HS Code 3821Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells
1 six-digit code · Heading 21 of 27 in Chapter 38 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
Looking for HS code 3821? This page shows what fits, how it differs from nearby headings, and where to find trade records.
Heading 3821does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells” classify at the single six-digit code 382100. The heading is number 21 of 27 in Chapter 38, Chemical products n.e.c., which runs to 108 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 3821
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 382100 | Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells |
What HS code 3821 covers
A culture medium is a mix of nutrients. Labs use it to help living things grow or stay alive. This heading is for such mixes when they are already prepared for that job.
The wording names two groups. The first is micro-organisms, which includes viruses and the like. A medium made for either group fits.
The Harmonized System is the shared list of product codes kept by the World Customs Organization. Here the heading sits in the chemical products chapter.
- Micro-organisms, including viruses
- Plant cells
- Human cells
- Animal cells
Culture media HS code 382100 and HSN code 3821
The code to put on shipping papers is 382100. Use the same code when you search customs records for prepared culture media.
Many countries add extra digits after the first six. These form the national tariff line, and they differ from one country to the next. Check the schedule of the country you ship to.
Indian traders often say HSN code 3821. The first four digits match the HS heading, so the product scope stays the same.
Not sure your product fits? Run it through the HS code classifier before you fill in a declaration.
Difference between HS 3821 and 3822
Buyers often mix up these two headings. The split is about what the product does.
A culture medium helps something grow. A reagent tests or measures something. Heading 3822 holds diagnostic or laboratory reagents, with or without a backing, plus kits and certified reference materials.
Other nearby headings can catch your goods too. Disinfectants and similar products go to heading 3808. A chemical preparation that fits nowhere else may go to heading 3824, which is for items not elsewhere specified or included. Read the full text of each heading before you choose.
- 3821: prepared culture media
- 3822: laboratory reagents and certified reference materials
- 3808: disinfectants and similar products
- 3824: chemical preparations not elsewhere specified
Import and export data for culture media
This is a niche code, so a clear view of who trades it saves time.
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Other headings in Chapter 38
Your goods may sit next to this heading rather than in it. You can also step back to the chapter overview.
Nearby headings in Chapter 38
- 3815Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c.…4 codes
- 3816Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including…1 code
- 3817Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading…1 code
- 3818Chemical elements doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers…1 code
- 3819Hydraulic brake fluids and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission…1 code
- 3820Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids1 code
- 3822Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic…5 codes
- 3823Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining; industrial…5 codes
- 3824Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and…17 codes
- 3825Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere…9 codes
- 3826Biodiesel and mixtures thereof; not containing or containing less than 70% by…1 code
- 3827Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane…19 codes
Who ships under 3821?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries, chapters 28–38.
HS Code 3821: common questions
What is HS code 3821?
Ready-made nutrient mixes for growing microbes or cells are placed under it.
What is the six-digit HS code for prepared culture media?
Use 382100. Add your country's extra digits if its tariff asks for them.
What is the difference between HS 3821 and HS 3822?
Heading 3822 is for diagnostic or laboratory reagents and certified reference materials.
Is HSN code 3821 the same as the HS heading?
Yes, the first four digits match. National systems may add more digits, so check your own country's schedule.
Is cell culture medium classified under 3821?
Plant, human and animal cells are named in the heading, so media made to grow them fit the wording. Confirm your exact product with the HS code classifier.
Who imports prepared culture media?
Open the buyer data and import data pages and search for this code. The supplier data and export data pages show the selling side.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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