched from 5 Indian exporters using DGFT product description fields.
- 3.Trade Value Aggregation: Total trade value aggregated from 22,416 individual shipping bill records. Values are FOB in USD.
- 4.Country Breakdown: Exports distributed across 10 destination markets with per-country value and shipment analysis.
Government-Sourced Data
Official DGFT customs records
Transparent Methodology
Calculations fully disclosed above
22,416 Verified Shipments
51 HS codes analyzed
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists