HS Code:
The 'Human specimens and parts thereof' category (often classified under HS Code 3001.90 in the Harmonized System) includes human tissues, organs, blood, and other biological materials used primarily for medical research, therapeutic purposes, and transplantation. This category is highly regulated due to ethical, safety, and health concerns, and trade is often governed by strict international agreements and national laws to prevent illegal trafficking and ensure proper handling.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) reports
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries due to ethical and safety concerns)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for humanitarian purposes in many developed countries)
Growing demand for human tissues in medical research
Increased trade volume driven by advancements in biotechnology and personalized medicine, particularly in developed countries
2020-2022
Tightening of ethical regulations
Reduced illegal trade but increased compliance costs for legitimate traders and organizations
2019-2022
Rise in organ donation programs
Improved supply for transplantation purposes, though trade remains limited due to ethical restrictions
2021-2022
The World Health Organization released updated guidelines to strengthen ethical standards and safety protocols for the international trade of human specimens, focusing on traceability and consent.
March 2023
Expected to increase compliance costs but improve trust and safety in global trade
The European Union introduced stricter import controls on human biological materials to combat illegal trafficking and ensure compliance with GDPR for genetic data.
January 2023
Likely to reduce trade volume temporarily while exporters adapt to new regulations
The United States announced increased funding for biobanks, boosting the supply of human specimens for research purposes and potentially increasing exports.
June 2022
Positive for trade volume, especially for research institutions and biotech firms