Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Cell Cultures, Whether or Not Modified (NESOI) (HS 300259) totaled $5.6M in September 2026, imported from 34 countries.
Importers of Cell Cultures, Whether or Not Modified (NESOI) paid $33K in duties in September 2026, an average duty rate of 0.59% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Cell Cultures, Whether or Not Modified (NESOI) imports of $5.6M in September 2026 ran 40% above the year-to-date monthly average of $4.0M.
Last updated: September 2026 dataModified and unmodified cell cultures not classified under the dedicated cell-therapy heading serve as critical upstream inputs for vaccine production, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and research applications. The United Kingdom and Germany are the leading US suppliers, with Switzerland and China also significant sources — a supplier mix that spans both highly regulated European GMP environments and lower-cost Asian production. Imported cell cultures may be subject to FDA review as biologics or research materials depending on their intended use, and APHIS may assert jurisdiction over cultures derived from animal or plant material. Classification between this heading (3002590000) and related Chapter 38 research-reagent provisions can be a recurring customs dispute for importers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
250 import shipments a month
The key distinction is whether the cell culture is intended for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic use in humans or animals (Chapter 30) versus purely industrial or research use (Chapter 38). FDA-regulated biologics and products destined for clinical use generally belong in Chapter 30, while research-grade cell lines without a therapeutic indication may fall in Chapter 38. Importers should document the intended use clearly and consult a licensed customs broker, as CBP has issued binding rulings on this boundary.
Yes. Cell cultures derived from animal tissue may be subject to USDA APHIS review under the Animal Health Protection Act, particularly if there is a risk of introducing foreign animal disease agents. Importers may need to obtain an APHIS import permit and provide documentation of the source species, country of origin, and any pathogen-inactivation steps. This requirement is separate from FDA's biologics review.
ImportsExports
Imports
$5.6MYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $46.2M of Cell Cultures, Whether or Not Modified (NESOI).
Through September 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 300259 — Cell Cultures, Whether or Not Modified (NESOI), so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Subheading 9 of 10 in heading 3002
Subheading 300259 · $5.6M of $5.8B
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3002590000 | Cell Cultures, Whether or not Modified, NESOI | $7.1M | 1.31% | 7.80% | $93K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3002590000 | Cell Cultures, Whether or not Modified, NESOI | $13.9M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · September 2026
origin
China and United Kingdom together supply 52% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
97.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.59% of imports for consumption.